North Kansas City Welcomes New Bakery with Open Arms
On a sunny Monday morning, a sense of excitement filled the air in North Kansas City as McLain’s Bakery opened its doors for the first time at its new location. “Welcome to McLain’s!” announced an employee in a charming cream-colored T-shirt, instantly bringing smiles to the faces of the eager customers waiting in line.
For years, fans of this beloved bakery had to make a trek across the river and drive several miles to satisfy their cravings. But now, the highly anticipated opening at 1720 Swift St., right beneath the Oxbow Apartments, marked a big day for those fond of their famous pastries.
Among the crowd was Sheila Lillis, a third-generation patron of McLain’s. Sheila grew up near the original location on 75th Street and Wornall Road but had to drive 30 minutes to get her hands on their delicious butter rolls since moving north of the river in 1987. “It’s a great addition to the Northland landscape for food,” she shared, her enthusiasm evident. “Locally owned restaurants. Amen! There’s not very many bakeries in our area.”
Joining Sheila was her friend, Cathy Swenson, who fondly remembered the times Sheila would bring in McLain’s sweets to their office in Gladstone. When Cathy retired, she made one specific request for her farewell party: the bakery’s famed butter rolls. “We’ve been waiting with bated breath for this opening,” Lillis laughed.
A Day of Celebration
As McLain’s opened its doors, the store buzzed with activity from the moment the clock struck 7 a.m. General manager Tara Treffry mentioned that pre-opening events had already created quite a stir, with many patrons eagerly asking when North Kansas City would finally get its own McLain’s. “We were getting like 10 to 20 calls a week,” she explained, clearly thrilled by the community response. “People have been so excited and so supportive, so it’s been really fun!”
The journey of McLain’s has been quite the adventure. After moving to 201 E. Gregory Blvd. in Waldo in 2011, current owner Mollie Lothman and her parents took the reins in 2014. Since then, they have opened several locations, including a McLain’s Market in Overland Park and now this new spot north of the river. “We have loved opening our store in North Kansas City!” Lothman expressed in a statement. “We have been welcomed with open arms and are very excited to help make life sweet with our pastries, coffee, cakes, sandwiches, and more!”
A Menu to Savor
The North Kansas City location offers the same mouth-watering menu as its siblings, featuring popular items like pepperjack burritos, market wraps, and avocado toast, alongside a full breakfast and lunch selection. There’s also a delightful array of mugs, candles, and goods from other local businesses on display. An exciting announcement hinted at future plans to offer delivery to residents of the Oxbow Apartments.
With its concrete floors, colorful tile bar, and leafy houseplants, McLain’s new digs mirror the inviting atmosphere found in its other locations. A festive balloon arch greeted customers as they entered, adding to the celebratory mood of the day.
North Kansas City: A Growing Hub
North Kansas City has been experiencing steady growth and development in recent years. The area, known for its vibrant community, boasts other noteworthy businesses like Cinder Block Brewery, The Rabbit Hole, and Mitch e Amaro. Treffry encourages those living south of the river to make the trip up to experience all that North Kansas City has to offer. “It’s the Brooklyn of the Kansas City metro,” she described, highlighting the area’s charm.
McLain’s Bakery in North Kansas City will be open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays and Mondays. Get ready to enjoy some sweet treats and freshly brewed coffee at this delightful new gem in town!
