Café Europa Brings Sweet Treats & Healthy Eats to South Plaza
European delicacies mingle with local goods in South Plaza’s newest neighborhood cafe.
Photos by Kelly Bunch
Café Europa was a treasured and long-standing neighbor in Crestwood, but recently made an exciting move to expand into a larger space in South Plaza. The extra space has allowed for additional offerings - a larger market, casual dining, and even home goods. Top-shelf items imported from Europe intermingle on shelves with high-quality local goods from the KC area - local cheeses, Simecas sauces and sausages, and Lidia’s pasta are just a few delicacies you’ll find.
Ben Cascio, owner of Café Europa, comes from a long line of grocers. Both his parents and grandparents were in the grocery business. After a solid tenure as a fine-dining restaurant and bakery, the pandemic forced new thinking on how Café Europa could serve its loyal customers in a changed world.
After considering different approaches, Cascio thought back to his time as a stock boy with his grandparents - a job he hated as a kid, but memories he treasures. The memory sparked the idea to pivot Crestwood’s Café Europa from an in-person dining experience to a gourmet market complete with carry out and grab-and-go items. It’s only fitting that Cascio’s restaurant business naturally evolved into the grocery space over time.
With the transition, Cascio found that his customer base expanded and evolved. Not only did the Café Europa regulars support the transition, but a new audience, who once found the fine-dining experience out of their budget, started to embrace the market. Younger residents moved into the neighborhood, and UMKC and Rockhurst students discovered the convenience of picking up dinner on the way home from campus.
In 2021, Cascio was approached to take over the space in the old firehouse building at 4928 Main Street in South Plaza. He jumped at the idea knowing that the extra space and location could bring in even more business. “We love that building, and we love that lot,” Cascio says. “We love the whole area.”
The dine-in option offers a place to meet with friends and enjoy a great lunch - either indoors or on the Main Street patio. Cascio is proud that NPR voted Café Europa’s reuben the best in town and mentions they make a “killer” chicken pot pie. I can personally vouch for their burger and green salad which I’ve ordered on more occasions than I can count. The lemon cake has a dedicated following all on its own. If you’re not familiar, I suggest you try a piece immediately because you’re absolutely missing out.
Cascio considers Café Europa a very personal business. He stresses the importance of knowing your customers and supporting your employees. He acknowledges that working in the restaurant industry often wasn’t a good environment prior to the pandemic. When he was able to bring staff back during the market transition, he made a concerted effort to improve their experience. He wants his employees to know their schedules in advance and earn a living wage without relying on tips. And don’t even think about visiting on Sundays - the shop is closed to allow staff time to recharge with family and friends. “We’re trying to do our part to be a safe environment for our employees,” Cascio says.
What’s next for this thriving business? Cascio hopes to offer catering and delivery services to nearby residents in the future. Additionally, he’s working to open another location at Town Center Crossing in Leawood to share the business with a new set of customers.
Make your way to Café Europa (there’s even parking in back!) to spend time savoring this perfectly curated market experience. And don’t forget the lemon cake.
Café Europa | 4928 Main Street
Monday - Saturday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Dine-in eating is available at lunch only.
Market, bakery, carry out, and retail items are available all day.
