Country Club Plaza Warns Of More 'Strategic Closures' After Brio Shutdown

One of the biggest corner restaurants in Kansas City is now nothing more than a memory but new ownership claims that it's all part of their renovation plans . . . Here's the story . . .

"The restaurant, situated at the corner of Nichols Road and Pennsylvania Avenue, has occupied the Plaza since the early 2000s. It barely scraped through the COVID-19 pandemic after its parent company filed for bankruptcy in 2020 and closed “71 of its 92 remaining restaurants,” Restaurant Business Magazine reported.

"Brio’s website confirms the closing, with Kansas City’s pin removed from the store locator map and no open hours listed. By Tuesday, crews had already taken the storefront sign down."

More context and follow-up . . . 

The Plaza’s new ownership group, The Village Collection (the new name for HP Village Partners) told The Star more businesses will leave as an part of an effort to improve the space.

“Since the acquisition,” Drew Steffen, chief executive officer of The Village Collection, said in a statement, “our team has been hard at work envisioning the future of Country Club Plaza. We are eager to transform the Plaza to the gorgeous shopping and dining destination which everyone can be proud of. 

“With that, Kansas Citians can expect to see some strategic closures as tenants leave or relocate to help pave the way for important renovations and improvements that will help us restore Country Club Plaza as the crown jewel of the Midwest.”

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

CLOSED: Brio Italian Grille is latest restaurant to leave Country Club Plaza behind

"Sorry, this location has closed. Thank you for your patronage over the years. It was a pleasure serving you," reads the sign on the front door.

KC restaurant closes on the Plaza after 20 years. Owner says more are on the way out

Brio Italian Grille has closed its location in Kansas City, marking one of several business closings in the shopping district. More to come?

CLOSED: Brio Italian Grille is latest restaurant to leave Country Club Plaza behind

"Sorry, this location has closed. Thank you for your patronage over the years. It was a pleasure serving you," reads the sign on the front door.

Developing . . .