Downtown Olathe Set for Exciting Transformation with New Restaurant Openings

Exciting Developments for Downtown Olathe

Olathe, Kansas is buzzing with some fantastic news! The revitalization of the city’s downtown area is on the verge of becoming even more exciting over the next year. Just recently, Mayor John Bacon announced a delightful trio of new restaurants that are preparing to set up shop in this vibrant part of town. These eateries, Pizza 51, Char Bar, and Third Street Social, are all set to open their doors by late 2025 or early 2026. Isn’t that great?

Welcome to Olathe!

Mayor Bacon expressed his gratitude to the restaurants for choosing Olathe, stating, “Thank you to Char Bar, Pizza 51 and Third Street Social for choosing to invest in Olathe, and to our partners at the Chamber for their efforts to bring these first-class establishments to be a part of Downtown Olathe’s continued revitalization.” His words really highlight how important it is for the community to grow and thrive with more dining options. He went on to say, “Downtown is the heart of our city. Residents tell us they want to see it be more vibrant and lively.” It sounds like the city is on a mission, and it’s all about creating a lively atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.

Char Bar: A New Haven for BBQ Lovers

One of the most anticipated openings is from Char Bar Smoked Meats & Pickleball, which will be setting up their third location in the area. For those unfamiliar with Char Bar, they’re famous for their award-winning barbecue and boast one of the largest beer gardens in the metro. This new spot will grace the site of an old Olathe Fire Department station, right at 200 W. Santa Fe. Excitingly, they’re hoping to kick off operations by late 2025 or early 2026! Can you imagine lounging in their spacious beer garden on a sunny day with a plate of delicious barbecue?

Pizza 51: A Slice of the East Coast

Next up, we have Pizza 51, which has been a local favorite in Kansas City, Missouri. Their new location will be known as Pizza 51 South and will feature the same East Coast-style pizza that made them popular. You can find them at 200 S. Kansas Ave., and they plan to welcome hungry customers as early as spring 2025. Fans of delicious stone-baked pizza can look forward to familiar vibes from their original location, perfect for a casual night out.

Third Street Social: Comfort Food with a Twist

Another fresh addition to Olathe will be Third Street Social, opening at 135 S. Kansas Ave.. This restaurant will bring its signature mix of elevated American comfort food, similar to what you can find in their existing locations in Lee’s Summit, the Plaza, and Northland. Co-owner Andy Lock shared his excitement, saying, “We’re incredibly excited to bring Third Street Social to Kansas for the first time.” It sounds like they’re ready to embrace Olathe with open arms in 2025.

A Bright Future for Downtown Olathe

The Olathe Chamber CEO, Tim McKee, expressed his enthusiasm for the new restaurants, stating, “We’re absolutely thrilled these three restaurants chosen to expand in downtown Olathe. We feel their arrival will truly help to change the look of our city’s central core.” With the prospect of these new dining experiences and a more dynamic downtown, it certainly seems Olathe is on the brink of a delightful transformation.

As residents eagerly await these openings, the excitement in the air is palpable, and it’s clear that downtown Olathe is set to become a vibrant hub of activity, full of flavor and fun! Local food lovers and visitors alike will surely enjoy what these new establishments have to offer. Keep an eye out for more news and updates on this journey to revitalization—it’s just around the corner!