As a regular patron of this incredible establishment, and due to the lack of transparency from management and new ownership, I did some digging to figure out why Happy Gillis has been closed since July 4th. Here is what I found from Reddit in regards to the closure: “Former Happy Gillis employee here. The reason so many of us left comes down entirely to the current owner. He consistently treated the staff poorly, showing little regard for the people who made the restaurant what it was. It seemed like he bought Happy Gillis as a vanity project—without fully understanding the financial realities of running a restaurant or doing the proper research. He overpaid, underestimated the work involved, and rarely showed up to do his part. He never truly stepped into the role of an owner—not even briefly.
Yes, the A/C really did go out on the 4th, and that moment was a breaking point for the team. Several staff members had already lined up new jobs, and no one was hired to replace them. By the time we said our goodbyes, the writing was on the wall.
I could go on about how it all unraveled, but I’ll leave it at this: I hope he sells the place to someone who understands the legacy of Happy Gillis and can bring it back to life. It deserves that.
To our loyal, kind customer base—I’m deeply sorry the truth hasn’t been shared more transparently. The owner turned his back on an incredibly strong and talented staff—people who cared deeply for one another, for our community, and for making food with integrity.
If you’re wondering where to go for brunch these days, go say hello to the wonderful folks at You Say Tomato, Seven Swans, Mildred’s, or Good Karma Coffee. That’s where I’m getting my brunch fix now. ❤️”
I’ve been eating at Happy Gillis since 2019 and am deeply disappointed that it was acquired by someone with so little care for the values that have always been upheld here. May the staff move on to greener pastures and hopefully someday we can see this Kansas City staple picked up by someone who understands that good business starts with fair treatment of staff.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Andrea Nett
My favorite breakfast hangout. Always terrific!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jason Bigler
Quaint little eatery in Columbus Park. They make an excellent breakfast sandwich with crispy bacon and fluffy scrambled eggs.
Always a good stop, but beware during prime breakfast and lunch times, there can be a long wait due to limited seating available. Worth the wait though!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Classic Breakfast Plate
Dee Crossland
This place was recommended by millennial family to late boomers. Too popular, too trendy, too loud, too small, too cold. Been there, done that. I arrived early, got a table, and when my friend arrived, we were told we both had to get in line and hope a table was open when we got our order. The line was out the door on a sub-zero day. Menu looked great, and plates coming out looked delicious, but we left and Googled a quiet cafe out of downtown so we could relax and visit before an event.
John Mascal
I have just had breakfast numerous times. It is always fresh and very tasty!
Jessie Lesus
Sat outside and had breakfast on the patio and the atmosphere was great!! Amazing local spot. The food was very good, definitely one of our new favorite places.
Jessica Van Maanen
Creative menu - food was delicious! Great gluten free options. Gracious staff.
auston gregg
This place is amazing I have been to alot of hipster type of places and they care more about being hip then good food. This place is not one there food was absolutely amazing the biscuits are homemade the gravy is the perfect texture and consistency with a nice tiny hint of spice that i loved. There breakfast sandwiches had eggs that where creamy and perfect crunch of bacon and the hole vibe was just really nice first time ever i have enjoyed a hipster style breakfast place
C. Michael Barsotti
News owners doing a great job, great crew, great food. Still very loud.
Cozy, interesting, and the food is delicious
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
As a regular patron of this incredible establishment, and due to the lack of transparency from management and new ownership, I did some digging to figure out why Happy Gillis has been closed since July 4th. Here is what I found from Reddit in regards to the closure:
“Former Happy Gillis employee here. The reason so many of us left comes down entirely to the current owner. He consistently treated the staff poorly, showing little regard for the people who made the restaurant what it was. It seemed like he bought Happy Gillis as a vanity project—without fully understanding the financial realities of running a restaurant or doing the proper research. He overpaid, underestimated the work involved, and rarely showed up to do his part. He never truly stepped into the role of an owner—not even briefly.
Yes, the A/C really did go out on the 4th, and that moment was a breaking point for the team. Several staff members had already lined up new jobs, and no one was hired to replace them. By the time we said our goodbyes, the writing was on the wall.
I could go on about how it all unraveled, but I’ll leave it at this: I hope he sells the place to someone who understands the legacy of Happy Gillis and can bring it back to life. It deserves that.
To our loyal, kind customer base—I’m deeply sorry the truth hasn’t been shared more transparently. The owner turned his back on an incredibly strong and talented staff—people who cared deeply for one another, for our community, and for making food with integrity.
If you’re wondering where to go for brunch these days, go say hello to the wonderful folks at You Say Tomato, Seven Swans, Mildred’s, or Good Karma Coffee. That’s where I’m getting my brunch fix now. ❤️”
I’ve been eating at Happy Gillis since 2019 and am deeply disappointed that it was acquired by someone with so little care for the values that have always been upheld here. May the staff move on to greener pastures and hopefully someday we can see this Kansas City staple picked up by someone who understands that good business starts with fair treatment of staff.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My favorite breakfast hangout. Always terrific!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Quaint little eatery in Columbus Park. They make an excellent breakfast sandwich with crispy bacon and fluffy scrambled eggs.
Always a good stop, but beware during prime breakfast and lunch times, there can be a long wait due to limited seating available. Worth the wait though!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Classic Breakfast Plate
This place was recommended by millennial family to late boomers. Too popular, too trendy, too loud, too small, too cold. Been there, done that. I arrived early, got a table, and when my friend arrived, we were told we both had to get in line and hope a table was open when we got our order. The line was out the door on a sub-zero day. Menu looked great, and plates coming out looked delicious, but we left and Googled a quiet cafe out of downtown so we could relax and visit before an event.
I have just had breakfast numerous times. It is always fresh and very tasty!
Sat outside and had breakfast on the patio and the atmosphere was great!! Amazing local spot. The food was very good, definitely one of our new favorite places.
Creative menu - food was delicious! Great gluten free options. Gracious staff.
This place is amazing I have been to alot of hipster type of places and they care more about being hip then good food. This place is not one there food was absolutely amazing the biscuits are homemade the gravy is the perfect texture and consistency with a nice tiny hint of spice that i loved. There breakfast sandwiches had eggs that where creamy and perfect crunch of bacon and the hole vibe was just really nice first time ever i have enjoyed a hipster style breakfast place
News owners doing a great job, great crew, great food. Still very loud.
Restaurantji Recommends
Great breakfast place. The breakfast torta is decent, but the biscuits and gravy is exceptional.
Small but cozy place. The food is really good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Eggs Bacon & Toast, Breakfast Sandwich, Biscuits and Gravy
Such a vibe, I liked that the food was both home town but with a flair. The inside was decorated and you felt like you were at a good ole local spot.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
It gets packed, so be ready and patient. They have the best, the best biscuits and gravy, the best! YUM!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food is good. The service is indifferent. The portions are for anorexic, bulimic ballerinas.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 3
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