For Billie’s Grocery, expansion is as natural as the food
Midtown’s fresh favorite, Billie’s Grocery, is a welcomed addition to Leawood
Photos courtesy of Billie’s Grocery
Just behind the Price Chopper on 95th and Mission, you’ll find another kind of grocery – Billie’s Grocery – which has become a staple for those in Kansas City looking for whole and fresh, gluten-free, vegan, or plant-based eats and sweets.
Officially opening its second set of brick-and-mortar doors in Leawood before the start of the new year, the welcome from the suburbs drew more than 15,000 guests in the first month.
“With more people being home for the holidays and the built up anticipation for us to open, it exceeded our expectations,” said manager Tony Glamcevski.
From the outside of those big windows looking in, it seems as if expansion comes naturally to Billie’s founder Robin Krause, who has a strong track record for building beautiful local brands (see Filling Station). Between its bright white walls, countertops, and floors, large live plants, fresh-baked aromas, shining dessert case, and the pleasant mixture of perfumes and conversation, the design, space, and food down south is unmistakably Billie’s.
Over the years, Robin and team have cemented themselves as a health-forward home for those looking to keep things clean. The original juicery concept, Unbakery (now Billie’s Juicery), was the catalyst for what is more than a sought-after health craze. While the essence of Billie’s is inspired by the fresh foods and drinks so commonly available in cities like Los Angeles, bringing whole foods to places and people who want them most is core to the team’s mission. And eager eaters lining up for Billie’s is a clear sign people are seeking healthy foods all over Kansas City – even at our sports stadiums. Landing a deal with the KC Current, Billie’s next move is set to serve Monarch fans when the women’s soccer stadium opens in March.
Redefining terms like “fast casual” with items that are freshly made to fuel your body and plated to look like art, yet portioned substantially and served with a homely Midwestern sensibility, Billie’s is the best of all worlds. It’s no wonder its adoration continues to grow.
“Robin has the uncanny ability to bring something unique and make it into something that can apply to everyone,” Tony said.
Like most things in the suburbs, Billie’s Leawood location is slightly larger than the spot in Midtown. It’s perfect for families with kids or larger groups of friends looking to grab a quick dinner. Or to pick up some of that delectable Gluten-Free Fried Chicken. While cooking classes will remain at the Midtown location, long-time fans will find friendly staff faces and menu favorites down south – my personal go-to, the Lazy Sushi Bowl, included.
In addition to snagging some raw desserts from the bar before you go, you’ll want to be sure to stop by the displays of new merch, dry goods and cookbooks, teas, tinctures and tonics, non-alcoholic beverages, spirits, and more balsamic than one knew existed. Because no matter how close or far a Billie’s Grocery may be, extending its principles and ingredients for a healthy lifestyle into your own home can be as natural as Billie’s expansion across the city.
