A walk-up window at 115 Main St. in downtown Parkville has become the newest place to grab boba, street corn, dumplings and a teriyaki chicken bowl all from the same counter. Sabor Express, owned by sisters Mari Chau and Naydelin Chau, officially opened in June with a menu that refuses to stay in one lane.
A Menu Built to Not Fit In One Box
The sisters created Sabor Express as a deliberately broad food-and-drink concept rather than a single-cuisine shop, according to Kansas City Pitch. “Sabor” means “flavor” in Spanish, while “Express” refers to the walk-up format. The menu includes boba, matcha, dirty Red Bulls and smoothies, along with street corn, dumplings, Sabor Fried Rice and a teriyaki chicken bowl.
Mari Chau said she and her sister did not want to be limited to one specific category when they built out the offerings. The pair also brings experience from elsewhere in the family business — Mari Chau has worked at K-Tacos & More, picking up skills in bartending, management, social media, menu development and events along the way, the outlet reports. Sabor Express marks the second business for the family behind K-Tacos & More.
A Hilltop Spot Chosen for Its Small-Business Feel
Part of a Changing Downtown
Sabor Express is opening within a downtown district that has seen documented investment. The City of Parkville says its economic-development efforts are intended to encourage new businesses and support existing businesses and their employees. In a fourth-quarter 2021 newsletter, the Parkville Economic Development Council reported that seven downtown buildings had completed renovations or were beginning them, an earlier example of investment in the district. The Main Street Parkville Association says it hosts recurring community events including the Parkville Microbrew Fest, 4th of July Celebration, Parkville Days and Christmas on the River. In a Jan. 29, 2026, release, the association also described historic downtown Parkville as home to more than 40 locally owned small businesses and nearly 20 food and beverage options, placing Sabor Express among a broader group of downtown businesses and attractions.
The shop's hilltop location gives customers another reason to seek it out as the sisters build awareness. They chose Parkville because of their community ties and the area's small-business atmosphere, and they have used social media, word of mouth and downtown foot traffic to introduce Sabor Express to customers.
That approach seems to fit with how the sisters talk about the business itself. Mari Chau said the two like experimenting and giving customers a reason to return, adding that she and Naydelin Chau do not want the menu to ever feel completely finished.
What's Next for Sabor Express
The sisters plan to keep changing the menu rather than settle on a fixed lineup. Reported plans include seasonal specials, new matcha and milk tea creations, additional food specials, collaborations and community events.
