KC Sipps: New era for Donutology, a West Bottoms block party, and your last chance to visit French Custard and Penrose

KC Sipps logo by Teddy Rosen

Life in KC is pretty delicious. In fact, there is often so much going on that it can be hard to decide where to go and what to try.

That’s where I come in. 

I’ve curated this weekly list of events, openings, deals, and celebrations to keep you in-the-know. Cheers!

Something New

News Bites: Black Feast Week, put on by The Kansas City Defender, is underway through October 11. Black-owned KC eateries and catering services are offering deals, like a 12” Timeless Firebird pizza and two drinks at Devoured Pizza for $19.99. Discounts or not, some of my recs at participating spots include Teetasty Foods’ jollof rice, Good Karma’s seasonal lattes, and the lunch special at The Combine.

Opening

Donutology: Donutology has officially moved from Westport to their new spot at Crown Center, with doors opening at 7 a.m. on September 9. Coinciding with their 10-year anniversary, Donutology opens with a new energy while bringing back old favorites. The donut shop will have its signature frosted donuts along with a return of the Flavor Lab for custom donuts and Fizzy Formulas for custom drinks such as dirty sodas. The new location is in the former Einstein Bros. Bagels footprint, on the street level at Crown Center. Crown Center parking is free for visits under two hours if you scan a QR code at a shop or restaurant inside. 

Latte Life: Armor Road in North Kansas City has a new coffee shop as of October 12, complete with a ribbon-cutting at 10 a.m. Latte Life, a new extension of Life Unlimited, opens next week for coffee roasted by Provis Coffee Roasters and Northlandia Coffee Roasting Co., plus pastries and more.  

Tiki Taco: Tiki Taco continues its expansion plan, opening its seventh location on October 13 in East Crossroads. The mini-empire has taken over the former Double Shift Brewing Company building with its signature yellow and red tile motif and casual Cali-Mex taco and burrito dishes. This location will open at 11 a.m. every day of the week. 

Closing

Brew Haha Coffeehouse: After less than a year, the Shawnee Mission Parkway location of Brew Haha Coffeehouse has closed. Their Overland Park location remains open. 

Going seasonal: In Brookside, French Custard will close the sweet shop at the end of business on October 14. It plans to reopen in the spring; however, this doesn’t mark the end of custard season. French Custard will bring back their Cold Weather Ice Cream Club subscription, as well as offer pre-orders for pints, ice cream cakes and sandwiches, waffle cone puppy chow, and more. In fact, the first preorder opens on October 19 for pickup on October 24.

Penrose Espresso Bar, the tidy coffee window outside of Novel, will end service on October 31. I recommend stopping by at least one more time, especially to try the house-made pastries, then take a seat under the pergola or a leisurely stroll around Crossroads. 

October 10

Dolce Bakery: From 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. Dolce Bakery is celebrating 19 years of baking love into our metro. At their Prairie Village bakery, they’re going all out with offerings like birthday cake lattes and other themed treats, cake flights (pre-order only), and launching their new food truck. The first 100 customers at the new truck will receive a free mini confetti cookie.

City Barrel Pizza + Patio: Pizza, beer, and games outside on a nice fall day… enough said. From 12 – 6 p.m. at the Waldo location, City Barrel is holding a Falltoberfest, complete with live polka music, family-friendly games and crafts, special Oktoberfest beer releases and festive food pairings, and of course, a free stein-holding competition at 6:30 p.m. No tickets or admission required, but they would appreciate an RSVP. 

October 11

West Bottoms: Some delicious West Bottoms businesses invite you for an afternoon block party. Starting at 12 p.m., Cousins Maine Lobster will pop-up at Amigoni Urban Winery. West Bottoms Whiskey will be open from 12 – 6 p.m. and offer a special whiskey release with Stockyards Brewing Co. From 3 – 9 p.m., The Campground will be posted up in their courtyard with a special menu that features ingredients from area businesses, with a bonfire at 7 p.m. Visit these places, plus Blip Roasters and/or Stockyards Brewing Co. for a chance to win a raffle prize.

Brown & Loe: The City Market restaurant, Brown & Loe, is hosting a giveback event benefiting Kanbe’s Markets. Each $45 ticket supports Kanbe’s and includes three rounds of Bingo with plant prizes, plus chili and cornbread. The fun kicks off at 4 p.m., and tickets are required. I hope to see you there!