Owner of closed downtown eatery says paid parking was a big part of his decision
Those who’ve driven downtown recently may have noticed that the space at 801 E. Douglas occupied by Wichita Cheesecake Company since August 2021 is vacant, and “for lease” signs are hanging in the window.
Owner Mark Daniels, who along with wife, Grace, first opened his cheesecake business in April 2019, says that the closure is only temporary. He’s secured a new spot on East Central, he said, though he’s not ready to share the address just yet. The business will reopen there but won’t have seating like the shop on Douglas did: It will be more of a carry-out setup, he said.
Daniels said he wasn’t sure yet when the shop would reopen at its new address. Until it does, he’s not selling cheesecake.
The reason Daniels decided to leave his downtown space, he said, comes down to the city’s decision to start charging for downtown parking.
“Costs are rising,” he said. “Parking had always been an issue, and it was becoming more of an issue.”
The city started its paid parking plan on July 1 along Douglas, St. Francis and Emporia in downtown Wichita. Over the next several weeks, it will add more meters to streets north of Waterman and to many north-south streets. The remainder of Douglas and other east-west streets also will be getting meters.
People must pay $1 an hour or a daily rate of $5 in a parking lot or $10 in a garage. Payments are made via phone or mobile app, though most kiosks will also accept cards or coins.
The Daniels first opened their business on one of the Union Station food kiosks but relocated to the Douglas and Rock Island Space, which previously had been home to a Scooter’s Coffee, four years ago. They served cheesecake by the slice plus coffee and a breakfast and lunch menu. People also could order whole cheesecakes.
Daniels said he would reach out when he was ready to announce his new address and opening date.
This story was originally published September 2, 2025 at 2:33 PM.
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