Today let's play restaurant developer and look at what's missing from downtown -- those few culinary holes that would transform the Kansas City lunch hour into something that rivals Google's cafeteria for variety.
If we were just able to convince a few restaurants in the River Market and Columbus Park to open a second location on the other side of the highway, we'd be halfway there. But until that happens, those of us south of the river are missing five key types of cuisine.
5. Indian Buffet -- A man deserves the right to make a bad choice and go back for a third plate. The joy of the Indian Buffet is in destroying your afternoon productivity. Downtown needs more nap-inducing choices.
4. Ice Cream Shop -- This will require a bit of a paradigm shift here in Kansas City. Repeat after me, ice cream still tastes great in winter. It's not like mini-golf, we can enjoy it year-round.
3. Independent Sandwich Shop -- Cheesehead is several years gone, although perhaps not missed by all. Is a deli or cheap sandwich shop too much to ask for in its place?
2. Doughnut Shop -- Outside of barbecue, doughnuts might be the most beloved food here locally. But while Portland, Oregon, has Voodoo Doughnut, Kansas City is without a downtown option. Back in June, I even offered up four potential concepts. So far, there's been no takers.
1. Soup Shop -- Souperman was arguably downtown's biggest loss in the past year. Homemade, hearty soups that were perfect for fall and winter. There's a need for soup and hopefully some restaurateur/superhero will hear the city's desperate cries.
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