Popular family chain opening elevated Mexican concept in Oak Park Mall’s former Five Guys, American Girl spots

Añejo Modern Mexican already had two area restaurants when it expanded with a downtown location this summer. Now it’s reopening in Johnson County in early 2027 thanks to an opportunity at one of the metro’s most iconic retail centers.

The locally-owned company said it is taking the former Five Guys space at 11331 W. 95th St. at the “signature” north entrance to Oak Park Mall, as well as part of the former American Girl space next door.

The new restaurant and bar will have a stage for soft live music, an outdoor lounge, an outdoor patio, and an indoor patio to accommodate up to 300 people.

“We are excited to create something that gives people another reason to visit the mall, not only for great Mexican food and cocktails, but for an experience that will feel energetic, elevated and completely unique to this area,” said Alex Sanchez, COO for Añejo.

The company is planning extensive remodeling, tapping Sullivan Palmer Architects in Merriam, and Torres Construction Group LLC in Olathe. 

A rendering shows the reimagined “signature” north entrance to Oak Park Mall, where Añejo Modern Mexican is expected to open a new restaurant in early 2027; image courtesy of Añejo Modern Mexican

Angel Martin Ortiz and his family opened the first Añejo location in Olathe in 2021. They later closed it and opened restaurants in Tanger Kansas City at the Legends in Kansas City, Kansas; Zona Rosa in the Northland; and more recently in the Commerce Bank Building at 1006 Walnut St., in the former Charisse restaurant space.

But its Johnson County fans pleaded with them to return.

In a statement, Angel Martin Ortiz said: “We can’t wait to welcome guests and continue serving the community that has supported us every step of the way.”

Oak Park Mall officials noted Añejo would bring its “celebrated blend of modern Mexican cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, and warm hospitality to Johnson County.” 

The restaurant’s Mango Wings are especially popular with sauce made in-house, as well as the Chile Verde Burrito with a choice of meats, and its tacos.

The menu also includes fajitas, skillets, tacos, enchiladas, pasta, shrimp ceviche, along with specialities such as carne asada, and poblano shrimp, and desserts such as mango passionfruit cheesecake.

But at Oak Park Mall, the family will expand the offerings with even more “modern, creative Mexican cuisine.” 

The Five Guys space at Oak Park Mall; photo by Joyce Smith

Five Guys closed in mid-July after nearly 16 years, saying Oak Park Mall did not renew its lease, but it wanted to stay. 

District Eat and Play had relocated to the former American Girl space but recently downsized to make way for the new restaurant. 

For Añejo’s COO Sanchez, it’s a full circle moment, he said.

Growing up, his family took him to the Rainforest Cafe in that part of the mall, where he would toss coins in the snapping mouths of the animatronic gator/crocodile. His first job was at the Five Guy’s. Then he was a security guard at American Girl. 

Now he’ll be back to open Añejo in the spots.

“Oak Park Mall has been a landmark in Johnson country for generations, and with the proposed redevelopment at the mall we see incredible opportunity to be part of its next chapter,” Sanchez said, referencing a plan to add hundreds of apartments, additional restaurants, an arts theatre, and a hotel to the complex. “Its central location, strong regional draw and continued evolution just made it seem to be the perfect home for Añejo.”