REVIEW
I LOVE YOU
IT’S POSSIBLE you’re one of the locals plagued with fond memories
of biscuits and gravy and thick-cut slices of greasy bacon from the restaurant space at the corner of Gillis and Pacific in Columbus Park, the late Happy Gillis. Surely, you grieved its demise. It’s also possible that when you heard the notable chefs behind The Town Co.—currently one of Kansas City’s top fine-dining destinations—Johnny and Helen Jo Leach, were taking over the neighborhood corner spot, you paused at the idea of a “chef-driven neighborhood restaurant.” If this is you, dear reader, the Leaches are quite aware of your hesitancy—and, ideally, your curiosity—about their new breakfast and lunch restaurant, Dear Donna. That’s why they treaded lightly, giving their juicy scoop to Northeast News first (No, I’m not salty. Why do you ask?) as a show of love to their new community and repeatedly reassuring the public, “We have every intention of keeping this restaurant a casual neighborhood spot.” Nearly four months into their newest venture—with a menu that lists things like meatloaf sandwiches, french fries and granola parfaits and a wine list that simply reads “Red,” “Rose,” “White” and “Sparklin’”—it’s evident the Leaches, alongside business partner Sondy Bojanic, have delivered on that promise, though not without their refined sensibilities. kansascitymag.com July 2026
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