One of the original merchants, Red Kitchen KC, is launching from the Lenexa Public Market to open a stand-alone restaurant in downtown Overland Park.
“The Lenexa Public Market was created to help up-and-coming entrepreneurs launch and grow a business,” said Public Market Manager Tessa Adcock. “It truly is bittersweet when one of our family leaves to open their own restaurant. Ultimately, we celebrate the successes and exciting possibilities for Alejandra and her business.”
Red Kitchen KC Chef/Owner Alejandra de la Fuente is one of the Lenexa Public Market’s best-known success stories. She’s gone from serving tamales for “Tamale Tuesdays” once a week when the Market opened in 2017 to a Mexican street food stall to one of the Market’s anchor merchants. She’s gained a passionate following of customers and plenty of press from food journalists – her breakfast burritos were even named “Best Burritos in Kansas” by Food & Wine.
While she is not ready to announce a specific date for the opening of her new space, de la Fuente said it will be sometime in early 2024. The restaurant will be rebranded to Red Kitchen: Cien por Ciento Mexicana and will focus on breakfast and lunch.
“If it were not for the support of the City of Lenexa and the Public Market, I would not be able to open this new restaurant,” said de la Fuente. “The Public Market was the perfect place to launch my business. I am grateful for my loyal customers and can’t wait to welcome them to my new restaurant.”
Red Kitchen KC will continue to serve a full menu at the Public Market through Sunday, Dec. 24. They will be closed on Christmas and will reopen Dec. 26 to serve breakfast burritos and tamales for one final day in their current space. Red Kitchen’s tamales are available for preorder through Dec. 20.
Red Kitchen KC will join other former Public Market merchants Chewology, Kate Smith Soirée, The Flower Market and We’ve Got Your Back Apparel in having their own brick-and-mortar location.
Published Nov. 14, 2024