Lion’s Choice: Served with Pride

Before or after work, in between car-pooling kids to practice, on your way home from a late night out; these are all instances in which we opt for a quick meal served out of a drive-through window. When you think “fast food,” you might think of the burger chain down the street. One quick-serve restaurant set out to bring new meaning to the industry with high-quality, slow-roasted top round beef and one-of-a-kind customer service: Lion’s Choice.

The first location opened its doors in Ballwin, Missouri, in 1967. The local favorite expanded quickly and it now serves over 20 locations in the greater St. Louis area. “It was founded with the idea of creating a sit-down family restaurant that was not only convenient but made with high- quality ingredients that guests could feel good about,” said Nancy Siemer, vice president of operations.

Lion’s Choice is proud to serve freshly prepared sandwiches crafted with slow-roasted top round beef. “We hold the same values today that we had back in 1967,” Nancy said. “Our menu is centered around 100 percent lean beef that is cooked perfectly medium rare and sliced to order.” 

With a variety of sandwiches, from the famous roast beef to a classic hardwood smoked ham, customers have endless options to make their meal just right. “Each guest can get Lion’s Choice their way, from our large sauce station and bun choices to their choice of cheese and rarity of meat,” Nancy said. Health-conscious? No problem! Lion’s Choice even offers some healthier options such as salads, gluten free, wheat buns and veggie sticks.

Luckily for locals, the newest Lion’s Choice location, in Olathe, is one of the first to serve breakfast! The breakfast menu features items such as hot breakfast steak ’n’ egg flatbreads, fresh pastries and a cinnamon pull-apart that will make your morning. 

Lion’s Choice ensures your meal is served with a side of ambiance. Both current Kansas City locations, Olathe and Independence, feature rustic interiors with reclaimed wood accents, hand-painted murals and a custom-made wooden logo of the iconic lion head. “The red brick exterior gives a nod to our St. Louis roots,” Nancy said. Overland Park and Liberty can expect their own Lion’s Choice locations to open soon!

The food isn’t the only authentic aspect of this restaurant. “We have a phenomenal team that is proud to serve high-quality food with genuinely friendly service. Some of our team members have been with us for over 40 years,” Nancy said. “By creating new possibilities and opportunities through excellence, trust, respect and accountability, Lion’s Choice has created a culture of warmth and belonging.”

The brand strives to serve quality food, a kind smile and an overall positive customer experience. Lion’s Choice offers online ordering and delivery through DoorDash, so you can enjoy slow-roasted perfection from the comfort of your own home or cubicle. Guests can conveniently skip the line and order through the Lion’s Choice app or by visiting lionschoice.com.  

With so many options for ordering and the guarantee of a delicious meal, the hardest part of visiting your local Lion’s Choice will be deciding your entrée. The VP’s pick? “I’d have to say our ridiculously good roast beef,” Nancy confirmed. “I would recommend a roast beef sandwich with swiss cheese, on a buttery toasted bun, with a dash of seasoning, served with our skin on, brined and blanched delicious French fries!”

Lion’s Choice has one goal: “It’s to deliver ridiculously good food with genuinely friendly service every chance we get!” Nancy affirmed. Experience the quality and stop in to the Olathe or Independence Lion’s Choice for breakfast, lunch or dinner! ■

See a full list of locations, menu items and hours at lionschoice.com.

Cravings writer Meg Dieter is a Kansas City transplant from Cleveland, Ohio. She’s a wife, dog mom, foodie and social media coordinator. Meg spends her weekends at Arrowhead Stadium, River Market and local animal shelters. Her life motto: count the memories, not the calories.