Kansas City, Missouri, October 17, 2025
Gambino’s Pizza
Gambino’s Pizza is a regional pizza chain known for its flexible franchise model and strong community engagement, primarily serving small towns across Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Nebraska. Established with a focus on quality and variety, Gambino’s offers popular menu items including The Mobster, Taco Pizza, and a range of sandwiches, pasta, and calzones. Throughout its history, the company has expanded from locations in Grain Valley, Parkville, and Lenexa to new markets, including the recent opening of its first downtown Kansas City location at 1111 Main St. This expansion aligns with their strategic growth into urban markets, aiming to attract diverse customer bases and enhance service offerings while maintaining a community-oriented approach.
News Summary
Gambino’s Pizza is opening a new location at 1111 Main St. in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, early next year. This marks the chain’s first restaurant in the urban core, aiming to attract a vibrant lunch crowd with its popular menu items. The expansion is part of Gambino’s strategy to tap into urban markets, and it coincides with a new McDonald’s being built nearby. The franchise is already present in various locations around Kansas and Missouri, and this new site is expected to boost its customer base.
Kansas City, Missouri – Gambino’s Pizza is set to open a new location in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, early next year, marking its entry into the urban heart of the city. The company has secured a lease for a space at 1111 Main St., situated within the Town Pavilion building, and anticipates a strong customer base due to the area’s high foot traffic.
This will be Gambino’s first location directly in Kansas City, although the pizza chain currently operates in nearby areas, including Gardner, Eudora, and Spring Hill. Administrative director Barb Miller has expressed optimism about the opportunities this new site will bring for the business in a bustling downtown environment.
Previously, Gambino’s had locations in Grain Valley and Parkville. A former spot in Lenexa at 8725 Bourgade St. closed years ago and is now home to another establishment, Burg & Barrel. Gambino’s is primarily found in small towns across Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Nebraska.
The downtown location aims to attract a lunch crowd, capitalizing on the area’s vibrant foot traffic. Gambino’s is known for popular menu items, such as The Mobster and Taco Pizza, along with sandwiches like the Super Italian Sub, Meaty Meatball, and Roast Beef. Their offerings also include a variety of pasta and calzones.
Known for its flexible franchise model and strong community focus, Gambino’s Pizza is expanding its reach to enhance its service footprint. The new downtown Kansas City location aligns with the brand’s strategy to penetrate urban markets, diversifying its existing customer base. Adding to the area’s appeal, a new McDonald’s restaurant is under construction near the Gambino’s site, which is expected to bolster the vibrancy of the downtown atmosphere.
The McDonald’s will feature a modern design with a quick double drive-thru and fewer dining area seats, aimed at improving service for app users. Its construction is anticipated to conclude within 90 to 120 days, ideally in time for Labor Day on September 1.
Additionally, Gambino’s recently took over a former restaurant space in Derby to maintain a pizza buffet option after Talliano’s Pizzeria closed. The Derby location continues to serve a buffet experience for both lunch and dinner, while preserving much of its previous ambiance, despite moderate price increases. Rob Wagner, who also owns franchises in Winfield and Alva, Oklahoma, operates the Derby location. Gambino’s menu in Derby includes a range of items available through their buffet.
This expansion to downtown Kansas City indicates a significant growth phase for Gambino’s Pizza, as it seeks to introduce its distinctive pizza offerings to new urban customers while maintaining its commitment to community engagement and service quality.
FAQ Section
What is the location of the new Gambino’s Pizza in Kansas City?
The new Gambino’s Pizza location will be at 1111 Main St., within the Town Pavilion building.
When is the new Gambino’s Pizza location expected to open?
The new location is set to open early next year.
Has Gambino’s Pizza had locations in Kansas City before?
No, this is Gambino’s first location in Kansas City proper.
What are some popular menu items at Gambino’s Pizza?
Popular items include The Mobster and Taco Pizza, along with sandwiches like the Super Italian Sub, Meaty Meatball, and Roast Beef.
Is there another restaurant being built near the new Gambino’s Pizza?
Yes, a new McDonald’s restaurant is being constructed near the Gambino’s Pizza location, which is expected to enhance the area’s vibrancy.
Key Features of Gambino’s Pizza Expansion
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Location | 1111 Main St., Kansas City, Missouri |
| Opening Date | Early next year |
| Menu Highlights | The Mobster, Taco Pizza, Super Italian Sub, Meaty Meatball, Roast Beef |
| Nearby Construction | New McDonald’s with a quick double drive-thru |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- KOAM News Now: McDonald’s Building Near Gambino’s
- KSHB: Truck Crashes Into Eudora Pizza Shop
- Great Bend Tribune: Gambino’s Pizza Expansion
- Wikipedia: Gambino’s Pizza
- Google News: Gambino’s Pizza
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
