Jhy Coulter’s new venture Orange By: Devoured bites into Kansas City’s Martini Corner

Pizza at Orange By Devoured // Photo By Tiffany Watts

Kansas City’s Martini Corner, known for its vibrant energy and eclectic mix of dining and nightlife options, just got a new neighbor—Orange By: Devoured. Opened on August 15, 2024, this fresh, creative pizzeria is the latest venture by Jhy Coulter, an entrepreneur, chef, and visionary whose love for food, travel, and community culminates in this distinctive eatery. This micro concept combines an international tapas-inspired vibe with her signature pizzas.

The journey to Orange

The story of Orange By: Devoured begins not in a restaurant but in Coulter’s own backyard. In 2017, while studying at the University of Missouri – Kansas City, Coulter submitted a design project that, unknowingly, would lay the groundwork for her culinary career. But it wasn’t until 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, that she launched Devoured Pizza, a pop-up concept that began in her backyard. The concept, initially called “Backyard Specials,” quickly became a hit among friends and family.

Her journey into the culinary world wasn’t a straight line. Before pizza took center stage, Coulter dabbled in a variety of careers—she worked as a graphic designer, lived abroad as an English teacher, and even trained under notable Kansas City chef Brandon Winn at Webster House. Yet none of those ventures felt like the right fit until she returned to her love of cooking.

A turning point came in 2019 when Coulter won chef Matty Matheson’s Instagram contest, securing a Gozney Roccbox portable pizza oven. This portable oven became a game-changer for her, and by 2020, during the pandemic, she found herself volunteering at Webster House, cooking for people in need. With her passion reignited, she started working on her own pizza recipes, experimenting with dough, sauces, and flavors. Devoured Pizza was born from this creative process, growing into a pop-up favorite across Kansas City.

From pop-up to brick-and-mortar

After years of refining her dough and signature flavor combinations, Devoured Pizza gained a reputation for offering something unique. Coulter’s creative partnerships with local venues—wine bars, breweries, and lounges—led to successful pop-ups that delivered more than just pizza; they created experiences. The pairings between her eclectic pizzas and the atmospheres of these venues allowed Kansas Citians to try new and exciting things in a laid-back yet vibrant setting.

However, as the popularity of Devoured Pizza grew, so did Coulter’s vision. The pop-up model had allowed her to engage directly with her community, testing her recipes and gaining feedback, but she knew she wanted something more permanent.

That’s where Orange by Devoured comes in. “I just knew that Devoured needed a home,” says Coulter. “But I didn’t want it to be this small concept forever. I wanted something larger, something that could evolve.” After countless hours of planning, traveling, and searching for inspiration, she found the perfect place—Martini Corner.

Orange By Devoured // Photo By Tiffany Watts

The Orange philosophy

The name Orange By: Devoured isn’t just a catchy title; it’s a reflection of the spirit Coulter hopes to infuse into the space. “Orange is a powerful color, but it’s not overpowering. It’s positive, it’s energetic, and that’s exactly the vibe I wanted to bring to the neighborhood,” she explains. Her time living in Spain, where tapas and intimate social gatherings are central to the culture, also played a significant role in shaping her vision.

“I wanted something small that was bustling with energy, a place where people could come in, grab a slice, and stay for the experience,” she shares. The idea of blending pizza with tapas—small, shareable plates—is key to her concept. The menu reflects this philosophy with its carefully curated selection of pizzas and sides that encourage sharing and exploration of flavors.

For Coulter, Orange By: Devoured isn’t just about the food. It’s about the community and the connections made over a meal. “We were on the ground with people during those pop-up years,” she says, “and I want that same feeling here. It’s not just about the pizza; it’s about creating a space where people can come together and feel good.”

What’s on the menu?

The menu at Orange By: Devoured is a thoughtful balance of inventive pizza creations and small plates, each reflecting Coulter’s culinary journey and personal tastes. Though the menu will likely evolve with the seasons and inspiration, diners can expect a few staples that are sure to become local favorites.

The dough, which Coulter spent months perfecting, is the foundation of every pizza. It’s light, airy, and crispy, providing the perfect canvas for toppings that range from classic to experimental. Think pizza topped with prosciutto, figs, and balsamic glaze, or roasted garlic and ricotta with a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

In addition to pizzas, the tapas-inspired menu includes dishes that complement the pizza offerings. Whether you’re sharing marinated olives, charred vegetables, or artisanal cheeses, each bite is meant to enhance the communal dining experience Coulter envisions.

Tapas at Orange By Devoured // Photo By Tiffany Watts

Looking forward

The opening of Orange By: Devoured marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for both Jhy Coulter and Kansas City’s food scene. While the pizzeria is her primary focus, Coulter is already thinking ahead. “I’ve got big plans for Devoured. This is just the start.”

As Kansas City continues to embrace its reputation as a foodie destination, Orange By: Devoured is poised to become a staple in Martini Corner’s lineup of must-visit spots. For locals and visitors alike, it offers more than just a slice of pizza—it offers an experience, one filled with energy, community, and, of course, great food.

Orange By: Devoured is located at 325 E 31st St, Kansas City, MO 64108.