What Up Wichita?
Even though I’m gone in Portland this week, I still got your back with the important stuff you want (or don’t want) to know.

In today’s email:

• Square Root of Trouble: What west side mall is in the news again

• A Raha Moment: Chef Jason Rickard has something cooking

• The Big Game: Suggestions on watch parties

FEATURE STORY
A Square That Is West In This Towne

It was quite the week for Towne West Square.

The domino effect of bad news started when the Wichita Animal Action League announced they would be closing their resale store at the end of the month. Don’t forget that Dick’s Sporting Goods is also leaving March 1.

The next day, Evergy cut power to the infamous west side mall for nonpayment.

While the energy was restored the very next day, this is just a continual string of issues for tenants who have had to deal with this issue multiple times over the years. Most recently, the power was cut for two weeks around Black Friday/Thanksgiving; one of the busiest times of the year.

Curious what stores were still left at Towne West dating back to December? Read more

EDDYTORIAL EXCLUSIVE
Wichita By E.B. Trivia

DINING SCENE
Restaurant News

Announced earlier this week, Tap N Paddles is adding a familiar face to their team: Chef Jason Rickard.

Many people likely know Rickard from FioRito Ristorante which he opened with his brother Jordan at 3134 E. Douglas Ave.

While Chef Jason Rickard will still be involved with FioRito, he will also be joining the team at Tap N Paddles to open a new concept called RAHA Mediterranean that will be opening later this year.

Recent Openings

• ShotSuite - 4854 E. 35th St.

Coming Soon

• Wichita Brewing Company - 901 W. Douglas (February 2025)

• Small Sliders - 13th and Greenwich (March 2025)

• Parlor Doughnuts - 8020 W. 21st St. (March 2025)

• Chicken Chicken - 13th & Mosley (Winter 2025)

• The Big Biscuit - 2330 N. Maize Road (Spring 2025)

• N&J Cafe - 8448 W. Central Ave. (Spring 2025)

• Taco Bell - 3233 E. Harry (Spring 2025)

• KVH Steakhouse - 2926 N. Tyler Road (Summer 2025)

• Raising Cane’s - 350 S. Ridge Road (2025)

• KPot Korean BBQ & Hot Pot - 2243 N. Tyler Road (TBD)

TRENDING
Super Bowl

The Super Bowl is this Sunday? Looking for some parties around town? Here are some suggestions.

But before that…..

Artichoke Sandwichbar East
Where: 2959 N. Rock Road

Barks & Brews
Where: 1312 E English St.

Bourbon Street
Where: 3863 S. Seneca St.

Caesar’s Barroom
Where: 4331 W. Central Ave.

CJ’s Sports Bar and Grill
Where: 6305 E. Harry St.

Bronx Pizza + Pints
Where: 2140 W. 21st St.

Chicken N Pickle
Where: 1240 N. Greenwich Road

Emerson Biggins Old Town
Where: 808 E. Douglas Ave

Emerson Biggins Sports Bar & Grill – West
Where: 2330 N. Maize Road

The Field House
Where: 3825 E. 17th St. N.

JJ Beard’s Pub & Pizza
Where: 3827 W. 13th St. N.

The Jukebox
Where: 1300 S. Seneca St.

Little Busters Sports Bar
Where: 457 N. Baltimore Ave, Derby

Mort’s Martini Bar
Where: 923 E. 1st. St. N

O’Brien’s
Where: 5205 E. Kellogg Dr.

O’Malleys Irish Pub
Where: 2405 W. 31st. St. S.

Pumphouse
Where: 825 E. 2nd St. N.

The Rusty Nail
Where: 1155 S. Washington Ave.

Side Pockets
Where: 614 S Tyler

Triangle Club
Where: 2003 S. Washington St.

Twin Peaks
Where: 7325 W. Taft & 8310 E. 21st St.

Read More

EVENTS
What’s Coming This Weekend

Here are some snippets from the upcoming Best Things Happening This Weekend blog.

Friday

Cirque du Soleil OVO at Intrust Bank Arena
Galentines Night Out at Generations Antiques & Artisans
Terror in a Yoga Murder Mystery at The Selfie Spot on Douglas
Adult Skate Night at Carousel Skate Center

Saturday

Cirque du Soleil OVO at Intrust Bank Arena
4-Ever Old School: Our 4th Birthday Bash at Old School Tap House & Social
More Like Jackie at the Wichita Orpheum
2nd Saturday at The Workroom
Indoor Farmers Market at Sedgwick County Extension Office
Wichita's Largest Gun Show at Century II - Expo Hall

Sunday

Cirque du Soleil OVO at Intrust Bank Arena
Wichita's Largest Gun Show at Century II - Expo Hall

View the Event Calendar

WATCH NOW
Wichita Dinner Table

Featuring Katy Dorrah with Mark Arts
Available on Facebook, YouTube, Apple Podcast and Spotify.

NEWS
Blogs You Missed

Let’s catch you up on the blogs you may have missed over the past week whether it was on our website, Facebook or Instagram.

• A way to help local victims of Flight 5342 (more)

• Looking for Black-owned restaurants in Wichita (more)

• Take a peek inside Hudson Antique Market (more)

• My favorite restaurant I visited while in Portland, OR (more)

• 10 exciting events taking place in February (more)

EVENTS
Live Music Sponsored by Mort’s Martini Bar

Friday Live Music: 2/7

Saturday Live Music 2/8

See The Live Music Calendar

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