Lee’s Summit, February 8, 2026
Betty Rae’s Ice Cream has opened its second location in Lee’s Summit, highlighting the growth of local entrepreneurship in the Kansas City area. This expansion, marked by a grand opening celebration featuring free ice cream, showcases the brand’s commitment to quality and community involvement. With plans for further growth, Betty Rae’s is set to enhance the local economy and offer residents more delicious options, reinforcing the vibrant spirit of small businesses in the region.
Lee’s Summit Celebrates New Betty Rae’s Location, Bolstering Local Entrepreneurship
A beloved Kansas City ice cream institution expands its footprint, opening a second shop in Lee’s Summit and highlighting the vibrant spirit of small-business growth and community investment in the region.
Kansas City, MO – The local entrepreneurial landscape continues to flourish with the opening of a new Betty Rae’s Ice Cream shop in Lee’s Summit. This expansion marks the second establishment for the popular creamery within the thriving Lee’s Summit community, a testament to the resilience and innovative drive of local businesses. Such growth not only offers residents more choices but also strengthens the economic fabric of our neighborhoods, demonstrating how dedicated private enterprise can lead to significant community enrichment.
The consistent success and expansion of businesses like Betty Rae’s underscore the positive impact of an environment that fosters innovation and allows entrepreneurs to thrive. When local visionaries are empowered to pursue their passions and grow their enterprises, the entire region benefits from increased job creation, diversified local economies, and a stronger sense of community pride. The welcoming business climate in areas like Lee’s Summit provides fertile ground for such ventures, reflecting a shared commitment to fostering prosperity from the ground up.
The Journey of a Kansas City Favorite
Betty Rae’s Ice Cream first began serving its distinctive flavors in the Waldo neighborhood of Kansas City in 2015. The establishment was founded by David Friesen and Mary Nguyen, drawing inspiration from Friesen’s grandmother, Betty Rae, known for her inventive spirit and love of preparing treats. The early success led to the introduction of an ice cream truck and a second Kansas City location in the River Market district, which opened in 2018.
The brand has experienced significant evolution over the years, including changes in ownership that have further propelled its growth. In 2021, Alec Rodgers took the helm, and in May 2023, Matt Shatto, Vice President of Shatto Milk Company, acquired the business, including its existing locations and ice cream truck. Under Shatto’s leadership, there are plans for further expansion of physical locations, broader availability in grocery stores, and increased partnerships with local restaurants. This trajectory exemplifies entrepreneurial adaptation and strategic investment, ensuring a cherished local brand continues to reach more patrons.
A Sweet Addition to Lee’s Summit
The newest Betty Rae’s Ice Cream shop, located at 1636 SE Blue Parkway in Lee’s Summit, recently hosted its grand opening, becoming the second location for the company in the city. This expansion into Lee’s Summit underscores the city’s appeal as a dynamic and growing area within the Kansas City metropolitan region. Lee’s Summit is recognized as a thriving community with a growing business sector and a high quality of life, making it an attractive destination for expanding local enterprises.
Grand Opening Celebrations and Unique Offerings
To mark its grand opening, the Blue Parkway location in Lee’s Summit rolled out several special offers to welcome new customers. The first 50 individuals in line received free ice cream, up to two scoops. Additionally, all patrons enjoyed complimentary toppings and sauces throughout the entire day, along with free, handmade waffle cones. The celebration also featured exclusive breakfast-themed items for one day, including special maple syrup ice cream and unique donut breakfast sandwiches. These initiatives not only generate excitement but also showcase the innovative approach local businesses take to engage with their communities.
Betty Rae’s Commitment to Quality and Community
At its core, Betty Rae’s is dedicated to serving 26 housemade ice cream flavors, ranging from classic selections to inventive seasonal options. Beyond its culinary offerings, the company emphasizes a mission of serving its team, customers, and the broader community. A notable aspect of its operation is the annual dedication and donation of 10% of its profits to various local, national, and international organizations, charities, and individuals focused on community advancement. This commitment to philanthropy demonstrates a private enterprise actively investing in societal well-being, going beyond simple commerce to foster positive change.
Kansas City’s Flourishing Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
The expansion of Betty Rae’s is a microcosm of a larger trend in Kansas City, MO, where the entrepreneurial ecosystem is experiencing robust growth. Kansas City was identified in 2015 as one of the top five emerging cities globally for entrepreneur ecosystems. Organizations such as KCSourceLink play a vital role in connecting entrepreneurs with essential resources, helping to foster an environment where small businesses can start, grow, and accelerate. This coordinated effort contributes significantly to regional prosperity, with entrepreneurship being a recognized key economic driver. The focus on local innovation and private investment has positioned Kansas City as a leader in supporting fast-growth entrepreneurs, as noted by the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center’s ARIE report. The continued success of local ventures like Betty Rae’s underscores the benefits of a supportive business climate and the power of individual initiative in driving economic progress.
Conclusion
The opening of the new Betty Rae’s Ice Cream shop in Lee’s Summit is more than just a sweet treat for the community; it is a positive indicator of Kansas City small business resilience and the dynamic nature of our regional Missouri MO entrepreneurs. This expansion reflects strategic growth, personal achievement, and a commitment to community engagement, all hallmarks of a healthy local economy. As Betty Rae’s continues its journey, it exemplifies how local innovation, supported by a favorable economic environment, can contribute significantly to Kansas City MO business development and overall economic growth. We encourage residents to support local businesses like Betty Rae’s and remain engaged in the vibrant future of Kansas City’s economic landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When did Betty Rae’s Ice Cream first open?
- Betty Rae’s Ice Cream first began serving its distinctive flavors in the Waldo neighborhood of Kansas City in 2015.
- Who founded Betty Rae’s Ice Cream?
- Betty Rae’s Ice Cream was founded by David Friesen and Mary Nguyen.
- Where did Betty Rae’s Ice Cream open its new Lee’s Summit location?
- The newest Betty Rae’s Ice Cream shop is located at 1636 SE Blue Parkway in Lee’s Summit.
- What were some of the grand opening specials at the Lee’s Summit Blue Parkway location?
- Grand opening specials included free ice cream (up to two scoops) for the first 50 in line, free toppings and sauces all day, and free, handmade waffle cones all day. Special breakfast items like maple syrup ice cream and donut breakfast sandwiches were also offered for one day.
- What is Betty Rae’s Ice Cream’s approach to community involvement?
- Betty Rae’s Ice Cream dedicates and donates 10% of its profits annually to various local, national, and international organizations, charities, and individuals focused on community advancement.
- How does Kansas City’s entrepreneurial ecosystem contribute to business growth?
- Kansas City was identified in 2015 as one of the top five emerging cities globally for entrepreneur ecosystems. Organizations like KCSourceLink connect entrepreneurs with essential resources, and entrepreneurship is a recognized key economic driver for regional prosperity.
Key Features of Betty Rae’s Lee’s Summit Opening
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 1636 SE Blue Parkway, Lee’s Summit, MO |
| Significance | Second Betty Rae’s Ice Cream shop in Lee’s Summit, contributing to broader regional expansion |
| Grand Opening Specials | Free ice cream (first 50 in line, up to two scoops); Free toppings and sauces all day; Free handmade waffle cones all day |
| Special Menu Items | Maple syrup ice cream, donut breakfast sandwiches (for one day only) |
| Community Contribution | Betty Rae’s dedicates 10% of its annual profits to local, national, and international organizations |
| Ownership | Currently owned by Matt Shatto, Vice President of Shatto Milk Company, since May 2023 |
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Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
