Courtesy of Braum’s.
Ah, summer. Those magical months when families head up to Braum’s at Walnut Hill and Audelia for a juicy burger, cherry limeade and double scoop of real ice cream. Think I’m just being nostalgic? Braum’s Ice Cream and Dairy Store is planning a return to that corner with a new store at 9855 Walnut Hill.
Braum’s operated in Lakeridge Village for decades on the spot where Taco Bell now sits. The new shop will be just across the street next to AAA Vacuum. There’s currently a Braum’s on Greenville Avenue near the Forest Green Library, but this new store returns the family favorite to the heart of Lake Highlands.
Braum’s reps haven’t released the date when crews will begin construction or when they’ll host a ribbon cutting at the new store, but they’ve heard that anticipation is building for opening day. There are plenty of folks still in the neighborhood who recall regular visits to the Lakeridge Braum’s, the Dairy Queen in the old Chase Bank building, the Polar Bear Ashburn’s where Lake Highlands Cleaners now sits, and other local favorites.
The Braum’s company began in 1933 when Henry H. Braum started a small butter processing plant in a converted house in his hometown of Emporia, Kansas. He quickly expanded, adding milk and ice cream processing with help from his young son, Bill. After Bill returned from college, the father-son duo sold the wholesale side of the business and developed a retail chain — Peter Pan Ice Cream. Bill then purchased the company from his father, grew it tenfold and sold it to a large wholesaler. He then founded Braum’s with wife Mary in 1968. Today there are more than 300 Braum’s locations throughout Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas and Texas.
If you think of Braum’s only as your source for chocolate and vanilla ice cream, friend, you are in for a treat. These days, their stores are part ice cream shop, part made-to-order grille and part grocery market. You can order a big country breakfast with sausage, eggs and gravy in the morning, a juicy burger at lunch and a grilled chicken salad for dinner. Pro tip: if you order the combo, they’ll let you substitute a small shake for your drink. On your way out, pick up a gallon of fresh whole milk and a loaf of bread.
You’ll find the full menu here.
We’ll bring you more information when Braum’s releases their construction start date and grand opening plans.
Braum’s site at 9855 Walnut Hill. Photo by Carol Toler.
