Restaurant roundup: New spots, dining updates in Martin City, Waldo

Cervantes expands with DDO Chicken Express in Martin City

Mexican fried chicken just hit south Kansas City thanks to Miguel Cervantes, owner of Dos de Oros Mexican Restaurant and Rey de Oros Taqueria. DDO Chicken Express had a soft opening starting July 14 at the former Rey de Oros Taqueria location at 650 E. Blue Ridge Boulevard. 

DDO serves not only fried chicken, but also charbroiled chicken grilled over mesquite charcoal. Sides include smoky charro beans with bacon and sausage, Mexican rice, and freshly made tortillas. Mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and a freshly baked dinner roll are also an option for those preferring a more American menu. 

“We cook everything fresh,” Cervantes said. “We work very hard to give everyone a homemade meal.” He added that the meal portions are large and high-quality. The restaurant also offers a kids menu with chicken sandwich and chicken tender options. 

Hours are Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am – 8:30 pm.

Boba tea take over

Chick Bo Bao opened in early June at 10143 Wornall Rd. in the Shops at Willow Creek in the former Dunkin’ Donuts space.

In addition to a long list of refreshing boba tea creations, the restaurant also serves 10 varieties of Korean-fried chicken wings with dozens of sauces, chicken sandwiches, four varieties of corn dogs (potato, ramen, Cheetos), mochi donuts, and ice cream. The Omaha-based franchise is operated by owner Geng Lin, who also owns Shawnee’s Grand Wok. 

A Vietnamese-inspired boba tea business opening soon in the Martin City area is Fat Bee Cafe at 13005 State Line Rd., in the Leawood Village shopping strip (in Kansas City) near the The Peanut. Fat Bee serves handcrafted boba tea and coffee creations with such flavors as creme brulee. Customers have a choice in boba pearls, ice and sugar level and toppings. Desserts and pastries are available.  The local franchise has four locations in the metropolitan area. The business is currently in its permit stage.

Finally, Teaspoon Boba will move into the former Claire’s space in Ward Parkway Center, 8080 Ward Parkway, just steps away from the AMC Theaters. Teaspoon will be the first Kansas City location for the California-based boba shop. The shop carries a wide variety of chai and milk tea concoctions, such as Cookie Butter Chai, Creamy Jasmine Milk Tea and Strawberry Matcha Royale. According to co-owner Leslie Lewis, an opening date is expected in the late summer or early fall.

Waldo trade offs

Waldo Cafe, a breakfast and lunch restaurant known for giving customers free, freshly baked cinnamon rolls upon being seated, has closed. The space at 7531 Wornall will reopen as Pegah’s Family Restaurant and serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant was founded by Moe Sharifi around 39 years ago in downtown Shawnee, Kansas. With the help of his son Rameen, the business has expanded into five locations. 

“We look forward to joining the Waldo neighborhood,” says Rameen Sharafi. A September opening is planned.

Word has it the former Waldo Thai space will reopen under a new name and concept at 85th Street and Wornall Road. The James Beard Award-nominated restaurant, Waldo Thai, closed in October. As of July 30 the former Waldo Thai location had a new sign that reads, “Jade and Ember Munchery,” reportedly a planned grab-and-go counter service restaurant.  

Burgers in Brookside

It was only a year ago that Faculty Tables opened in the former FlyingHorse Taproom at 600 E 63 St. next to Brookside Wine and Spirits. With that kind of track record, maybe there should be changes to the space. 

And there will be. 

Disco Burger, a River Market burger stand with a strong following, has added a walk-up window at the once upscale bistro. The restaurant opened July 23 for online orders only. Orders must be picked up from the walk-up window. Hours are Thursday – Sunday, 4 – 9 pm. 

The inside is closed and the owners, Matt Chapman and Darren Carter, discourage hanging out at the patio as they remodel the space.

Disco Burger serves burgers, fries, hot dogs and breakfast sandwiches.