TikTok Star Jordan Howlett Visited Fritz's in Kansas City
The popular creator visited the Crown Center restaurant to feature its unique train-based delivery system.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Dining Out
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TikTok personality Jordan Howlett, who boasts 20 million followers, recently visited the Fritz's restaurant in Kansas City's Crown Center. His video review highlighting the establishment's chocolate shake and food delivery model has already surpassed 3 million views.
Why it matters
The review provides significant social media exposure for the three-location local chain, which has operated in the area for seven decades. Ownership hopes the increased visibility from the viral content will drive new foot traffic to their various locations.
The restaurant chain has spanned 70 years of operation across three current locations. The Crown Center site opened in 1999, following the 2009 opening of the Shawnee branch.
The players
Jordan Howlett
He is a prominent TikTok personality with a global audience of 20 million followers.
Fred Kropf
He has served as the owner of the three-location restaurant chain since 1987.
Fritz and Virginia Kropf
They are the original founders who established the restaurant business in 1954.
The details
Fritz's is known for its distinctive model train system that transports food directly to customer tables. Guests at the restaurant use telephones located at their seats to place their orders, a hallmark of the dining experience since the chain was founded.
Timeline
Fritz and Virginia Kropf founded the restaurant chain in 1954.
Fred Kropf took over ownership of the company in 1987.
The Crown Center location officially opened in 1999.
The Shawnee restaurant location opened its doors in 2009.
Jordan Howlett visited the restaurant and posted his video on October 4-5, 2026.
Culture Shift
The visit highlights the power of social media to revitalize legacy dining concepts through the influence of TikTok creators on local small business foot traffic. This development follows a documented trend where viral digital content acts as a primary growth engine for traditional, family-owned establishments.
The sudden surge in viral popularity may lead to increased wait times and higher customer volumes at the Crown Center location. Diners should be prepared for potential lines and busier service as the restaurant manages the influx of new visitors attracted by the social media coverage.
The takeaway
Legacy businesses can find renewed relevance through the viral reach of modern digital platforms. Local diners looking for a unique experience may find that long-standing community staples offer a nostalgic charm that resonates with contemporary audiences.
Further reading
For more on the local culinary landscape, explore Dining Out news.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Kansas City Star.
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