Johnson County breakfast restaurant in former Don Chilito’s finally has opening date

After three years of preparation, The Big Biscuit will finally open its Mission location at 7017 Johnson Drive.

The restaurant — which will operate in the former Don Chilito’s Mexican Restaurant — will begin serving customers on Sunday at 6:30 a.m.

“We kept the iconic entryway cutout as a symbol of the building’s history when it used to be Don Chilitos,” Big Biscuit’s president, Chad Offerdahl, said in a statement. “Our goal is to create a familiar feeling for the community. The interior includes a signature lighted ‘local’ sign, highlighting our hometown pride.”

Don Chilito’s operated for 50 years until second-generation owner Barry Cowden decided to retire.

“It’s kind of bittersweet, but it is what it is,” Cowden said at the time.

Headquartered in Prairie Village, The Big Biscuit offers buttermilk biscuits and gravy, omelets, pancakes and more.

This is the company’s 18th Kansas City area restaurant, with 27 total across Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. The Big Biscuit plans to expand to Northwest Arkansas in 2024.

Nearby spots include 12276 Shawnee Mission Parkway in Shawnee, and 5400 W. 95th St. in Prairie Village.

Two locations closed abruptly in November after Big Biscuit founder Dan Gerson died “unexpectedly,” according to a press release. Gerson independently owned the restaurants at 16506 E. U.S. Highway 40 in Independence and 530 N.W. Highway 7 in Blue Springs

Both reopened in January.