Kansas City Bids Farewell to Smitty’s Garage
Residents of Kansas City are feeling a wave of nostalgia and disappointment this week as they say goodbye to Smitty’s Garage, the beloved car-themed eatery located in Ward Parkway Center. After continuously serving up tacos, sandwiches, and burgers since 2017, the 8811 State Line Road location officially closed its doors for good on Sunday.
A Tough Decision for a Local Favorite
The news came from one of the managers, Dustin Wall, who shared that it was a hard decision to make. “We loved the area, we loved the concept. Wish we could’ve made it work,” he said, reflecting on the joy the restaurant brought to the community. Unfortunately, Wall mentioned that the location just wasn’t making the profits they had hoped for. “It just wasn’t possible, and just one of those things. Not a fun decision to make,” he added.
With the closure, many locals are left reminiscing about the times they spent enjoying casual meals at Smitty’s Garage with friends and family. It was not just a restaurant; it was a space where memories were created over hearty meals, laughter, and conversations.
What About the Employees?
One silver lining in this challenging situation is the management’s effort to help their team find new employment opportunities. Wall noted that they are working to connect Smitty’s employees with jobs at other local sister concepts owned by Hal Smith Restaurants. It shows a level of care and commitment to the staff that many appreciate during such tough times.
Hal Smith Restaurants is a larger entity based in Oklahoma and operates several other restaurants across the country, including Charleston’s Restaurant, located just two doors down from Smitty’s Garage. Charleston’s, a more upscale dining experience, opened around the same time as Smitty’s and has managed to remain a staple in the area.
Changing Times in the Area
Interestingly, the closure of Smitty’s Garage isn’t the only recent change happening in Ward Parkway Center. Just as Smitty’s bid adieu, Peter Piper Pizzeria recently transitioned into a new era as it reopened its doors as Chuck E. Cheese, another family-friendly spot but with a different vibe and offerings.
In addition to these changes, North Dakota-based Sickies Garage opened earlier this year in a former Red Robin location in Overland Park, bringing its own blend of car-themed decor and menu items like boozy shakes and supercharged macaroni and cheese burgers. This just goes to show how the restaurant scene is constantly evolving, even if it sometimes means saying goodbye to long-loved establishments.
Looking Ahead
While the closure of Smitty’s Garage is undeniably sad, it also opens the door for new opportunities. Hal Smith Restaurants still has Smitty’s Garage locations operating in Nebraska, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, ensuring that fans of the brand can still find their favorites elsewhere.
As Kansas City moves forward, it will be exciting to see what new dining experiences emerge to fill the gap left by Smitty’s. Locals are hopeful that the next restaurant will bring just as much joy and community as Smitty’s did over the years.
In a city rich in culinary diversity, the hustle and bustle of the dining scene keeps it fresh and vibrant. As one chapter closes, another one begins, reminding us that change is an essential part of life—and the food we love. So here’s to memories made at Smitty’s Garage and to exciting new adventures ahead in the Kansas City dining landscape!
