Western Kansas Celebrates Mom-and-Pop Business Day

National Mom-and-Pop Business Owners Day is March 29th and small businesses in Western Kansas are celebrating! Small businesses are crucial to the U.S. economy and Western Kansas is no exception. 

In 2018, the Small Business Administration (SBA) reported that small businesses are not only responsible for 44 percent of economic activity in the United States, but they also produce two-thirds of net new jobs.

Mom-and-Pop Eats in Western Kansas

If you’re living in Western Kansas and would like to show your appreciation to these small businesses, here is a small list that you can start with. 

El Rancho Cafe

This Holcomb eatery serving authentic Mexican cuisine was purchased by Tom and Eva Maestas in 1971. Eva was the original cook while Tom worked in the front. Their daughters, Debbie and Nancy, took over with Debbie working in the kitchen and Nancy on the front-end. This Western Kansas favorite is open every day except Sunday and Wednesday.

Dodge House Restaurant 

A Dodge City original, this saloon-style restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week. They are known for their all-you-can-eat breakfast and dinner buffets. 

Western Kansas Saloon

This is another restaurant mimicking the atmosphere of an old-timey saloon. Located in WaKeeney, KS, this family-friendly eatery serves favorites such as chicken cordon bleu, fried pickles, steak fingers, grilled tilapia, and prime rib. They are currently open every evening except Monday.

Red Beard Coffee

Another Dodge City original is Red Beard Coffee located in the downtown historical district. This downtown shop was created with the vision of sharing delightful refreshments with coffee lovers and connecting people in the community. Along with freshly-brewed coffee, they also offer tea, smoothies, bagels, and breakfast sandwiches to name a few. Plus, merchandise is available including beard oil, mugs, beer glasses, water bottles, apparel, and more. Red Beard Coffee is open every day except Sunday.

Local Artists in Western Kansas

Supporting local artists in Western Kansas is also a great way to show your love for mom-and-pop businesses. In Lucas, KS alone there is a multitude of local artists to explore. In fact, in 1996 Lucas was named the "Grassroots Art Capital of Kansas” for its dedication to local folk art.

Lynn’s Glassworks & Laser Engraving is just one of the many artists located in Lucas. The owner makes personalized gifts using materials such as wood, metal, glass, leather, and more. Her products include insulated cups, T-shirts, coasters, and journals.

The Chamber of Commerce will be holding its very first art event in their new community center with Lucas Arts Day. The Lucas Art Day Show will take place on April 1st.

How You Can Help Mom-and-Pop Businesses in Western Kansas

The list above is just a tiny fraction of the small businesses in the region. Here’s how you can help.

• Shop privately-owned small businesses in Western Kansas in-store or online. You can buy products or gift cards for your friends and family so that they can discover the shop or restaurant, too.
• Give their business good reviews on Google or Yelp. 
• Follow their social media accounts and use #MomPopBusinessOwnersDay when posting about their business.
• Sign up to receive their latest news via email. Small businesses will often have a newsletter go out or emails containing coupons and information on the latest deals. 

You can always do some research and find your local mom-and-pop businesses nearby. A good place to start is in a city’s downtown area.