A Spotlight on Shocker Alum-Owned Businesses

What better way to explore a city than by sampling its local businesses? From entertainment and dining to retail, finance and health, Wichita offers a vast mix of locally owned businesses - many proudly operated by Shocker alums. Here are a few to consider:

The Outpost at Cheney Lake

While technically not in Wichita, The Outpost is a short 45-minute drive west just off the banks of Cheney Lake. Owned by Jocelyn Galicia-Powell (2018), The Outpost offers a popular spread of American traditional dishes, cocktails and a beer garden. It is just one of Galicia-Powell’s local businesses, and she cites her time studying entrepreneurship at Wichita State as a key component of her success today.

Ziggy’s Pizza

With four locations across the city (and one sister location at The Depot), Ziggy’s is one of Wichita’s premier pizza and sandwich pubs. This family-operated locale is owned by Rebecca (1979) and Joseph Verbeckmoes (1976) and is the perfect spot for fresh pizza, salads, sandwiches, wings and more!

Another Broken Egg Café

Alums Jacob O'Connor (2023) and John Peterson (2023) brought the national brand of Another Broken Egg Cafe to Wichita as franchisees. It has grown into a popular breakfast, brunch and lunch spot priding itself on innovative southern-inspired comfort dishes and drinks including omelettes, pancakes, waffles, french toast, sandwiches, salads and much more. O'Connor and Petersen share their story of entrepreneurship with Wichita State president Rick Muma on the Forward Together podcast.

Kobe Steak House

If you’re looking for some pizazz, Kobe is the spot. Opened in 1980, Kobe Steak House of Japan is the place for a Teppanyaki dining experience. Owned by James L. Bailey (2003), its menu includes an array of steak and seafood options prepared with a special flair.

College Hill Deli

A local favorite, College Hill Deli cooks up a wide range of Mediterranean-style dishes, soups, salads and sandwiches including gyros, biryani, pasta and kebabs. Located in the picturesque College Hill district, this Wichita staple is owned by Ali H. Yassine (1987) and offers dine-in, delivery, takeout and catering services.

Social Tap Drinkery

Want great food and drinks right on Wichita State’s campus? Social Tap is a combination taproom and kitchen featuring Sungrano’s Pizza and Wheatly’s Burgers. It is owned by David Hopkins (2002) and Luke Luttrell (2002), and located in Braeburn Square at Wichita State – one of the best locations for a post-campus visit meal, or for pre- and post-game festivities during Shocker athletic events. Social Tap also has two more locations, one in Wichita and the other on the way in Andover.

Wichita State University

Of course, these are only a snippet of the many Shocker-owned businesses both throughout the city and across the nation. Wichita State’s Foundation & Alumni Engagement compiles a comprehensive directory of such businesses for those interested in taking a deeper dive.