‘Very excited’: 79-year-old Kansas City bakery opens much-anticipated Northland location
“Welcome to McLain’s,” an employee in a cream-colored T-shirt announced to a long line of customers Monday.
“We’re happy you’re open,” an older couple chirped back.
Since McLain’s Bakery was founded in 1945, Northland fans have had to cross the river and drive several miles south for cup cookies and specialty cakes.
But on Monday, the bakery and restaurant opened its long-awaited location in North Kansas City at 1720 Swift St., beneath the Oxbow Apartments.
It was a big day for McLain’s fans. Especially Sheila Lillis, a third-generation customer of the business.
Lillis grew up near the original location at 75th Street and Wornall Road but has lived north of the river since 1987. The move put her a good 30 minutes from her beloved butter rolls.
“It’s a great addition to the Northland landscape for food,” Lillis said. “Locally owned restaurants. Amen. There’s not very many bakeries.”
Her friend, Cathy Swenson, accompanied her on the store’s opening day. Lillis used to bring McLain’s pastries to their office in Gladstone. When Swenson retired, she requested McLain’s butter rolls be present at her party.
“We’ve been waiting with bated breath,” Lillis added.
Several other Northlanders came to celebrate. The store was bustling from open until close.
General manager Tara Treffry said the restaurant’s pre-opening events also drew big crowds.
Not hard to imagine, considering how many customers had been requesting they bring the bakery up north. After owneannounced their plans to open in North Kansas City over a year ago, excitement peaked.
“We would get like 10 to 20 calls a week asking when North Kansas City would open …” Treffry said. “People have been so excited and so supportive, so it’s been really fun.”
The original McLain’s relocated to 201 E. Gregory Blvd. in Waldo in 2011. Now-owner Mollie Lothman and her parents took over the bakery in 2014 and expanded the menu.
They opened McLain’s Market at 10695 Roe Ave. in Overland Park in 2016. They have since added a Shawnee location at 5833 Nieman Road, and Lawrence spot at 2412 Iowa St.
Their south Overland Park location opened last year at 15102 Travis St.
“We have loved opening our store in North Kansas City!” Lothman said in a written statement to The Star on Monday. “We have been welcomed with open arms and are very excited to help make life sweet north of the river with our pastries, coffee, cakes, sandwiches and more!”
The Northland menu is the same as its other locations, serving pepperjack burritos, market wraps, avocado toast, coffee, pastries and other items. All locations offer a full breakfast and lunch menu. Mugs, candles and goods from other local businesses are also on display.
Soon, Treffry said, the restaurant hopes to offer deliveries to the residents of the Oxbow Apartments.
With concrete floors, a colorful tile bar and leafy houseplants, the new McLain’s resembles its other locations. A celebratory balloon arch welcomes the location’s first customers as they walk through the door.
North Kansas City has seen steady growth and development in recent years. The Oxbow Apartments McLain’s shares its space with were built in 2022.
Treffry pointed out several other noteworthy businesses — Cinder Block Brewery, The Rabbit Hole, Mitch e Amaro — and encouraged customers south of the river to make the drive and perhaps stay the day in the little city.
She called it the “Brooklyn of the Kansas City metro.”
“North Kansas City is such a vibrant place to visit. There’s lots of great restaurants … It’s just a great place to spend a day wandering around,” Treffry said.
McLain’s in North Kansas City is open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays and Mondays.
