Health-forward Safi Fresh opens in Waldo; 18th & Vine spot (and loaded fries) on the way

Expansion is a natural fit for LaRonda Lanear, whose Safi Fresh brand continues spreading across Kansas City.

A Safi Fresh employ rolls a fresh wrap at the business’ new Waldo location; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

Between Safi Fresh’s growing presence at Kansas City International Airport, a newly opened Waldo storefront and another expansion headed to the 18th and Vine District through Kansas City’s Open Doors! program, Lanear is building a brand centered on wellness, community and flavor.

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“It’s helping me get recognized on more of a national level,” Lanear said of the airport location. “A lot of people are flying through, and I’ll get people emailing me from Texas or Atlanta saying, ‘Can you open a location down here?’”

What started as a catering and meal prep business called We Got It Covered steadily evolved into Safi Fresh, a concept rooted in accessible wellness and flavorful food designed to leave customers energized instead of sluggish.

“We’re probably about 85 percent produce,” she said. “To me, it’s food that really feeds the soul. It helps you stay more clear-minded. You’re not all groggy and weighed down.”

Safi Fresh in Waldo; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

Waldo becomes home base

Safi Fresh’s new Waldo location opened just weeks ago, but Lanear already sees it becoming more than a quick lunch stop. She wants it to feel like the kind of neighborhood staple where customers gather regularly.

Safi Fresh at 8133 Wornall Rd, Kansas City; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

“The other day, I had two local residents come in, and we sat and talked for probably 45 minutes about random things,” she said. “Having those types of interactions with local residents is really what I’m striving for.”

Waldo itself helped pull Safi Fresh into the neighborhood. Lanear said encouragement from landlords and neighbors helped solidify the decision to expand there.

“Waldo kind of chose me,” she said. “After I met with the landlords, it pretty much solidified it for me. They’re pushing me and making sure they can do everything in their power to help me succeed.”

Safi Fresh slots neatly into Waldo’s increasingly wellness-conscious corridor while carving out its own lane with wraps, bowls, smoothies and breakfast offerings that blend comfort and nutrition. She credits years of personal health exploration and experimentation in the kitchen for helping shape the menu.

“I know what flavors mesh well,” she said. “People probably wouldn’t think to mix sweet potatoes and eggs and then throw spinach in there. I’ve done it for so many years for myself that I know how to create meals for everybody else.”

LaRonda Lanear dices meat for a fresh wrap at the new Safi Fresh location in Waldo; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

Next stop: 18th and Vine

As Safi Fresh settles into Waldo, Lanear is already preparing for another ambitious venture through Kansas City’s Open Doors! program, which activates vacant storefronts and supports entrepreneurs in historically significant corridors.

Lanear and fellow entrepreneur Erica Harris, owner of Cupcakin Bakery, will occupy the former Soirée space in the 18th and Vine District. The collaborative concept is expected to open in early June.

The new concept will lean more heavily into the district’s entertainment energy, featuring loaded fries, wraps, bowls, brunch offerings, drinks and pop-up events designed to bring people together before and after nearby events.

“It’s going to be more of a pop-up-style menu,” she said. “We’re in an entertainment district, so loaded fries are a must. I’m going to have some breakfast options for early risers and things like that. It should have a really good vibe.”

With the FIFA World Cup coming to Kansas City in 2026, Lanear sees the expansion as another opportunity to elevate not only Safi Fresh, but fellow entrepreneurs as well. She plans to use the larger space to collaborate and create visibility for additional small businesses.

“I’m also going to bring in other small business owners so they can take advantage of the opportunity too,” said Lanear, “I’m not going to be greedy. Since we have the space to bring in other business owners, we’re looking at who fits best with our concept.”

For Lanear, growth has never been about standing still. From airport travelers grabbing healthy meals between flights to Waldo residents settling into a new breakfast routine, Safi Fresh continues planting roots across Kansas City.

“I’m excited more than anything,” she said. “I don’t feel nervous because I work really well under pressure. It’s going to be a great look.”