KANSAS CITY, Kan. (KCTV) – For seven decades, this Kansas City, Kansas, kitchen has been making promises of crispy tenderloins and cold ice cream. Now, there’s a new face at the windows.
Owner Kimberly Rowland spent her entire life walking through the doors as a customer. Before she was welcoming people to her own counter, there was a long line of owners who paved the way.
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“In 1953, the Kleins opened up the Tasty Queen. It started out as these two windows, they sold hot dogs, ice cream and sodas. That was it. And then they ended up selling it to their son, so in 1958 they added the lobby and full kitchen as you see it now. Then it turned into Carter’s Tasty Queen; the Carters purchased it in 1976. And then it turned into Christy’s Tasty Queen, as everyone knows it. They took over in 1983,” Rowland said.
Restaurant rebranded September 1
As of Sept. 1, the restaurant was rebranded to Kimmie’s Tasty Queen.
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“I purchased it in March of this year. This has always been like a special place for me and for my family. Me and my grandma and mom used to come here on Saturdays just for ice cream before thrift shopping,” Rowland said.
While the name has changed, some history has remained the same. The restaurant’s pork tenderloin sandwich has continued to be a menu staple.
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“It has been here for 42 years, it is still by far our biggest seller. We have the same recipe,” Rowland said.
Owner collecting community memories
Kimmie’s Tasty Queen is asking the community to share favorite photos and memories of the restaurant. Rowland said some of the keepsakes already submitted are unique.
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“So someone sent this in. It’s an article, it was a police chase actually. It had our address on it,” Rowland said.
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Anyone with stories or history pieces to share with the restaurant can stop by or message them on social media.
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