Bakery closing Johnson County spot months after opening. ‘We are incredibly grateful’
Frannie Franks Coffee Cakes is closing up shop at its Leawood location.
The bakery, which has a faithful following at the Overland Park Farmers Market, announced on social media that it would close permanently on Saturday.
“This decision was not ours, as another business will be moving in under a permanent lease,” the announcement read in part. “We are incredibly grateful for your support and loyalty — it means the world to us.”
Owner Jill McEnroe told The Star they signed a temporary lease last summer for the Town Center location at 11828 Roe Ave. McEnroe said the temporary lease was considerably cheaper and would give them time to consider whether they would want to stay. The only downside: Another business could sign a permanent lease at any time, and they would have to leave.
They opened in the old Ruby Jean’s Juicery space in September. But last week, McEnroe said she received word that another business was moving in.
“I shed some tears,” she said. “We did so well there … It’s devastating, but you just gotta pick up and move on.”
McEnroe was not told what business was moving in. Town Center’s management did not immediately respond to The Star’s request for comment Thursday.
Frannie Franks’ Independence location will still be open at 10916 E. Winner Road.
Instead of signing another lease, McEnroe said they’re looking to do pop-ups in the area and will post on social media about when and where those will be. They’ll also be part of the Overland Park Farmers Market again.
Frannie Franks Coffee Cakes got its start “accidentally” about 15 years ago when McEnroe made a crumbly cinnamon streusel coffee cake for her boss’s birthday. It was a hit, and she began selling them on the side.
Five years ago, McEnroe went full-time with her coffee cake endeavors. Today, she sells 150 flavors of coffee cake: apple crumb, toffee, toasted coconut and more.
The first part of the business name — Frannie — pays homage to her mother. Her grandfather, Frank, makes up the other half.
Ruby Jean’s was open two years before it closed in the former Frannie Franks spot. It has a 3000 Troost Ave. juicery in Kansas City and a spot inside Whole Foods at 301 E. 51st St. in KC. It also wholesales to 150 sites.
This story was originally published March 13, 2025 at 12:14 PM.