Loyal Order of the Moose 138 to change lodge sites

June 6, 201212:49 p.m.

WICHITA — The Loyal Order of the Moose 138 is going to be leaving its home of 20 years behind Club Rodeo on East Kellogg.

“It’s hard getting in and out of this place,” says lodge administrator Tom Chendorain.

The lodge has been in various places around Wichita since 1952. The international fraternal and service organization, which supports a number of charities, was founded in 1913.

Chendorain says most of the Wichita members are between ages 60 and 90, so he’s wanting a place with easier access.

Also, the group owns its current 12,800-square-foot building and is looking for something a little smaller that it could at least initially lease.

“The utilities are killing us – and taxes,” Chendorain says.

Still, not all members are happy with the upcoming move.

“A lot of them are sad because we have the second-biggest dancing floor in the city, Chendorain says.

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By Carrie Rengers | Tags: , Filed under East side, Nonprofit, Real estate | Comments Off

Betta Burger to open in former Speedy Burger space on West 13th Street

March 29, 20125:00 a.m.

WICHITA — Nilla’s owner David Schanbacher has had so much success selling food at his poker room next to Club Rodeo, he’s now opening a restaurant.

“Everybody’s just liked our food out there so much,” Schanbacher says.

So he’s opening Betta Burger, which is slang for better burger, in the former Speedy Burger space at 3090 W. 13th.

That’s just down from Johnson’s Garden Centers. Nilla’s is across town at 10001 E. Kellogg.

Schanbacher expects to have a soft opening for Betta Burger this weekend.

He’ll serve third-pound burgers on large, sweet buns with deli bacon.

“Just a little bit bigger and better than your average grease pit,” he says.

If this works well, it could be the start of several Betta Burgers.

“That would be great,” Schanbacher says. “I hope so.”

 

By Carrie Rengers | Tags: , , , , , Filed under New business, Real estate, Restaurants, West side | Comments Off

Skillz restaurant, lounge and betting parlor to open next to Club Rodeo

June 18, 20094:09 p.m.

holdemjgpWICHITA — So, think you’ve got some mad betting skillz?

There’s going to be a new restaurant and lounge next to Club Rodeo on East Kellogg where you can try your luck.

The new Skillz opens Monday.

“You can wager on your skill,” says owner Daven Flax.

Like other bars in town, such as Highlands Gastropub & Cardroom, Skillz will offer a version of Texas hold ‘em where players get a brief look at cards before playing “so it becomes a game of skill.”

“We’re not gambling,” Flax says.

There also will be a Bet the Races room with things like horse and dog racing from across the country. Flax says the races are live and have an advanced deposit wagering system.

Flax says there will be inexpensive food and drinks, too.

“We’d like to be open 24/7, but we obviously will follow the law as far as liquor goes,” Flax says.

That means the liquor stops flowing at 2 a.m., but the cards will keep going.

By Carrie Rengers | Tags: , , , Filed under Bars, Games, Restaurants | Comments