KC Sipps: Three Italian-inspired restaurant openings, 816 Day deals, and foodie celebrations

KC Sipps logo by Theodore 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!

Opening

Cornflower Baked Goods: KC loves Rye’s pie, as demonstrated by the number of times it has been a finalist in the Best Pie category of our Best of KC contests. Now there’s another place to get one. Cornflower Baked Goods from Rye’s Megan Garrelts is now open, seven days a week, right next to Rye in Leawood’s Mission Farms. Mini pies, cinnamon rolls, savory options, and more are available alongside Onyx coffee, teas, and hot chocolate. I attended a media preview last week and can happily recommend the lardon milk bread rolls with goat cheese and honey, but the banana cream pie is my go-to sweet option there. 

PaPPo’s Pizzeria & Pub: Springfield-based pizza chain, PaPPo’s, is now open in the former D’Bronx space on Metcalf. The menu features a large selection of pizzas, salads, calzones, pizza bowls, and more, as well as a bar. 

Pizza Tascio: For its eighth metro location (wow), Pizza Tascio opens in Olathe on August 17. This one is near Garmin and Olathe South High School. As a regular at this New York-style pizza shop, I recommend the $10 special for dine-in or carryout. It gets you a soda and two large slices of your choice. My current pick is the spicy pepperoni, which has jalapeños, cup pepperoni, and Mike’s Hot Honey. 

Panino Davino: New to West 39th Street is Panino Davino, a Tuscan-inspired sandwich shop. It is in the former Gilhouly’s space, from Joe Amigoni of West Bottom’s Amigoni Urban Winery. Sandwiches range from $12.50 – 21, and it also features a wine and spritz bar.

Closing

Beer Kitchen: The Westport location of Beer Kitchen has closed as of August 9. The Strang Hall food court-style location remains open in Overland Park. 

August 14

Ethnic Enrichment Festival: This weekend, the Ethnic Enrichment Commission (EEC) of Kansas City is hosting its 47th Annual Ethnic Enrichment Festival. It takes place at Swope Park from Friday, August 14 through Sunday, August 16, offering live performances, vendors, and food and drink, all representing over 50 countries and cultural groups. Children 12 and under are free with an adult, and adult tickets are $5 each day. 

August 15

Café Cà Phê: To celebrate four years of serving Vietnamese coffee in Columbus Park, Café Cà Phê is throwing a block party from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., flowing from the cafe to the Harrison Street DIY skate park. Snag a free ride on one of our 2026 staff favorites, special menu items or discounts at Café Cà Phê and Wolfpack Bbq + Burgers, and check out the food trucks, vendors, and more.  

Hank’s Garage and Grill: The laid-back bar and grill in Shawnee, Hank’s, is throwing a Summerfest celebration from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. The restaurant will be open, plus opportunities for a cornhole tournament, a hot dog bar, face painting, special frozen cocktails at the outdoor bar space, and live music. 

August 16

816 Day: Official 816 Day celebrations culminate at Power & Light District this Sunday. Kick off the special KC-area “holiday” with the $8.16 latte and pastry combo at Good Karma Coffee in Martini Corner from 9 – 11 a.m. XR at Crossroads Hotel is honoring 816 Day with $8.16 pizzas all day, including on their brand-new online ordering to-go option. Back in Martini Corner, Devoured Pizza is also offering $8.16 pizzas–specifically the pepperoni and hot honey pizza. J. Rieger & Co., Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop, Press’d, and West Bottoms Whiskey Co. are among many other local spots offering 816-themed specials.

GoChew Burgers and Sandwiches: GoChew is celebrating one year at their Raytown brick-and-mortar location. From 12 – 7 p.m., enjoy specials on their Korean/American fast food, local vendors, raffles, and more. 

August 18

The Campground: In West Bottoms, The Campground will host The Baker’s Allowance for a special “speed tasting” event. From 6 – 8 p.m., attendees will rotate through eight small bites designed to act as conversation starters, whether you’re there to make friends or bond with someone. The cost is $50, with drink pairings optional.