Spring Brings New Restaurant and Retailer to Crown Center
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (March 9, 2023) — This spring, Crown Center adds an authentic South American restaurant to its lineup of dining options with Empanada Madness and introduces The Electronics Store to provide shoppers and visitors with convenient access to computers and tech accessories.
Empanada Madness
After 10 years on Southwest Boulevard, owner Andrea Penaloza is moving Empanada Madness to a spot on Level 1 of the Crown Center Shops. The restaurant specializes in authentic cuisine from Venezuela and Colombia. Penaloza says the most popular items on the menu are the empanadas and arepas, both types of pastries stuffed with meat or cheese fillings. She will also offer traditional Venezuelan and Colombian plates, such as Pabellon Criollo and Bandeja Paisa, as well as combos that include rice and beans.
Empanada Madness will occupy a 1,780-square-foot space next to Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant. With limited seating inside the restaurant, Empanada Madness will use a fast-casual service model with customers going through a line to choose their menu items. They will offer carryout, delivery, and catering services. Penaloza plans to open in March.
“We’re starting a new decade with a new location,” Penaloza said. “Crown Center is a great
fit for us. We’re excited about a different atmosphere and opening our doors to a new set of clients.”
The Empanada Madness décor will feature neutral colors with a splash of orange, giving it a traditional yet retro vibe. The restaurant will keep some elements of its current location by bringing along artwork by a Venezuelan artist to hang on the new walls.
Penaloza started the restaurant with her mother in 2013. Since her mother passed away in 2020, Penaloza said she has been thinking about making a change. “It’s a family business, and we’re following my Mom’s legacy.”
Empanada Madness Hours: Sunday, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. and Monday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
The Electronics Store
Located on Level 2 of the Crown Center Shops, The Electronics Store offers new and refurbished electronics, such as desktop and laptop computers, TVs, mobile phones and accessories, smart watches, earbuds, Bluetooth speakers, headphones, charging cables, batteries, and more.
The Electronics Store also provides repair services for any brand of computer and for Apple iPhones, as well as computer tune-ups and virus protection software installation.
Owner James Brown has been in business since 2011 and opened the 875-square-foot Crown Center location in December 2022, after previously operating in Johnson County.
“We serve a good mix of travelers and locals with a wide selection of electronics,” Brown said. “Starting in April, we will offer ‘How To’ sessions for people who want to learn different software programs or how to use a new device.”
The Electronics Store Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Media Contacts:
Anne.Deuschle@hallmark.com | 816-274-5916