These Wichita restaurants recently announced openings, closings, expansions

Wichita’s dining scene has, as always, been busy lately. Here’s a rundown of the openings, closings and expansion plans that have been announced over the past five weeks:

• Just-opened restaurant: Himalayan Sherpa Indian & Nepali Cuisine opened Tuesday, June 9, at the former DeFazio’s building at 2706 N. Amidon. The owner is offering a 15% discount throughout June.
• Build-you-own banh mi: Banh Mi Bites opened on Thursday, June 4, at 2755 N. Maize Road in NewMarket Square after multiple delays.
• Downtown breakfast: The Big Biscuit quietly held a soft opening on June 1 for its second Wichita location, this one at 106 S. Hydraulic, the former Jimmy’s Egg space.
• Down one Mexican restaurant: The On the Border at NewMarket Square closed at the end of May after operating since 2004, leaving the Bradley Fair location as the last in Kansas.
• New tenant for old theater: Dreamers Cocktail Lounge will open June 20 at the former Vorshay’s space at 417 E. Douglas, featuring craft cocktails and live music.
• Angelo’s on the move: Angelo’s Italian restaurant will move from 5900 E. Central to 550 N. Rock Road by late August or mid-September, expanding seating from 85 to roughly 140.
• New Molino’s concept: Chilaquiles, Tacos & More, a new concept from Molino’s Cuisine owner Mara Garza, is set to open at 612 E. Douglas downtown. It should be open by Monday, June 15.
• Chester’s expansion: Chester’s Chophouse & Wine Bar owner George Youssef is building a 60-person “glass room” addition with retractable doors facing The Waterfront’s lake, expected to finish in October or November.
• Pizza Hut addition: A vacant Taco Bell building at 3725 E. Harry may be converted into a Pizza Hut, according to a building permit filed by Fugate Enterprises.
• Pizza place relocating: Blaze Pizza’s last day at its Greenwich Place location was Monday, May 11. The owner plans to reopen the restaurant this summer at Regency Lakes near 21st and Greenwich.
• Down a Spangles: The Spangles at 850 N. Broadway closed after 42 years following repeated break-ins.

The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The source reporting referenced above was written and edited entirely by journalists.

Denise Neil

The Wichita Eagle

316-268-6327

Denise Neil has covered restaurants and entertainment since 1997. Her Dining with Denise Facebook page is the go-to place for diners to get information about local restaurants. She’s a regular judge at local food competitions and speaks to groups all over Wichita about dining.