November 5, 2022

By John Beaudoin

No one has wanted to open the doors of Calaveras more than owners Josh, Jeff and Lanni Edwards.

On Wednesday, Nov. 9, their second restaurant concept dream will come to fruition.

Calaveras, 219 SE Main Street in downtown Lee’s Summit, has been a work in progress for many months as the owners of neighboring Smoke Brewing Company work to perfect the menu and drink program of the upscale Mexican joint.

Operating out of the reimagined, former Peanut, owner Lanni Edwards said she envisioned a sexy date night spot that will leave restaurant-goers wanting even more.

“We’re creating something completely out of the ordinary for Lee’s Summit,” Lanni said. “This 100-year-old building was the perfect spot to build a playful, sexy restaurant that will be full of energy every night.”

The Calaveras menu – conceptualized in part by Executive Chef Josh Laufketter – will feature his classically trained take on Mexican cuisine, including everything from upscale tacos to ceviche, birrias and mixing and matching inspired proteins and vegetables with scratch-made sauces.

“We’re bringing a menu of French-inspired techniques to traditional Mexican ingredients,” said Laufketter, formerly a sous chef at the wildly popular Bluestem. “It’s going to be a fun and memorable culinary ride for our diners.”

The Edwards’ have also brought in restaurant veteran Reed Plumb as director of operations and Bryan Arri (Manifesto, Corvino Supper Club, The Monarch Bar) to run the bar program.

The 5,000-square-foot space in downtown Lee’s Summit will be open nightly for dinner and eventually feature a frozen-drink spot near the back deck. The target opening date is Wednesday, Nov. 9.

“We’re going to change how people think of a night out in Lee’s Summit,” Josh Edwards said. “Our menu, our drinks, your entire experience will be approachable but elevated.”

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