Malisa Monyakula wants to welcome you home for the holidays; she already has an igloo waiting
December 19, 2024 | Taylor Wilmore
Adding pop-up holiday experiences at her popular Kansas City businesses is a way for Malisa Monyakula to bring back nostalgic memories of her childhood in Thailand, the restaurateur behind Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop said.
Holiday igloos outside Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop in Overland Park; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News
“Christmas is everywhere in Thailand,” she said, noting the classic American holiday celebrations are vibrant despite the country’s predominantly Buddhist population. “The rainy season ends in October, and from November to March, it’s peak tourist season. Every store and mall plays Christmas music and puts up decorations. You’d think you were in the U.S.”
Monyakula brings that festive vibe back at Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop’s Overland Park location — with its cozy winter igloos — as well as at its homey sister business, The House, in Westwood — where holiday revelers can find a welcoming pop-up bar.
“People love them. Everybody just has a fantastic time,” Monyakula said of the seasonal features. “When they leave, they’re just delightful. It’s fun to see.”
A Grinchy look at one of the holiday igloos outside Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop in Overland Park; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News
The eye-catching igloos provide a whimsical dining experience with each space decked out with holiday decorations, creating a magical winter escape.
Reservations are required for the igloos, and guests can choose a pre-fixe menu with holiday-themed cocktails or order from Lulu’s regular menu. The experience combines festive flair with Lulu’s signature Thai flavors.
ICYMI: Naughty or nice night for a drink: Your guide to Kansas City holiday bar getaways
Ho Ho Ho at The House, 2707 W. 47th St., Westwood; courtesy photo
House party holiday pop-up
The House, located in Westwood, transforms into “Ho-Ho-Ho at The House” during the holiday season. Unlike many pop-ups that require reservations or fees, The House operates on a walk-in basis, a feature that visitors appreciate.
Ho Ho Ho at The House, 2707 W. 47th St., Westwood; courtesy photo
“It’s our second year doing this,” Monyakula said. “A lot of holiday pop-ups require bookings and charge reservation fees, but The House doesn’t. That’s important to me — to make it inclusive.”
The retro-inspired bar is adorned with holiday décor, featuring a turntable and record collection for nostalgic vibes. Inside seating is cozy, accommodating about 20 guests, while outdoor seating includes heaters and a fire pit for fresh-air enthusiasts.
“When the weather’s in the 50s, we have heaters and a fire pit outside,” Monyakula said, noting families can gather for s’mores, play cornhole, and enjoy other kid-friendly activities, making The House a welcoming spot for all ages.
Monyakula plans to continue these holiday traditions.
“Every year, we’ll keep doing this,” she said.
The House aims to be a year-round neighborhood gathering place where locals can relax, enjoy a cocktail, and feel at home.
“I wanted it to be a place where you can have some cocktails, walk home, and be safe,” Monyakula said. “A neighborhood bar go-to.”
Featured Business
Taylor Wilmore
Taylor Wilmore, hailing from Lee’s Summit, is a dedicated reporter and a recent graduate of the University of Missouri, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism. Taylor channels her deep-seated passion for writing and storytelling to create compelling narratives that shed light on the diverse residents of Kansas City.
Prior to her role at Startland News, Taylor made valuable contributions as a reporter for the Columbia Missourian newspaper, where she covered a wide range of community news and higher education stories.
2024 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Hemp acres shrink across Midwest; USDA data shows farmers turning away from CBD
Editor’s note: The following story was published by Harvest Public Media and KCUR, Kansas City’s NPR member station, and a fellow member of the KC Media Collective. Click here to read the original story or here to sign up for KCUR’s email newsletter. Fewer farmers are planting hemp across the Midwest and Great Plains; The decline is most acute in…
Her iconic KC business made her queen of the road; why Gail Worth is switching gears into retirement
Gail Worth is hitting the open road of retirement — putting 25 years at her premier motorcycle dealership in the rearview mirror. And the Grandview business — Gail’s (formerly known as Gail’s Harley-Davidson) — that she made popular with her community drive and over-the-handlebars personality, is closing on Worth’s own terms, she said proudly. “I’m…
Drivers are on-the-go; scheduling real-time repairs should be just as mobile, say UnDriveable founders
A Kansas City autotech startup is empowering motorists to easily browse and select nearby services — whether scheduling maintenance or requesting more dire roadside assistance — without adding to the anxiety and stress of the driver’s moment in need. “It was really evident that there was a need to connect people in a different way…
When your hobby takes a leap: Turning passion into a business
Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. Latasha Randle is a Strategy & Small Business Program Manager at H&R Block, a company founded and headquartered in downtown Kansas City. Many of us have hobbies that spark joy and help us unwind from the stresses of everyday life. From gardening, painting, knitting,…