Crown Center Welcomes Mexican Restaurant, Patio Dining Option

La Fuente Mexican Street Food is opening today at Crown Center, occupying the space once  drawn for Crayola Café.

The fast-casual restaurant on the shopping center’s second floor specializes in Mexican street food with a Tex-Mex mix, according to a press release, and is operated by owner Eduardo Garcia.

Crown Center had announced in February La Fuente would be coming, but the Covid pandemic slowed its opening.

“With the pandemic, we ended up waiting longer for some equipment, but we’re ready to open the restaurant,” Garcia said in a statement.

“Now that families can get out more, we’re hoping to serve all the summer visitors who come to Crown Center.”

La Fuente specializes in Mexican street food with a Tex-Mex twist. (Photo courtesy Crown Center)

The restaurant will offer counter service with dine-in seating, as well as carryout and delivery options, according to the release. La Fuente Mexican Street Food will also offer alcoholic beverages from the bar.

This is Garcia’s third La Fuente restaurant in the metro, the other locations are The Legends in western Wyandotte County and Overland Park. He also has several other restaurants throughout Missouri.

La Fuente hours will be Sundays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Happy hours at the new Burnt End BBQ patio will feature Swirls, frozen margaritas. (Photo courtesy Crown Center)

In addition to the La Fuente culinary news, Crown Center also announced that Burnt End BBQ, which took over the former Milano space in early 2020, has opened a 600 square-foot outdoor patio near Grand Boulevard,

Patrons can enjoy Burnt End food and drinks on the patio, including Happy Hour specials offered each day, according to the release.

“This is Kansas City’s newest downtown patio spot, and it’s perfect for an after-work meet up,” Burnt End BBQ manager Rico Hernandez said in a statement.

Happy Hour runs from 3- to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 3- to 9 p.m. on Sunday. Burnt End restaurant hours are Sundays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.