Wichita’s newest Braum’s opens next to lot where another Braum’s closed 16 years ago
Wichita’s 11th Braum’s store opened this morning with an eye-catching new sign out front.
The Braum’s, which is at 5730 E. Central, is hard to miss, mainly because of the giant hamburger and ice cream cone that decorate its sign.
Inside the newly constructed building, there’s 6,000 square feet, 2,000 of which is occupied by a Fresh Market area selling grocery items. There’s seating for 69 people inside the restaurant portion of the building, and it has a dual drive-through lane.
The store is the Braum’s chain’s 301st.
Residents near the area have had a long wait for the new Braum’s, plans for which were first announced in November 2016. Braum’s bought the property, and the owners of the restaurant that previously occupied the site — El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant — learned they’d have to move. They’ve since gone out of business.
The old El Rodeo building was quickly demolished but the property sat empty and waiting for the new Braum’s for five years. (Earlier this year, a Braum’s representative said it’s not unusual for the company to buy a site and then wait for the right time to start building.)
Many east siders have pointed out that a Braum’s once operated just behind the current site — at 545 N. Carriage Parkway. That store was in business until 2005, when the company closed it citing poor sales. In 2008, the former building was taken over by Innovative Physical Therapy, which remodeled the space and added Spanish and Italian accents to its exterior.
The new Braum’s will celebrate its opening with specials during the first week of November.
From Nov. 1 to 7, those who visit the store will get scratch cards that offer them chances at prizes like a television, Beats headphones, a laptop and food. The cards will be distributed only to those who go inside the store.
Then, from 1 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 6, kids 15 and under can get a free single dip of ice cream when accompanied by a parent. That offer is also good only for those who go inside the store.
This story was originally published October 19, 2021 at 10:41 AM.
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