General News in the 316

[SubGod22]

WBJ - Phil Ruffin's Golden Circle Casino development gets zoning go-ahead in Park City

In July, the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission awarded the billionaire casino mogul's development group a license to operate 1,000 historic horse-racing machines at the site of the former Wichita Greyhound Park.

The city's decision Tuesday approved the rezoning of a general commercial office district to an entertainment district and service business district at the northwest corner of 77th and Hydraulic, and permitted a casino and historic horse-racing special use within that entertainment district.

Ruffin's Golden Circle casino group plans to build a hotel, restaurants and entertainment around the machines, which allow patrons to bet on past horse races without any information about the race.

Pad sites for potential restaurant and other uses are located directly south of the former greyhound park.

The entertainment and service business district rezoning passed 8-0, while the casino and historic horse-racing special use passed 7-1 — with Council member George Glover voting against.

I'm still unsure of how big a deal this truly is, but I hope it works out and is something worthwhile. Ruffin isn't an idiot so there must be value in this historical horse racing thing.

Construction work has already been progressing at the over 70-acre site. The casino is expected to open by early 2025.

Ruffin previously told the WBJ that the project would cost between $100 million and $150 million.

For Ruffin, last summer's Racing and Gaming Commission decision marked the end of a 15-year journey that started when he was denied a license to operate slot machines at Wichita Greyhound Park in 2008.

I suppose being located across the street from CrossWinds won't hurt the rest of the district regardless of how the HHR works out.

[SubGod22]

Wichita officially has a direct connection with DC

WBJ - Wichita airport celebrates first nonstop flight to Washington, D.C.

More than 50 passengers boarded the inaugural flight from Eisenhower National Airport to Washington, D.C., on Monday.

In addition to government officials, tourists and business leaders, a representative from American Airlines (NYSE: AAL) was aboard the 77-seat aircraft headed for Reagan National Airport.

Philip Newman, American's managing director of regulatory and congressional affairs, said it's unusual for an airline to offer three new flights in and out of an airport in such a short period of time. Last fall, the airline opened the Miami and Phoenix market's nonstop flights to Wichita.

"It's great to link the capital with the Air Capital," Newman said.

I think we can thank an aggressive leadership team on seeking out new direct destinations for ICT.

U.S. Rep. Ron Estes (R-Wichita) was also on the inaugural flight. He said Washington is a prime tourist and business destination for Kansans and the flight to the nation's capital will help with industry and tourism.

"We're talking about the growth in Wichita and the opportunities here," Estes said. "We still have the capability to expand the airport here and actually add more flights, not just on American, but other airlines as well."

A representative from Bombardier and Blue Cross Blue Shield were also taking the flight, as was Harvey County commissioner Becky Reimer.

I can't imagine this not being a positive for the business community here.

[SubGod22]

It's happening

WBJ - Wichita's first Culver's receives its commercial building permit

Late last month, a commercial building permit valued at $3 million was issued for the construction and development of the fast-casual chain's debut restaurant in the city near 29th and Maize Road in northwest Wichita.

Nick Campe, the local Culver's franchisee, said he expects construction to begin by the end of the month, with a targeted opening this summer.

The restaurant will be at 3220 N. Maize Road, north of 29th Street near IHOP and Life.Church West Wichita.

Known for its butter burgers, cheese curds and custard, the Wisconsin-based chain has over 900 locations across 26 states, including restaurants in Topeka, Lawrence and the Kansas City area.

In addition to Culver's, Wichita has seen a string of national brands show interest in coming to the city.

The likes of Fatburger, Dutch Bros and Paris Baguette made local debuts in recent years, while Whataburger, Hawaiian Bros and The Melting Pot are among those with goals of opening their first Wichita-area locations by early 2025.

Shipley Do-Nuts is another national company with local arrival ambitions.

I believe Jack In The Box was also looking for a franchisee for the Wichita market. Haven't heard anything since this past summer on it. I think they were the ones looking at opening 25 or so locations in the metro in the next 5 years.

[SubGod22]

WBJ - Wichita's airport sets November record for passengers

Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport set a passenger record in November with more than 150,000 passengers in and out — a 4% increase over the 2018 November record.

November’s passenger count rose over November 2022 by 11%.

Increased routes helped contribute to increased passenger travel. The introduction of nonstop services to Phoenix and Miami by American Airlines, along with Southwest Airlines resuming daily service to Las Vegas, helped increase passenger demand.

I'm really curious to see how the '24 numbers look as we appear to have recovered, for the most part, from the Covid slowdown.

[WuDrWu]

That's a long time on a Embraer 175.