5 minute read
An Area Icon with Deep Roots
Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant comes home to Shawnee.
Article by Corinn Guemmer
Photos by Sarah Reeves
Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant, a Kansas City staple, has been providing familyfriendly fun and delicious food since 1954. Founded by Fritz and Virginia Kropf, the restaurant is famous for its unique train delivery system and classic diner menu. Today, the restaurant remains a local icon, with locations in Crown Center, Kansas City, and Shawnee.
The story of Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant begins with Fritz Kropf, an entrepreneur with a passion for creating memorable experiences. After serving in the Navy during World War II, including an assignment on the USS San Francisco stationed at Pearl Harbor during the 1941 attack, Fritz returned to Kansas City with a dream of starting his own restaurant. In 1954, Fritz and Virginia opened their first 50s-style drive-in restaurant at 32nd and Brown Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas. It wasn’t long before Fritz’s became known for its old-fashioned hamburgers made with 100% choice ground beef, grilled onions seared in the meat, and toasted buns—just the way Fritz’s dad served them at his Kansas City, Kansas, location, John’s Place, beginning in the 1920s.
In the mid-1960s, Fritz expanded his business by opening a second location on 18th Street in Kansas City, Kansas. However, managing two restaurants proved to be a challenge, especially with the constant struggle to find reliable staff. To solve this issue, Fritz began experimenting with ways to automate food delivery. Working in the basement of his home, he developed a system that would later become the restaurant’s signature feature: the train delivery system.
Unique Delivery
Originally called the “Skat Kat,” the system was first introduced at the 18th Street location in the early 1970s. Initially, Fritz downplayed the railroad theme, but customers quickly embraced the concept. “He was always innovating and tinkering,” says Freddie Kropf, Fritz’s grandson. “His basement had the original train delivery concept that he built, and we loved spending time there as children. My grandfather was always ahead of his time, constantly thinking of ways to improve the business.”
The train delivery system soon became the distinctive trait of Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant, and, today, it’s difficult to imagine the restaurant without it. The trains, which deliver meals directly to the tables, have become a beloved part of the dining experience. Children and adults alike get a kick out of watching their food arrive by train, making it a tradition that brings joy to everyone who visits. Adding to the fun is the option to place your order using the phone at your table, dialing in for a unique and nostalgic experience.
Despite the novelty of the train delivery system, Fritz’s has never wavered in its commitment to quality. The restaurant’s menu features an array of classic American foods, from juicy burgers to creamy milkshakes, all made to order and served fresh. “We focus on providing a fun family experience and delicious food—the same way Fritz did in 1954,” Freddie says. This dedication to quality has ensured that customers receive the same high level of service that Fritz envisioned.
Expanding to Shawnee
In the mid-1980s, Fritz’s son, Fred, along with his wife, Mary, took over the business. Under their leadership, the restaurant expanded its reach. In 1999, they opened a location at Crown Center, followed by the Shawnee location in 2009. “Expanding to Shawnee was a big step for us,” Freddie says. “It allowed us to bring the Fritz’s experience to even more families in the Kansas City area.”
For the Kropf family, the Shawnee location holds special significance. “Fred and Mary raised our family in Shawnee, so opening a restaurant there felt like coming home,” Freddie says. The Shawnee location quickly became a local favorite, offering families a convenient way to enjoy the Fritz’s experience without making the trip to downtown Kansas City. “Having a location in Shawnee has expanded our customer base and provided local families with the opportunity to visit Fritz’s at any time,” Freddie says.
Fritz’s is still family-owned and operated, with the third generation of Kropfs now involved in the business. Freddie, who currently manages operations, is committed to preserving the traditions that have made Fritz’s a Kansas City icon while looking toward the future. “My goal is to continue to honor my grandfather’s original vision and values and to stay true to who we are: a small, family-owned business,” Freddie says. “We hope to be here for many generations to come.”
Fred and Mary Kropf were instrumental in the restaurant’s growth and success, ensuring that Fritz’s remained a family-run business even as it expanded. Today, the family’s legacy lives on in the quality of the food and the joyful atmosphere that has made Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant a Kansas City favorite for decades.
“We’re ‘full steam ahead,’ and we’re excited to see what the future holds for Fritz’s in Shawnee and beyond,” Freddie says.
For residents of Shawnee and the surrounding areas, Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant isn’t just a place to eat—it’s a part of the community where memories are made and Fritz Kropf’s legacy lives on. With the dedication of the Kropf family and the support of loyal customers, Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant is sure to remain a beloved Kansas City fixture for years to come.
For More
13803 W. 63rd St.
Shawnee, KS 66216
913-375-1000
Monday: 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
Tuesday–Friday: 7 a.m.–9 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m.–9 p.m.
Sunday: 8 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
Breakfast served until 11 a.m. Tuesday–Friday, and until 11:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.
