OVERLAND PARK, KS — Betty Rae’s Ice Cream, a beloved local brand, is expanding its presence in Johnson County with a new location in Overland Park’s Shoppes at Deer Creek Woods. The shop is set to open in May at 6936 W. 135th St., marking the sixth Betty Rae’s location in the Kansas City metro area.
Owner Matt Shatto, who acquired the company in May 2023, emphasized the expansion’s significance as part of his strategy to bring Betty Rae’s to a broader audience. “When I bought the company, my goal was to bring Betty Rae’s to more people in Kansas City,” Shatto told Startland News. “Southern Johnson County is one of those places we felt was underserved, and we’re excited to serve this new population.”
Betty Rae’s, known for its premium handmade ice cream, offers a diverse menu of 26 flavors ranging from classics like vanilla bean and chocolate to seasonal specials such as matcha, Bee’s Knees, and Nutty Professor. The shop is also celebrated for its unique collaborations with other local businesses, incorporating popular items like McLain’s Cinnamon Rolls and Joe’s KC BBQ Burnt Ends into its offerings.
Since its founding in 2016, Betty Rae’s has grown steadily. Shatto’s acquisition of the company in 2023 has led to the opening of three new locations, with the ice cream brand now operating stores in Merriam, Olathe, Prairie Village, the River Market, and Waldo, along with an ice cream truck. In addition, Betty Rae’s products are available in 28 Cosentino family-owned grocery stores across the region, including Price Chopper, SunFresh, and Cosentino’s Market, as well as many Hy-Vee locations.
Beyond local growth, Betty Rae’s is expanding regionally through franchising. The brand’s first franchise location opened in Omaha in September, with more on the horizon. In February, Shatto announced plans to expand the franchise to seven new cities: St. Louis, MO; Wichita, KS; Bentonville, AR; Nashville, TN; Denver, CO; and Oklahoma City and Tulsa, OK. The company aims to partner with franchisees who will open multiple locations in each market.
“We wanted to get Betty Rae’s to more people in Kansas City, but we didn’t want to limit the brand to just our hometown,” Shatto explained. “Expanding regionally, and eventually nationally, is the next step in our vision for the brand.”
The new Overland Park location is poised to offer residents and visitors a taste of the brand’s popular, locally inspired ice cream as Betty Rae’s continues to grow its footprint.
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