Imo's Pizza, the St. Louis–based chain known for its thin, cracker-like crust and unapologetic devotion to Provel cheese, opened Monday at Metro North Crossing, 8502 N. Jefferson St., Suite D. Yes, that Provel — the processed, creamy, polarizing blend that sparks more debate than Chiefs draft picks.
The new location offers the full Imo’s lineup: specialty pizzas cut into squares (because triangles are apparently too mainstream), toasted ravioli, salads, sandwiches, and the Midwest staple that refuses to quit — Gooey Butter Cake.
Founded in 1964, Imo’s has grown to more than 98 locations across Missouri, Kansas, and Illinois. The company already operates area stores in Kansas City, Kansas, and Overland Park, and it’s actively seeking “passionate local franchise partners” to expand further across the metro. Translation: this may not be the last Provel outpost headed our way.
Which brings us to the elephant in the pizza box.
For decades, Northlanders craving St. Louis–style pizza didn’t have to cross state lines or pledge allegiance to a franchise. They just drove to Leo's Pizza in Gladstone — long regarded as Kansas City’s lone, steadfast ambassador of St. Louis–style pie. Leo’s has quietly served up square-cut thin crust for years, building a loyal following in a barbecue-dominated region that doesn’t always know what to make of Provel.
Maybe. Maybe not.
Chain recognition and marketing muscle can be a powerful thing. But so can decades of neighborhood loyalty, familiar faces behind the counter, and the comfort of knowing your pizza spot survived disco, dial-up internet, and multiple stadium tax debates.
Employees were seen earlier this month preparing the Metro North Crossing space for its debut, and opening-day buzz suggests Northlanders are at least curious. Whether that curiosity becomes long-term devotion — or just a brief fling with toasted ravioli — remains to be seen.
In the meantime, pizza fans in the Northland now have options. And in Kansas City, where we take our food allegiances seriously, that’s either a blessing… or the beginning of a delicious turf war.
#openings #KC #Northland #pizza #Gladstone
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