Day: October 30, 2025

For years, Olathe residents have shared one common wish — the return of Dillons. Well… they’re back! Dillons announced plans to bring Dillons Marketplace to Olathe, marking the company’s return to the Kansas City area. The new store will rest at the corner of College Avenue and Sunnybrook Boulevard, a prime location just across from Meadow Lane Elementary School and the Olathe Innovation Campus that includes Kansas State University – Olathe. The project represents more than just another grocery store — it’s a $40 million investment in the community that includes sitework, infrastructure, and new jobs, reinforcing Dillons’ confidence in Olathe’s growth. The announcement sparked excitement among Olathe leaders and residents who remember the long-standing Dillons tradition in our community. “We’re thrilled about this amazing project coming to Olathe,” said Mayor John Bacon. “It’s another huge win for our community and we can’t wait for Olathe to enjoy this one-of-a-kind marketplace. We’ve always had a wonderful relationship with Dillons and we look forward to their return.” Dillons had been a staple in Olathe until the early 2000s when they left the market. At that time, they had two stores in Olathe — one at the corner of Santa Fe and Buchanan, and the other at 151st and Mur-Len. The new Olathe site will be the first Dillons Marketplace in the Kansas City region — a modern, full-service grocery destination offering expanded selections, fresh products, and the friendly service Kansans have come to know and trust. While final details are still being developed, Dillons Stores Division President Steve Dreher said the company is working closely with the City of Olathe to shape plans for the new Marketplace. “We are excited to announce Dillons’ expansion into the Kansas City area with our first Dillons Marketplace in Olathe,” Dreher said. “This announcement marks not only Dillons’ return, but the beginning of our journey in the KC market.” The new Dillons Marketplace will reflect the brand’s evolution — featuring an elevated shopping experience with modern amenities, a wide selection of fresh and local foods, and the same exceptional value and customer service – a Dillons trademark. The Olathe announcement comes as Dillons continues to expand its footprint across northeast Kansas. Earlier this month, the company celebrated the grand opening of its newest store in Lawrence. With Olathe next in line, Dillons’ re-entry into the Kansas City area signals more than a return — it’s the start of a new chapter. For local shoppers, it means more access to the quality, freshness and community spirit that have long made Dillons a household name for so many years ago in Olathe.

A long-awaited entertainment district is coming into view in Olathe. The Heart of America Group announced plans to develop a vibrant, mixed-use project on the southeast corner of K-10 and Ridgeview Road, just south of the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center. The area has been undeveloped for more than 15 years and will become home to one of Olathe’s go-to spots for residents and visitors, alike. Designed to blend hospitality, entertainment, dining and residential living, the developers hope the area will become one of the most dynamic destinations in the region. The Heart of America Group isn’t new to creating such spaces. With 10 restaurant brands and 23 locations, 13 hotel brands and 20 locations, and a growing footprint that includes three Tommy’s Car Wash sites and eight Hyper Energy Bars, the company has established itself as a leader in hospitality development across the Midwest. That footprint stretches from revitalized downtowns to urban warehouse conversions — including recent hotel projects that have brought new life to an area along the Chicago River. Their upcoming seven-story mixed-use project in Des Moines, Iowa, featuring multi-family residential units and street-level commercial space, further proof of their innovation and design excellence. “The reason we talk about all these is to show that we’re not just a restaurant company, we’re not just a hotel company,” Chris Milligan, Vice President of Operations for the Heart of America Group said. “We’ve taken all of these things that we’ve done well. Now, we’re going to combine them into one project.” The Olathe project will feature two hotels — a Hilton Tapestry hotel and a Fairfield Inn & Suites — anchored by an entertainment corridor filled with restaurants, retail and outdoor gathering spaces. The Hilton Tapestry will include a rooftop bar which promises, “the best view in Olathe.” The plan also includes a multi-family residential complex designed with a “Main Street” feel, complete with pathways and walkways connecting residents directly to the retail and entertainment areas. Behind the hotels, patio spaces will feed into “Main Street” entertainment district — a flexible venue envisioned for concerts, art shows and community events. “The goal is to make this an entertainment area,” Milligan said. “We want it to be really engaging, because with the hotels in the vicinity, we could have thousands of guests here on any given weekend—and even more from just across the street at the Garmin Olathe Soccer Complex.” The development will include two parking structures and will cater to Olathe’s growing tourism and sports markets. Milligan noted that the project responds directly to findings from the Economic Strategic Plan, which identified a need for more restaurants and entertainment options within the city. “A couple of years ago, when the EDC brought in a consulting group to assess Olathe’s needs, nearly everyone in that room said the same thing: we need more entertainment,” Milligan recalled. “That’s exactly what we’re bringing here.” As Olathe continues to grow, the Heart of America Group sees opportunity — not competition. “There’s a lot of new development coming to Olathe,” Milligan said. “If you do it right, competition doesn’t bother you. And as we’ve seen, there’s huge demand. We’re excited about this project. There’s a lot happening in Olathe right now — and we’re ready to go.”