Several exciting changes are coming to the Lenexa Public Market over the next few weeks. Long-time merchant
Red Kitchen KC will move to the anchor space formerly occupied by Chewology, and two new merchants will open in smaller stalls.
Introducing new merchants to the Public Market is central to the mission of the Kansas City metropolitan area’s first food hall.
“In addition to being a great community space, one of the missions of the Lenexa Public Market is to be an incubator for small businesses,” said Public Market Manager Carmen Chopp. “We are proud to see Chewology grow and move to Westport and Red Kitchen KC, who started as a one-day pop-up when the Market opened in 2017, have an even bigger presence in our food hall. We are also thrilled to help two other merchants take their offerings to the next level.”
“These changes are exciting for visitors who have watched these merchants grow, and as a result, will have a new selection of delicious food and drinks to choose from,” said Chopp.
Here is a look at what’s coming in August and September.
RED KITCHEN KC
Longtime Public Market staple Red Kitchen KC is moving its delicious Mexican cuisine to an anchor location. Chef/Owner Alejandra de la Fuente plans to open the new space on Tuesday, Aug. 31, with a limited menu .
“My goal is to offer authentic Mexican food like I grew up with in my home,” said de la Fuente. “I want to create a space where I can talk with customers and people feel like they are a guest in my home eating our food. I can be part of their life and they can be part of mine.”
Red Kitchen KC serves authentic Mexican breakfast and lunch and will add dinner service two nights a week. The menu will continue to offer breakfast burritos (named by Food & Wine as the “Best Burritos in Kansas” in 2018) as well as burritos, tortas and tacos. New menu items will include enchiladas, molletes, flautas and chilaquiles as well as guacamole and queso fundido as appetizers. Red Kitchen KC is getting a liquor license and plans to offer an assortment of drinks.
Red Kitchen KC has had a presence at Public Market since the food hall opened in 2017, It began as a pop-up restaurant and, after enjoying quick success, moved into one of the smaller stalls in 2018.
After moving to the new space, Red Kitchen KC plans to be open Tuesday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Tuesdays and Fridays from 5 to 8 p.m. The grand opening will be scheduled for mid-September, featuring their full menu.
THE TASTING ROOM
New Public Market merchant The Tasting Room offers – you guessed it – wine tastings!
The Tasting Room is the first physical space for AV Collection. They feature their own brand Kaycee Mac, a premium sparkling wine, as well as a variety of wines from Napa Valley and Sonoma.
Founded by a group of friends who love wine and community, the space also features local cheeses, meats, breads, oils and other snacks that pair well with wine. Customers are also able to reserve private tastings or just grab a drink.
The AV Collection was launched to bring people together through wine and give back to communities. A portion of sales will be donated to children’s charities throughout Kansas City.
“We are excited to be a part of this amazing market,” said Co-Founder Keith Spreckels, Jr. “Being in front of people on the consumer level like this is something we have always wanted to do and the opportunity the Public Market offers is second to none!”
The Tasting Room is open Wednesday through Thursday from 3 to 9 p.m.; Fridays from 4 to 10 p.m.; and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. They hope to expand to Sunday hours in the future.
AFRICAN DREAM CUISINE
Chef/owners Neba Ngwa and Stella Musongong have offered authentic West African cuisine through popular pop-up restaurants in the Public Market. Those flavors will be available more frequently when African Dream Cuisine takes over the Red Kitchen space later this fall.
Their menu will include a wide variety of delicious dishes prepared with vegetables, roots, grains and leaf spices that work together to create the traditional flavors of West Africa, accompanied by meat, chicken and fish.
An exact opening date will be announced soon.
Edited Aug. 26, 2021
Published Aug. 3, 2021