McLain’s adding not one but two bakery & brunch spots in these KC-area neighborhoods

Locally owned McLain’s Market restaurant and bakery is expanding by two locations — one in south Overland Park and another in North Kansas City.

Known for its sweet pastries and savory brunch items, McLain’s currently has three locations in the Kansas City area and one in Lawrence.

After nine successful years of co-owning McLain’s, Mollie Lothman has seen the customer base grow steadily, with fans of the chocolate pecan cupcookies and market wraps asking for locations closer to their homes.

“Whatever the neighborhoods we’re in, it’s proving that McLain’s is a regular part of people’s week,” she said. “It’s been fun for us to get into different areas of town.”

The new south Overland Park location, at 15102 Travis St., just east of Metcalf Avenue, is scheduled to open in early fall. McLain’s is taking over the old Jersey Boyz Subs and Deli spot.

The North Kansas City location will be on the bottom floor of the new Oxbow luxury apartments at 1720 Swift St. and is set to open sometime in late fall or early winter.

When Lothman and her partners took over the business in 2014, the only location was its Kansas City bakery at 201 E. Gregory Blvd. They have since opened two combination bakeries and restaurants in Johnson County — at 10695 Roe Ave. in Overland Park and 5833 Nieman Road in Shawnee. The Lawrence location is at 2412 Iowa St. in Lawrence.

The team has also launched its own coffee brand, Sway Coffee Roasters, and it hopes to celebrate six locations by the end of the year.

“We credit most of our success just to a really amazing customer base and a really amazing set of employees who just come along for the ride with us,” she said.

Though it might seem harder to open two locations at once, Lothman said it’s actually helpful to already be in “growth mode.”

Lothman says she prides her business on adapting to whatever neighborhood it’s in, collecting a faithful following of regulars who make McLain’s part of their routine. She hopes to continue to expand across the metro.

“It’s fun for us to provide a space where a variety of people can come in, take a break from life and enjoy a cookie and have a smile,” she said.