Openings & Closings After 10 years, Kansas City restaurant closes location amid Royals stadium plans By Jenna Thompson August 31, 2026 4:28 PM After a decade, fast-casual American restaurant Unforked will close in Kansas City’s Crown Center. Spokesperson Courtney LeCluyse said in a statement to The Star that the closure is effective Tuesday. Its two locations in Westwood and Overland Park will remain open. LeCluyse said the shopping center offered Unforked a two-year lease, but the local chain ultimately decided not to sign it because of uncertainties regarding the upcoming Royals Stadium construction and how that might affect the center’s foot traffic. “With the anticipated construction and development surrounding the Royals’ future stadium project and the uncertainty regarding how that construction could impact access, traffic, and business at Crown Center, we felt that committing to another two years was not the right decision for our business at this time,” she wrote. “This was not an easy decision, and we are incredibly thankful for everyone who has supported us. We appreciate the memories, friendships, and countless meals shared with our guests over the years.” Unforked boasts of the “best burgers in town” and serves a variety of tacos (like the G.O.A.T., which has chicken, chihuahua cheese, arugula, pickled red onions and housemade white barbecue sauce), quesadillas, salads and concretes. The Kansas City Royals are planning a $1.9 billion stadium off Pershing Road and Grand Boulevard, set to be completed in 2030 or 2031. The new stadium plans come after years of deliberation and contention from businesses that feared being replaced. Now, Hallmark will demolish its own headquarters while the company finds a new home for itself. Along with the new stadium are plans to further develop the broader Crown Center area , though the shopping center would remain intact, according to renderings. Crown Center could not be reached for comment. It’s unclear whether another tenant is lined up to replace the ground-floor restaurant at 2450 Grand Blvd., Suite 113. Unforked began at its 7337 W. 119th St. location in 2011 and was founded by Jim Sheridan, who started Sheridan’s Frozen Custard. At one time, Sheridan’s had several spots across the metro, but its only remaining location is in Crown Center, next to Unforked. LeCluyse said Sheridan’s is independently owned and franchised. Sheridan’s could not be immediately reached for comment Monday. Related Stories from Kansas City Star Openings & Closings Massive KC entertainment center closes after 13 years. ‘So many memories’ August 31, 2026 12:27 PM
Curated by Taleb Kabbara · Source: www.kansascity.com