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
Startup embraces ‘digital labor’, creating personalized robots for tedious tasks — beginning with cold calls
Salespeople spend too much time searching for emails, making cold calls and setting up meetings — leaving less energy for comprehensive conversations and closing deals, said Nick Smith. His solution: robots for salespeople or, as he calls them, “Sailebots.” “One day I had a revelation that there could be a tool for these mundane tasks.…
Forbes names EquipmentShare to list of best startup employers for third straight year
Startland News’ Startup Road Trip series explores innovative and uncommon ideas finding success in rural America and Midwestern startup hubs outside the Kansas City metro. This series is possible thanks to the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, which leads a collaborative, nationwide effort to identify and remove large and small barriers to new business creation. COLUMBIA,…
Meet the people-first small biz advocate helping decode the language of entrepreneurship for KCMO
Editor’s note: The following profile on Samuel Morris, small business advocate for Kansas City, Missouri’s, KC BizCare Office is made possible by the office’s financial and programmatic partnership with Startland News. When the bell rang on Samuel Morris’ Kansas City teaching career, he knew he had to do something big as he stepped back out…
Warren ‘Stylez’ Harvey paints film legends set for induction into KC’s new Black Movie Hall of Fame
Editor’s note: The following story was originally published by 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. Making careful brush strokes, Warren “Stylez” Harvey uses bold shades of blue in his bright Midtown studio. He’s painting a young…