Why one entrepreneur is Swiftly rolling up the warehouse doors for thirsty Chiefs parade-goers

Wednesday’s Chiefs victory parade will be the city’s third in four years, but for East Crossroads-based Wild Way Coffee, the 2024 rolling downtown-to-midtown event hits different, said Christine Clutton.

The brand’s iconic mobile coffee camper — stationed in the Wild Way warehouse at 708 E. 19th St. for the winter — will once again open its doors to parade-goers, owner Clutton said, offering a LVIII twist that infuses an “Eras Menu” twist on  drinks in celebration of popstar Taylor Swift and her new favorite team (led, in part, by boyfriend and and Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce).

Christine Clutton wearing her Taylor Swift-Chiefs tee; courtesy photo

“We’re just gonna celebrate with our Taylor Swift moment here,” the self-proclaimed Swiftie explained. “We’re right on 19th Street, just a few blocks away from [the parade route down] Grand, so we always get a pretty decent amount of foot traffic.”

“Being that close to the parade is a fun way of being a part of it,” she added. “In a very small way, we feel like a part of the success of the city and the success of the Chiefs.”

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Although Clutton noted she has a hunch Swift will indeed make it to the parade — a point of speculation among fans —  every parade (with or without the singer) injects a dose of oxytocin into the city, she said.

“It’s such a fun experience to be that close to the parade,” Clutton explained. “Everyone’s just so happy. It’s such a huge emotional lift to the city, which is also great that it’s happening in the middle of winter when otherwise it’s a boring time of year when everyone’s cold and dreary. It just changes everyone’s mood and vibe.” 

Wild Way — which held a Swiftie Singalong at the warehouse the night before the Super Bowl — originally debuted its Eras drinks in July for the weekend Swift was in concert at Arrowhead Stadium, Clutton noted. But once Swift joined the Chiefs cheering section, Clutton listened to the clamoring of her customers and decided to bring the menu — which includes drinks like “Picture to Burn” (a Fresno chili and sage latte) and “Enchanted” (a vanilla butterfly pea lemonade) — back for the playoffs. 

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“We’ve just had a fun time celebrating her and Travis’ love that’s been budding before us,” she continued. “So we’re excited to continue to celebrate. She’s almost like a mascot for the team this year — that’s what it feels like. So we are looking forward to celebrating the whole team, as well, because the boys were the ones who put in the work.”

Looking to sell on the sidelines?

Clutton might be keeping the Wild Way Coffee camper parked in the warehouse, but for those vendors who are looking to pull up and sell near the parade route, the KC BizCare Office advised that all street vendors and food trucks need to obtain a peddler’s license.

The parade route for Kansas City’s 2024 Super Bowl victory parade; map courtesy of the Kansas City Sports Commission

To obtain the license, according to KC BizCare, a business must first obtain a sales tax certificate from the Missouri Secretary of State’s office, file for a business license with the Business License Division, and get zoning clearance through KC BizCare.

Once those steps are complete, a peddler’s license is available through the Business License Division for $62.50. The office said it’s a pretty quick process, especially if the vendor already has a business license. 

Parking is free, but there is no selling allowed along the parade route, noted KC BizCare managing director Nia Richardon on social media.

“You can sell at least one block east or west of the parade route,” she added.

Food trucks are expected near City Hall, along Locust, between 10th and 11th streets, Richardson said, as well as in the immediate vicinity of Crown Center.

“Supporting local food trucks during the Kansas City Chiefs Victory Day Parade is a fantastic way to celebrate the community and enjoy delicious eats at the same time,” the KC BizCare Office said Tuesday in a release. “These mobile vendors bring a unique flair to the event, offering a diverse range of culinary delights for parade-goers to enjoy.”

“By patronizing these local food trucks, you not only get to savor tasty treats but also show your support for small businesses in the area.”

Organizers of Strawberry Swing/Shop Local KC also are a planning a maker popup at Liberty Memorial.