This fast-food chain will close all but one KC area location, but remains ‘optimistic’

Lion’s Choice — a St. Louis-based fast-food chain known for its roast beef sandwiches and custard — will close all but one Kansas City area location.

Its restaurants at 10313 Metcalf Ave. in Overland Park, 14189 W. 135th St. in Olathe, 440 N.W. Chipman Road in Lee’s Summit, and 4049 S. Little Blue Parkway will close permanently on June 29.

Its Liberty location, 129 S. Stewart Road, will remain open under a separate franchisee, the company told The Star.

“Continuing to operate one store will help us evaluate a new Kansas City market strategy, better establish the brand, and plan for future growth here and in other markets,” CEO Fred Burmer said in a statement.

A release from the company added that management was “optimistic” about expanding in the market once again.

The chain has been a St. Louis staple since it opened in 1967 as Red Lion Beef House. The chain entered the Kansas City market in 1999 with its location at 7337 W. 119th St. in Overland Park. The only Lion’s Choice location at the time closed in 2002 and became Sheridan’s Unforked.

In 2018, the company reentered the Kansas City area with its Independence spot, saying it had plans to further expand.

“We think this is a 12- to 15-store market,” then-CEO Mike “Kup” Kupstas told The Star at the time.

In addition to its roast beef sandwiches, Lion’s Choice sells fried chicken sandwiches, baked potatoes, concretes, hot dogs and more.

It still has several locations in the St. Louis area.