January 11, 2020

By Alyssa Lally
Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council

In November, Drake Development gave Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council investors a sneak peek at some of the first tenants to commit to the Streets of West Pryor Development, which is currently under construction near I-470 & Pryor Road. President Matt Pennington revealed that Firebirds Wood Fired Grill and First Watch would be among the restaurant tenants at the mixed-use development. The Streets of West Pryor location will be the first franchise in Lee’s Summit for both restaurants. Pennington said the restaurants are representative of the caliber of businesses that will be part of the development.

“Our whole team is being very selective about what goes in. This development, to me is kind of the trend-setter of Lee’s Summit.”

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill is based out of Charlotte, North Carolina. It offers chef-curated American fare out of its 100% from-scratch kitchen. The restaurant specializes in hand-cut steaks, sustainable seafood and craft cocktails. Popular menu items include a 21-day aged steak and an array of seasonal selections. Pennington said Firebirds focuses on quality when expanding its franchise.

“There’s only 3 locations opening in the whole country in 2020 – we’re one of them. So you can imagine what goes into that,” Pennington said.

As far as the new breakfast option, First Watch is based out of University Park, Florida. The restaurant has been serving up fresh, made-to-order breakfast and lunch since 1983. Among the many tempting menu items is its million-dollar bacon, which is baked with brown sugar, black pepper, cayenne and drizzled with maple syrup. Pennington said he is excited to welcome both of the restaurant tenants to the Streets of West Pryor.

“It’s not easy to get users like this,” said Pennington. “[It’s] A pretty special addition.”

More tenant announcements are set to come soon, but Pennington stressed that Drake is not in a rush to fill leases.

“We’re just taking our time making sure it’s the exact right users rather than just filling it up,” said Pennington.

The Streets of West Pryor began construction in the Spring of 2019. The 70-acre mixed use development will feature apartments, senior living, hotel, McKeever’s Market grocery store and connectability to nearby Lowenstein Park.

The first phase of Streets of West Pryor is on track to open in 2020.