Kawundo.com
TOPEKA (KSNT) – 27 News is looking back at the restaurants and bars that have gone out of business or moved out of Topeka in 2024.
This year a number of bars and restaurants have been shut down for a variety of reasons, some citing economic turmoil. The city lost several long-time businesses including Larry’s Shortstop which served the Capital City for nearly 40 years, Lonnie Q’s which was in business for 24 years and Tammy’s Café, a restaurant that had served customers from the Billard Airport for 18 years.
Norsemen Lakeheim
The Norsemen Brewing Company’s Lake Shawnee location, named Lakeheim, announced it would be closing its doors for the last time following an announcement on social media in August. The statement cited food and labor costs and changes in the economy as being the principal reasons for the closure.
The Burger Stand
The Burger Stand Topeka announced it would be closing for good on social media in early October. The restaurant served its last customers after it shut down on Saturday, Oct. 26. The Burger Stand was in business for 13 years before making the decision to close. The Burger Stand still operates a restaurant in Lawrence at 803 Massachusetts Street.
Henry T’s
In February, Henry T’s announced it would be closing and that the owner of Thunderbirds and Vikings Grille would take over, renaming it Ichabods Grille. Henry T’s wrapped up its final night of service on Feb. 28.
Lonnie Q’s
Lonnie Q’s BBQ announced on social media on Aug. 23 that it would be closing its doors. After 24 years in business, the post said that the “Mom & Pop” BBQ restaurant will be closing, “regrettably due to unforeseen circumstances”. Lonnie Q’s closed for good on Saturday, Aug. 24.
Pie Five
Pie Five pizza shop located in west Topeka permanently closed down on Sunday, June 9. An employee at the Pie Five said the store will not move to a new location. The only other Pie Five listed in Kansas is in Overland Park at 9133 Metcalf Ave., according to the pizza chain’s website.
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop
Earlier this year Fuzzy’s Taco Shop in Topeka faced social media backlash after a customer shared a video of a cockroach infestation. Fuzzy’s Taco Shop responded by taking action to deep clean the location, according to a statement provided to KSNT News. The shop reopened for business after passing a health inspection on Jan. 25, 2024. Fuzzy’s Taco Shop made the announcement that after 7 years of business, they would be closing their doors. The location permanently closed on Friday, Aug. 9.
Larry’s Shortstop
Known for its great cheeseburgers and breakfast options, Larry’s Shortstop, which was located on Topeka Boulevard for nearly 40 years, officially closed as of 2 p.m. on July 30. 27 News spoke to some employees who told us they were closing after the most recent owner went back home to Mississippi.
Tammy’s Cafe
In late 2023, the MTAA announced it planned to construct a new airport terminal to replace the aging structure on site. This resulted in the closure of Tammy’s Café, a restaurant that had served the airport for 18 years. 27 News learned in April that the MTAA had plans to honor the legacy of this restaurant at the new terminal. The MTAA later said in August, 2024 that it was putting “demolition plans on hold,” sparing the building from being demolished.
Tequilas Mexican Restaurant & Bar
Tequilas Mexican Restaurant & Bar announced on social media on June 11 that it would be closing its doors at the Brookwood Shopping Center, located at 2911 Southwest 29th Street. The business still runs a location at 520 Northwest Elm Row Avenue.
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