Betty Rae’s Ice Cream
Betty Rae’s Ice Cream is a popular regional ice cream chain based in the Midwest, with multiple locations across Kansas City and nearby areas. Founded with a focus on unique flavors and high-quality products, the company has expanded over the years to include several retail outlets in Waldo, River Market, Olathe, Prairie Village, Overland Park, and Merriam. In 2023, the ownership changed when Matt Shatto of Shatto Milk Co. acquired Betty Rae’s, leading to significant expansion plans, including new franchise opportunities and product diversification through grocery store sales and community events. The company is committed to growing its footprint and strengthening community ties through engagement and local presence.
News Summary
Betty Rae’s Ice Cream is expanding to Shawnee, Kansas, with a new location at Monticello Center, set to open in early July 2025. This marks the seventh outlet for the popular ice cream chain, which plans further growth under new ownership. Recently acquired by Matt Shatto, the franchise is diversifying its products and enhancing community engagement, with additional ice cream trucks and grocery store sales. Betty Rae’s aims to solidify its presence across the Midwest while strengthening ties with local communities.
Shawnee Welcomes New Betty Rae’s Ice Cream Location
Shawnee, Kansas is set to welcome a new Betty Rae’s Ice Cream location at the Monticello Center located at 22350 West 66th Street. The new store is anticipated to open its doors in early July 2025, marking the seventh location for the popular ice cream chain.
The opening of this new store expands Betty Rae’s current presence, which includes six other locations in Waldo, River Market, Olathe, Prairie Village, Overland Park, and a test kitchen in Merriam. This strategic move is part of the company’s plan to broaden its reach across the Midwest.
Expansion Under New Ownership
In 2023, the ownership of Betty Rae’s shifted when Matt Shatto, owner of Shatto Milk Co., acquired the franchise. Under Shatto’s leadership, Betty Rae’s is undergoing a significant expansion with a new franchise program. Currently, there are two franchise locations operating in Omaha, Nebraska, and the company is actively pursuing additional franchise opportunities in other cities including St. Louis, Nashville, Wichita, Bentonville, and Tulsa.
Product Diversification and Community Engagement
In addition to opening new locations, Betty Rae’s has begun selling ice cream pints in local grocery stores since 2023. This initiative is designed to make its products more accessible to customers who prefer to enjoy their favorite flavors at home. Furthermore, the ice cream chain has enhanced its community presence by adding a second ice cream truck, which will service various events throughout the Kansas City area.
Looking to the Future
Betty Rae’s Ice Cream is committed to expanding its footprint in local suburbs and beyond. With the establishment of franchise opportunities and the recent investments in production and distribution methods, Betty Rae’s aims to not only grow its business but also strengthen its ties with the communities it serves. The company’s focus on customer engagement through events and local sales suggests a thoughtful approach to building lasting relationships with its clientele.
Conclusion
As the planned opening of the new Shawnee location approaches, the community can look forward to indulging in Betty Rae’s unique flavors and quality products. With ongoing expansions across the Midwest and a strong focus on community involvement, Betty Rae’s continues to solidify its position as a prominent ice cream vendor in the region.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- KCTV5: Newest Seventh Betty Rae’s Location Set to Open in Shawnee
- Kansas City Star: Business Openings and Closings
- MSN: Betty Rae’s Ice Cream Opening New Location in Shawnee
- Fox4KC: Betty Rae’s Ice Cream Opens New Location in Shawnee
- Wikipedia: Ice Cream
- Encyclopedia Britannica: 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.
