Yard Milkshake Bar set to open Friday in long-vacant BK Whopper Bar at Power & Light
March 12, 2025 | Startland News Staff
Kansas City is gaining a new sweet spot as the acclaimed dessert startup The Yard Milkshake Bar opens its first metro location this week in the Power & Light District — filling a long-standing hunger for the right flavor of business at PNC Plaza.
The Heart of KC Shake, available exclusively at the he Yard Milkshake Bar’s new space in the Power & Light District; courtesy photo
“Our team works hard to curate the District with amenities that enhance the downtown experience so that it is an appealing destination for both residents and visitors alike,” said John Moncke, president of the Kansas City Power & Light District. “This unique concept will be a great addition to our neighborhood, and adding this specialty dessert location will make the lives of our residents, tenants, and visitors a little sweeter.”
The franchise location officially opens Friday, March 14 at 1350 Walnut St., with a grand opening planned for March 21-23. The latter event is expected to feature giveaways, special promotions, and a Build-Your-Own Milkshake Contest, where guests can submit their dream milkshake design. The winning shake will be featured on the location’s secret menu, and the winner will receive a free shake.
The Yard Milkshake Bar’s new space replaces the former Burger King Whopper Bar, which opened in 2011, but later closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Alabama-built The Yard Milkshake Bar launched in 2017. After its debut on the reality TV show “Shark Tank,” the brand expanded into franchising and is now open in 30 locations across the country.
The new Power & Light location will offer seasonal milkshakes and a special Kansas City-exclusive shake, the Heart of KC Shake, that can only be found in The District and is crafted to celebrate local flavors. Inspired by the Parade of Hearts annual art installation, the franchise plans to donate a portion of its proceeds to the Love Fund, supporting local children.
The Yard Milkshake Bar will also feature its other famous, over-the-top milkshakes piled high with toppings.
Friday’s opening follows a number of other high-profile debuts near The District’s PNC Plaza, including Modern Market Eatery and Homegrown.
“This exciting new addition only adds to the growing momentum of The District and Downtown Kansas City, in what continues to be one of the most ambitious urban revitalization projects in the country,” the District said in a press release.
2025 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Design by fire: Could a Kansas City company 3-D print the Notre Dame spire?
Beyond its status as the biggest in Kansas City, the impact of Dimensional Innovations’ new $2.2 million 3-D printer could reach globally — as the homegrown company considers ways it could help rebuild the historic spire atop the Notre Dame Cathedral, said Nate Borozinski. “This thing gives us an ability — and we think an…
Look inside: Fishtech Group opens its $10M+ Cyber Defense Center in Martin City
Fishtech Group is making a splash within the cyber security industry, showcasing its cloud-era capabilities in a new Cyber Defense Center that sits behind the gates of Fishtech’s sprawling Martin City campus, said Gary Fish. “I’ve been doing security since before it was cool,” said Fish, founder and CEO of Fishtech, as well as an…
Elite investors at exclusive CEO retreat: Don’t waste time; sell us on your billion-dollar idea
Trying to land the backing of a venture capital firm? Throw your pitch deck out the window, Chris Olsen advised a select group of Kansas City CEOs. “A lot of times founders will come and give us their pitch and they’ll start going through it and [they’re telling us] they’re profitable in 18-months. And we’ll…
Hyped from high school: Blue Valley teens among startup cash winners at K-State challenge
Four Overland Park high school students have landed cash infusions totaling more than $7,000 for their ongoing startup ventures. Local winners of the Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge — supported by Network KS, sponsored by the Kansas Masonic Foundation, and hosted by Kansas State University — included: Drone Estate founders Austin Jones and Hunter Vasquez, Blue Valley West…