Old Chicago Restored Liquor Service in Wichita
Three Wichita locations have resumed alcohol sales following a 19-day lapse in licensure.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Dining Out
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Old Chicago restaurants in Wichita returned to full service on September 19, 2026, after a 19-day period without a valid liquor license. The temporary suspension affected three local establishments.
Why it matters
Restaurants are required by Kansas law to maintain active liquor licenses to serve alcohol, making timely renewals essential for business operations. A failure to renew these credentials can result in significant service interruptions and revenue losses for local hospitality chains.
Old Chicago resumed sales at its restaurants located at 7626 E. Kellogg, 2240 N. Tyler Road, and 300 N. Mead. The chain maintains these three locations across the Wichita area.
The players
Old Chicago
This restaurant chain operates three locations in Wichita that recently navigated a temporary suspension of alcohol sales.
Spangles
This restaurant chain operates 26 locations in the region and is currently working to obtain new liquor licenses following a recent change in ownership.
Hamideh family
This family purchased the Spangles chain in July 2026 and also owns six Popeyes restaurant locations.
The details
The interruption stemmed from a failure to renew liquor licenses on time, which kept the restaurants from selling alcohol for nearly three weeks. While Old Chicago has since resolved its status, the local Spangles chain is currently working through a separate licensing backlog following its sale to the Hamideh family in July 2026.
Timeline
July 2026 marked the sale of the Spangles chain to the Hamideh family.
September 19, 2026, was the date Old Chicago resumed serving alcohol.
Culture Shift
The situation illustrates the rigid administrative requirements of Kansas liquor licensing statutes for food service businesses. These legal obligations dictate that changes in ownership or lapses in paperwork can temporarily halt typical dining experiences for local patrons.
Patrons visiting the three affected Old Chicago locations can now purchase alcoholic beverages as part of their dining experience again. Meanwhile, customers at Spangles locations may continue to see restricted menus until the chain completes its own individual licensing applications.
The takeaway
Restaurant owners must prioritize administrative renewals to avoid disruptions in service and maintain consistent offerings for their customers. Staying compliant with local liquor laws ensures that businesses can operate without unnecessary pauses in revenue-generating activities.
Further reading
For more on the local food and beverage scene, visit our Dining Out section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wichita Eagle.
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Should local restaurants be granted grace periods for liquor license renewals when administrative errors occur?
