Wichita’s second Mokas will open next week on the city’s east side

If you’re among the people who have wondered which of the two new coffee shops going up across the street from each other near 13th and Webb in Wichita — Mokas or Starbucks — would be ready first, here’s your answer.

It looks like Mokas will win the race.

Wichita’s second Mokas will open at 1344 E. Veranda Drive this coming Tuesday, Sept. 17. Mokas, a small but growing chain, first arrived in Wichita in 2022, when it opened at 143 N. McLean Blvd. Mokas also has stores in Salina and in Colby.

The new east-side Mokas will be the first tenant in Laham Development’s new 20-acre, mixed-use Veranda Development on 13th Street between Webb and Greenwich. It will have the same menu as the first Wichita store, which sits near the Advanced Learning Library in downtown Wichita and serves coffee and espresso drinks, smoothies, pastries, sandwiches, wraps, soups, salads and more.

The new restaurant also will be open the same hours as the original Wichita Mokas: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays.

Scott Redler, one of the founders of Freddy’s Frozen Custard, serves as president for the Mokas chain, which is owned by JRI Hospitality. That group also owns five Chompi’s New York-style deli restaurants in Arizona and two The Original Grande taco restaurants — in Scott City and in Abilene.

Mokas still plans to add a restaurant in west Wichita, said JRI Hospitality owner Jason Ingermanson. The company even has bought property. But Ingermanson said this week that he’s still not quite ready to share the exact address.

The new Starbucks that is going up at 13th Street and Lindberg Circle, practically across the street from Mokas, could be open by November, said Waterfront developer Stephen Clark II. If it doesn’t make November, it’ll likely be early next year before the shop opens, he said.

This story was originally published September 11, 2024 at 1:13 PM.

Denise Neil

The Wichita Eagle

316-268-6327

Denise Neil has covered restaurants and entertainment since 1997. Her Dining with Denise Facebook page is the go-to place for diners to get information about local restaurants. She’s a regular judge at local food competitions and speaks to groups all over Wichita about dining.