What do out of towners say about Kansas Citians?
Having interviewed hundreds, what I’ve heard most is how polite we are. To which I’d like to add, on the surface. That’s one reason we see so few edgy stories in the local media. Because outside of outright murder or mayhem, few folks are willing to speak their peace…in public, that is.
It’s poor form.
Behind closed doors or "off the record" though, character assassination is alive and kicking.
Take the recent departure of Waldo institution McClain’s Bakery from its longtime home at 74th and Wornall. When the local news media came a calling to report on McClain’s move, they served up a watered down tale of how McClain’s merely wanting more parking and a larger space.
That well may be, but after speaking with McClain’s staffers, I got – as they say – the rest of the story…
That the moved was prompted in no small part by the sorry shape of its now former Waldo home. Especially in back where the magic was made. The ceiling was so old and in such poor shape it literally rained on the bakers, I was told.
One need but peer in the window of the old McCLain’s to see that how bad that back room looked.
And seems there was some bad blood re McClain’s leaving.
For some reason, somebody kept taking down the signs McClain’s says it posted in the front glass advising customers of its new location at 201 East Gregory. You can even see an outline still where McClain’s sign had been taped, then removed.
So much for fond farewells…
On a more upbeat note, the good folks at nearby Dave Smith the Lampmaker tell me the building has a new owner as of like four days ago, so things are bound to get better, right?
The former building owner could not be reached for this column.
Hearne u failed to mention
the new location. Something Gregory.
I visit almost weekly and plan to be there Friday.
Here is my question for McClains which have some of the most awesome pastries in the world. Love the pecan twists and cheese and almond danish. But why the heck with cookies and pastries does the place have no freakin milk???? Rick wants milk with his cookies. Grrr….
PS
Does anyone remember the bakery that was in the Antioch mall? Great cinnamon rolls. Ran by an overweight woman in her 40- to mid 50’s.
Rick, dead on–Cheese Danish!!!
Whoa!
Need milk?
Fuck yeah…
You are correct, sir….
But it’s not like McClain’s phone number isn’t larger than life in the photo of its new digs
The “news” story I read about McClain’s adding a customer lounge to its new digs made me kinda wince. After seeing the minimal seating area and lame tube TV with a screen smaller than my brain
this headline should read….
HERNIA SCOOPS FOX 4/KMBC/THE STAR/THE PITCH/INC/KCTV 5/USA TODAY/NBC NEWS/CNN/MSNBC/
FOX BUSINESS NEWS IN MCCLAINS RAINY ROOF STORY.
wow…don’t think i could go on without knowing bout their roof. Big big big news…..and adding a customer lounge…
hell…thats live late breaking/investigative/and big big big news…..how could anyone not want to know this
news…hell you should be given a peabody/pulitzer and national award for this huge huge story.
wow….you are really showing those guys at the star (who fired you) how to run a real news blog…
can’t wait fro your teling glaze to run more threesomes with a kid story….now thats more interesting!
to see how to run a real site go to greghallkc.com.
If you prefer a one-a-day sports radio soundbites column, go for it. More power to you.