Topeka, Kansas, October 22, 2025
Braum’s
Braum’s is a well-established ice cream and fast food chain based in Oklahoma with a rich history dating back to the 1930s. Founded amid the growth of the dairy industry in Kansas, the company was inspired by its founder, Bill Braum, who graduated from the University of Kansas and had deep roots in the local dairy sector. Starting with a butter processing plant in Emporia, Kansas, Braum’s expanded into the ice cream and dairy store business in Oklahoma City in 1968. Over the decades, it has grown to operate more than 300 locations across Kansas, Missouri, Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Known for its commitment to product freshness and regional growth, Braum’s continues to expand, with recent plans to open new stores in Topeka, Kansas, demonstrating its ongoing dedication to serving its customers while maintaining its regional heritage.
News Summary
Braum’s, an Oklahoma-based ice cream and fast food chain, is set to expand into Topeka, Kansas, with plans for three new locations. The company has already acquired properties for the new stores and received demolition permits for two sites. Although specific opening dates have not been established, Braum’s aims to offer new layouts similar to their other locations. With a goal to increase their footprint in the region, they now have plans stretching to 330 miles from their dairy farm, marking significant growth despite challenges in the Kansas City area.
Topeka, Kansas – Braum’s, an Oklahoma-based ice cream and fast food chain, is planning an expansion into Topeka, Kansas, with intentions to develop three new locations. The company has acquired properties in the city, although it has not established a specific timeline for these new openings.
The identified locations for Braum’s new stores include:
– 1241 SW Gage Blvd (the former site of a Wendy’s)
– 700 SW Topeka Blvd
– An undisclosed site near Southwest Huntoon Street and Southwest Gage Boulevard.
To facilitate the upcoming construction, Braum’s has received commercial demolition permits for two of the acquired locations from the city of Topeka. The company is in the process of “cleaning up” these sites, aiming to build new stores that will feature layouts similar to those found in other cities where Braum’s operates.
Braum’s has relaxed its previous restriction that limited site selection to locations within 300 miles of its dairy farm located in Tuttle, Oklahoma, extending this range to 330 miles. However, Kansas City, which is at least 360 miles away from the Tuttle dairy, remains off the radar for expansion.
Currently, Braum’s operates over 300 locations across Kansas, Missouri, Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. The chain began its operations in the 1930s with the opening of a butter processing plant in Emporia, Kansas. It then established its first Braum’s Ice Cream and Dairy Store in Oklahoma City in 1968, expanding from there.
In Kansas, Wichita boasts the highest number of Braum’s locations, with 12 stores currently in operation. Emporia and Salina each have two locations, while plans for a Braum’s in Lawrence have faced delays, with no projected timeline in place for that site either. In 2024, Braum’s proposed future developments in both Topeka and Lawrence, highlighting its ongoing commitment to growth despite current challenges.
Braum’s commitment to product freshness influences its site selection process; the distance from its dairy sources is a key factor. The historical background of the company also ties deeply to Kansas, as founder Bill Braum not only graduated from the University of Kansas but also had roots in the local dairy industry.
In summary, Braum’s expansion into Topeka represents a strategic move to grow its footprint in the region, although challenges remain for entry into the Kansas City market.
FAQ
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What is Braum’s planning in Topeka, Kansas?
Braum’s is contemplating expansion to three locations in Topeka, Kansas. -
Where will the new Braum’s locations be in Topeka?
The three intended locations in Topeka include:- 1241 SW Gage Blvd (formerly a Wendy’s)
- 700 SW Topeka Blvd
- An undisclosed third site near Southwest Huntoon Street and Southwest Gage Boulevard.
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What has Braum’s received from the city of Topeka?
Braum’s has received commercial demolition permits for two of the locations issued by the city of Topeka. -
How far can Braum’s now expand from its dairy farm?
Braum’s has relaxed its former restriction of not venturing more than 300 miles from its dairy farm in Tuttle, Oklahoma, increasing it to 330 miles. -
Why is Kansas City currently not an option for Braum’s?
Kansas City is located at least 360 miles from the Tuttle farm, making it currently unviable for Braum’s to enter that market.
Key Features of Braum’s Expansion
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Locations | Three sites in Topeka, Kansas |
| Demolition Permits | Received for two locations |
| New Layouts | Similar to other cities |
| Distance from Dairy | Extended to 330 miles |
| Kansas City Viability | Currently 360 miles from Tuttle |
| Overall Operations | Over 300 locations across 5 states |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Cjonline: Braum’s Ice Cream Expansion in Topeka
- KSNT: Braum’s Cleaning Up Two Sites in Topeka
- KLTV: Braum’s Restoration Initiatives
- Wikipedia: Braum’s
- Google Search: Braum’s Ice Cream
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.
