In 2026 Wichita, a new coffee business seems to open every few weeks.
Some, like Coquetry Maison, Greater Grounds and Pennant Coffee, are owned by local entrepreneurs. Others are affiliated with national chains: Starbucks, Dutch Bros and the ever-expanding 7 Brew.
But until Wichita’s first freestanding Starbucks opened in March 2003, coffee culture was not as big of a thing as it is now. In fact, only three coffee shops that existed in Wichita’s pre-Starbucks era are still operating today. And one of them turned 25 this year.
The Bean Scene, a small shop tucked away in the Northwest Centre strip center at 13th and Tyler, is the third-oldest continuously operating coffee shop in Wichita, having opened in early 2001. The only shops older are Il Primo Espresso Cafe at 6422 E. Central, which opened in 1993, and Java Villa Cafe, 7812 E. Harry, which opened in 1998…