The Downtown Larned Podcast

E22: Meyer Deli, Downtown Success

Meyer Deli: Downtown Success
From 2005 – 2015, Donna May Meyer owned and operated one of Larned’s most successful restaurants, Meyer Deli at 902 Broadway. On this episode, we discuss what it takes to run a successful restaurant in Downtown Larned. Donna shares her experience as a business owner, and offers advice to the next generation of entrepreneurs.

E21: Megan Barfield CEO of the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce

After graduating from Larned High, Megan found her calling as CEO of the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce. In the last two years, Great Bend has accelerated their efforts towards the improvement of their downtown. With various organizations and governments working together, downtown Great Bend is seeing incredible success. Murals, facade programs, and downtown events have quickly changed their downtown’s culture. Why would an average person from Great Bend take a weekend trip over to Larned? Tune in to find out!
 

E20: The History of 413, 415, 417, 419, 421 and 423 Broadway

This week, we bring back Seth with the Santa Fe Trail Center Museum to uncover the histories of 6 downtown buildings. From bank robberies, to the “first” uber eats concept, these buildings have seen it all. Tune in to learn more about the current city hall location, and its original water wells.
 
Current day buildings: Thrift Store, City Hall, Police Station, Vacant Antique Store, and Koch's Kustoms .

E19: Coffee Talk with Scraps Coffee Shop

Tayleen Van Norden, the owner of Scraps Coffee Shop, shares her business beginnings in this week’s episode. After moving to Larned over 15 years ago, Tayleen saw potential in Larned and formed a business around her passions. This week, we learn more about her evolving business, and uncover pieces of her vision for downtown Larned.
Key points:
Benchmark ourselves against other successful communities.
Establish traditions and highlight our history.
Don’t be afraid to adapt to changing business horizons.

E18: Welcome to Downtown?

Are we making it easy for entrepreneurs to start businesses in downtown Larned? With so many vacant buildings, one would assume that downtown building availability is at an all-time high! Unfortunately, vacant buildings don’t necessarily equate to available buildings. This week, Christina Frick shares the challenges she faced when trying to open her veterinary clinic in Downtown Larned. We also discuss the “PRIDE” organization, and how their non-profit efforts have helped shape Larned.

E17: Murals With Melanie

When measuring a town’s health, paint is the thermometer. Though it may sound ridiculous, fading paint equates to a fading town. This week, artist Melanie Ryan discusses the possibilities of Larned’s walls. After conducting several successful projects in Great Bend, she is looking to artistically give back to her hometown of Larned. Tune in to hear how other communities have successfully reestablished art culture in their downtowns.

E16: The History of 401,403, and 405 Broadway

This week, we discuss the history of some of the oldest buildings in downtown Larned. Today, these three buildings house the respected “My Favorite Furnishings” furniture store, but what were their original purposes? Migration and depressions have led these buildings to host many businesses throughout the years. Learn more about the Jewish Dry goods store, Harness Shop, Post office, original Dillions location in this episode.
 

E15: Constructing our Future: Jim Vratil

This week, Jim Vratil gives us a contractor's perspective of downtown. With his family being in the construction business for several generations, Jim has had the opportunity to be in or on every downtown building in Larned. Learn about the past renovations that he's completed, and some of the challenges we face for future projects. We have no doubt that Jim's soft heart for Larned will show you why our future is bright.