Esquina sold, Intorno to open in its place
- Angela C. Bond
- Esquina is getting a new look, menu and owner.
Something new is once again coming to the corner at 801 Massachusetts. Esquina, the Spanish-influenced restaurant from Robert and Molly Krause and Simon and Cody Bates, has been sold. The two-year-old Lawrence restaurant, which began with a nuevo Latino concept — killer tacos sold at a counter — was purchased by Jim and Leslie Vaughn.
The Vaughns are moving from St. Louis with a concept in hand. Intorno will serve classic Italian dishes in the style of On the Hill, the St. Louis institution where Jim Vaughn oversaw the kitchen. Esquina will be open through Wednesday, October 31 (Charles Ferruzza reviewed the restaurant back in April if you’re unsure what to order). The Krauses and Bates will continue to operate the two Burger Stand locations in Lawrence and Topeka.
