National chain quietly, and abruptly, closed two Wichita stores

There’s been talk for a while that Baskin-Robbins would close its two stores in Wichita — one version had it that the Massachusetts-based company was waiting for supplies to dwindle — but now, it’s happened.

It appears employees may have been just as surprised as customers.

“Dear Employees and Customers,” a sign at both stores reads, “It is with great sadness that we announce the permanent closure of our store, effective immediately. We have appreciated your business and loyalty over the years and are sorry to have to take this step.”

The note told employees they’d get their final wages this week.

The stores — one at Cambridge Market, at 21st and Webb Road, and one in a strip center near 21st and Tyler — once had been franchise stores. The company has owned and operated them in more recent years.

No one with Baskin-Robbins returned a request for comment.

This story was originally published March 28, 2023 at 4:53 PM.