Cityscape

By Joyce Smith

Quaint downtown Parkville might have quivered a bit when shiny new shopping centers began to open nearby.

And while some small business left for these “greener” paved pastures, other local entrepreneurs have settled in with offerings that are draws in themselves.

Take the new Spaghetti Western at 112 Main St.
Oklahoma native and Northland resident Melissa Robbins has long been a fan of spaghetti Westerns, those mid-1960s films financed by Italian companies. Her husband also is bass player for The Wilders, a “classic country” band.

Stone Canyon Pizza Co. is expanding with a third location set to open in Zona Rosa in early March.

Kevin Heaton, who owns the restaurants with Joe Gallagher, said he likes Zona Rosa’s traffic and promotions.

Dos Hombres

After three-and-a-half years of operations, Dos Hombres closed Saturday in the River Market.

Owner R.J. Samuels blamed the economy saying sales dropped more than 30 percent since the recession.

Sergio Acosta, left, and Steven House

Midtown’s retro Lava Room is going retro again — moving from a hippy to a hip Mad Men vibe.

When it opens at 5 p.m. tonight the space at 3810 Broadway will be known as The Gusto Lounge, the "bar that made Midtown famous,” playing off the Schlitz slogans.

After more than 36 years of operation, the metro's only Waldenbooks will close in Crown Center by late January.

Parent company Borders Group is closing 200 of its small-format bookstores to focus on its more profitable superstores.

Sol Azteca

Sol Azteca Mexican Grill has closed temporarily.

A sign on the door of the restaurant at 542 Southwest Blvd., says major repairs must be made and it hopes to reopen Jan. 20.

Succotash

After nearly nine years in the City Market, the unconventional and totally charming "Succotash" restaurant closed earlier this month.

Chef/owner Beth Barden couldn’t be reached for comment but sources said she may be relocating the restaurant.

Outback Steakhouse

Outback Steakhouse has closed its location at 6870 Johnson Drive.

Callers are being referred to the Overland Park location at 9501 Quivira Road, which is less than eight miles away.

After more than 30 years on the Country Club Plaza, McDonald's has closed.

Noodles & Co. plans to open in the spot at 500 Nichols Road by late March.

It also is opening a location in downtown Lawrence on Nov. 20.

Plaza McDonald's

Less than six months after opening in The Legends at Village West, Cleat’z Sportz Bar and Grill has closed.

Solz Entertainment Complex planned to bring together four different operations in the 16,000-square-foot space at 1867 Village West Parkway, Suite D101, Kansas City, Kan.