Changes coming to the Public Market this spring

Changes coming to the Public Market this spring
Posted on 03/10/2021
Creating a place for local food entrepreneurs to start or grow a concept has been a focus of the Lenexa Public Market since it opened in 2017. This spring and summer, you will discover new offerings at the Public Market as our merchants continue to adapt and expand.

“Seeing merchants come and go was part of our vision from the beginning. It is what keeps things fresh and new for Market guests, but more than that, it is wholly consistent with our mission,” said Public Market Manager Carmen Chopp. “We are proud the Public Market offers a space where small business owners can test out a new concept, learn about their business and from other Market merchants, grow and even expand beyond these four walls.”

Mr. D’s Coffee opening April 1

Delicious donuts and coffee drinks will be available to brighten your morning beginning April 1, when Mr. D’s Coffee plans to open at the Public Market.

Mr. D’s will offer a variety of donuts, including favorites like their honey-glazed, donut holes, long johns and filled long johns, twists, bow ties, cinnamon rolls and fritters, plus a full coffee bar featuring Messenger Coffee. Kids of all ages will love Mr. D’s specialty and seasonal-themed donuts.

This new concept will occupy a key spot in the Public Market where The Roasterie has operated since becoming the first merchant in 2017. The Roasterie chose not to renew their lease, and their final day of operation is March 31. You will see familiar faces with coffee-making expertise at Mr. D’s, which will retain many of the baristas from The Roasterie.

“The Roasterie has been a wonderful partner for the Public Market, and we are grateful for their belief in the market concept and in our vision for this space,” said Chopp. “The Roasterie and Messenger Coffee are now part of FairWave Holdings, a specialty coffee collective. We appreciate that their team is working with Mr. D’s to support them and create a seamless transition.”

“We are very grateful for our many talented baristas who have supported the café over the last three years, for our many guests that have enjoyed our presence and for the partnership with the Lenexa Public Market,” said Isaac Hodges, VP of sales for FairWave Holdings. “We are very pleased that we have an opportunity to maintain a presence with one of our brands, Messenger Coffee in partnership with our good friends, Mr. D's.”

A local favorite, Mr. D’s was founded in 1975. When owners Johnny Chen and Boggie Otgonbayar took over the operation from Johnny’s godparents in 2017, they hoped to expand the business. Over the past few months, they delighted Public Market donut-lovers during weekend pop-up events. Knowing that a coffee bar is the perfect complement to donuts, they jumped at the chance to submit a proposal to be a new anchor tenant at the Public Market.

“We’re so excited to be part of the Public Market family. Our fresh, handmade donuts with Messenger Coffee will be the perfect combination to start off the day. We truly appreciate everyone helping us through this process to make Mr. D’s Coffee a reality,” say owners Chen and Otgonbayar.

Mr. D’s Donuts will continue to operate at their original location at 75th & Nieman Road.

Chewology moving to new location

Chewology {Gyoza Bar}, an original 2017 tenant, is a Public Market success story. Chef/Owner Katie Liu-Sung has created a loyal following of customers for her handcrafted dumplings and savory cuisine inspired by Taiwanese street food.

After honing her business at the Market for nearly four years, Liu-Sung is ready to realize her vision of operating Chewology as a refined, table-service concept serving a more extensive menu of Taiwanese cuisine. Chewology will move operations to 900 Westport Rd., the former location of Bluestem, later this year.

“We are thrilled for Katie and her team,” said Chopp. “We’ve watched them grow over the years and know they will enjoy great success in their new space.”

Of her time at the Lenexa Public Market, Liu-Sung says, ”Over the years being in Lenexa, many wonderful memories have been made and great friendships developed. We are grateful for the opportunity given, and the City of Lenexa will always be home for us.”

Chewology {Gyoza Bar} will continue to operate at the Market for a few months, with an exact closing date to be announced later. Public Market staff are in the process of looking for the perfect tenant for the space.

Published March 10, 2021