Jenna Thompson

Kansas City, Lincoln

Writing for @KCStar about businesses + fun around JoCo and KC | Tweets ≠ endorsements | Lover of words/empathy/Christ | [email protected]

Articles

Want a celeb-endorsed workout? New KC gym will be backed by 'Friends' star

1 week ago | kansascity.com | Jenna Thompson

Kansas Citians who've ever desired to look like actress Jennifer Aniston will soon be able to replicate her workout routine. Strength-training fitness studio Pvolve is opening its first Kansas City area studio. A-list "Friends" star Aniston has been a strategic partner with the company since 2023. Pvolve announced Thursday that it had signed a lease at 4150 Shawnee Mission Parkway in Fairway. The 1,800 square foot studio is set to open in late 2025.
New sushi restaurant opens in Johnson County, serving trendy favorites

1 week ago | kansascity.com | Jenna Thompson

The Chef Special (rice, soy sheets, avocado, sesame seeds, tuna, salmon and cucumber) is one of several sushi options at DeiRel Sushi. [email protected] Half of Daniel Hnin's new restaurant is an on-the-go boba bar, serving trendy favorites like taro and tiger milk teas. The other half is filled with tables, where customers sit and enjoy a variety of sushi rolls or take them home. The new spot, DeiRel Sushi & Boba, opened Tuesday at 6485 Quivira Road in Shawnee.
New sushi restaurant opens in Johnson County, serving trendy favorites

1 week ago | yahoo.com | Jenna Thompson

Half of Daniel Hnin’s new restaurant is an on-the-go boba bar, serving trendy favorites like taro and tiger milk teas. The other half is filled with tables, where customers sit and enjoy a variety of sushi rolls or take them home. The new spot, DeiRel Sushi & Boba, opened Tuesday at 6485 Quivira Road in Shawnee. It’s a few doors down from Bates City BBQ. DeiRel is a family business. Hnin’s uncle, Mang Al, is the sushi chef.
Longtime fast-food chain closes all Kansas City area locations

1 week ago | kansascity.com | Jenna Thompson

A few months after closing multiple KC area locations, Jack in the Box appears to have exited the area completely. Its last remaining stores - 9101 Johnson Drive in Mission, 10137 Metcalf Ave. in Overland Park and 10630 Parallel Parkway in Kansas City, Kansas - have all closed. The company's website still lists a location as " coming soon " at 740 NW Shoal Creek Parkway. Jack in the Box did not respond to The Star's request for comment Tuesday to say whether or not that location would open.
Longtime fast-food chain closes all Kansas City area locations

1 week ago | yahoo.com | Jenna Thompson

Jenna ThompsonWed, May 28, 2025 at 7:50 PM UTC1 min readJack in the Box, a fast-food burger chain, is officially gone in Kansas City. It’s unclear whether it will return. A few months after closing multiple KC area locations, Jack in the Box appears to have exited the area completely. Its last remaining stores — 9101 Johnson Drive in Mission, 10137 Metcalf Ave. in Overland Park and 10630 Parallel Parkway in Kansas City, Kansas — have all closed.
Revolving sushi bar opening in Johnson County, in former brunch spot

1 week ago | kansascity.com | Jenna Thompson

A new revolving sushi bar is on its way to Johnson County - and some of its offerings might be familiar to Kansas City area sushi fans. After the restaurant Sakura Japanese Sushi Train closed its Olathe location in March, one of its owners is coming back with a new concept. Umami Revolving Sushi Bar is slated to open in August in a former First Watch at 8180 W. 135th St., Overland Park.
Revolving sushi bar opening in Johnson County, in former brunch spot

1 week ago | yahoo.com | Jenna Thompson

A new revolving sushi bar is on its way to Johnson County — and some of its offerings might be familiar to Kansas City area sushi fans. After the restaurant Sakura Japanese Sushi Train closed its Olathe location in March, one of its owners is coming back with a new concept. Umami Revolving Sushi Bar is slated to open in August in a former First Watch at 8180 W. 135th St., Overland Park.
Inmate dies in Jackson County custody. Investigation ongoing

1 week ago | kansascity.com | Jenna Thompson

A man has died in custody at the Jackson County Detention Center. Timothy J. Beckmann, 64, was found unresponsive in his Kansas City jail cell on May 19, according to the Jackson County Sheriff's Office. Beckmann was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. The sheriff's office is conducting a death investigation. According to the department, medical examiners will determine Beckmann's cause of death.
KC restaurant, wine bar, butcher shop opens in former home of iconic cafe

2 weeks ago | kansascity.com | Jenna Thompson

After two years of quiet, the lights are back at the former Cafe Europa spot. This time, instead of coffee and lemon cake, the space is offering fresh-cut beef and wine. New York Butcher Shoppe softly opened Friday at the 4928 Main St. spot in the South Plaza neighborhood. On one half, a grab-and-go market sells wine, pasta, frozen entrees and a variety of beef cuts. On the other, a sit-down restaurant and wine bar. For now, just the market side is open. The restaurant and wine bar are coming Tuesday.
Kansas City Mexican restaurant closing after 5 years. 'Deeply grateful'

2 weeks ago | kansascity.com | Jenna Thompson

South of Summit, a Kansas City taqueria and tequila restaurant, is closing. The Waldo restaurant, 516 W. 75th St., announced that its last day will be May 31. "We are deeply grateful for the loyalty and support our guests have shown South of Summit," ownership group Summit Hospitality Group said in a statement sent Friday. "Although it's difficult to close this chapter, we're eager to introduce a new concept that will continue our tradition of culinary excellence and community engagement.