Johnson County Steak ‘n Shake just closed. Now it will be a 24-hour Mexican restaurant

After closing in August, a former Overland Park Steak ‘n Shake will soon become a sit-down and drive-thru Mexican restaurant.

Good news for night owls: the new spot will be open 24 hours a day.

Nebraska-based Abelardo’s Mexican Fresh will open at 7510 Shawnee Mission Parkway in early to mid-January, said the chain’s broker, Karla Johnson.

After opening its first area location at 455 U.S. 69 three years ago, Abelardo’s has a “rapid expansion” plan, Johnson said.

This year alone, Abelardo’s opened spots at 5650 Hedge Ln Terrace in Shawnee, 2055 E. Santa Fe St. in Olathe, 12224 W. 135th St. in Overland Park, and 300 S.E. Third St. in Lee’s Summit.

Its Independence location, 1348 S. Noland Road, celebrates its grand opening Wednesday with live music and a 5 p.m. ribbon cutting ceremony.

“There’s a very modern feel to the locations,” Johnson said.

While some Kansas City area Abelardo’s are open as late as 2 a.m., this will be the area’s first all-hours Abelardo’s.

The chain has close to 50 locations, with several in Iowa, Oklahoma and Illinois.

Abelardo’s sells tacos, quesadillas, burritos and breakfast items, such as its huevos rancheros.

“They’ve been having really good results,” Johnson said. “One of the most powerful things about their food is that it’s very authentic.”

While Abelardo’s is on the rise, Steak ‘n Shake appears to be declining. In 2020, the company announced it would shutter dozens of stores.

Of three remaining Kansas City area Steak ‘n Shakes, only one — 9500 N.E. Barry Road — is not listed for sale or lease.

Steak ‘n Shake’s Shawnee Mission Parkway location had been open for decades before it closed.