A month ago, the St. Louis-based fast-food chain Lion’s Choice closed all but one of its locations in the Kansas City area.
Now, Taco Bell has applied for a city permit to take over one of those spots, located at 14189 W. 135th St. in Olathe. The city’s permitting system shows that Taco Bell’s request is currently under review.
The opening date for the new Taco Bell is still unknown, as the company did not respond to The Star’s request for comment on Monday.
On June 29, Lion’s Choice, famous for its roast beef sandwiches and custard, announced the closure of four locations. These were at 10313 Metcalf Ave. in Overland Park, 440 N.W. Chipman Road in Lee’s Summit, and 4049 S. Little Blue Parkway.
The Olathe location is near a Whataburger owned by Patrick Mahomes, which opened in November. Mahomes’ franchise group, KMO Burger, operates several locations in the Kansas City metro area.
Lion’s Choice’s only remaining location in the Kansas City area is at 129 S. Stewart Road in Liberty.
In contrast, Taco Bell has more than a dozen locations in the metro area, including its Taco Bell Cantina in Westport, which features a full bar.
The California-based chain is popular for its chicken quesadillas, crunchwrap supremes (flour tortilla stuffed with beef, nacho cheese, lettuce, and a crispy tostada shell), and its Mountain Dew Baja Blast soda drink.
“Ted Lasso” star Jason Sudeikis mentioned last year that a Taco Bell in his hometown of Overland Park is superior to other locations he has visited. “I don’t know why, how they do it different. The soft shells are always soft,” he said in a TikTok uploaded by Harper’s Bazaar.
There are currently two Taco Bell locations in Overland Park: 10107 W. 75th St. and 9690 Metcalf Ave.