Conference Eats: A Taste of Wichita at TBEX
Welcome to the Heart of the Country. Between sessions, you’ll sample Kansas comfort foods, local favorites and a few beloved Wichita quirks. This lineup was built to keep creators fueled and curious.
Kansas Trail Mix
(from Nifty Nut House)
A little sweet, a little savory, 100% Kansas. Every component is sourced from Nifty Nut House, a Wichita institution since 1937. It’s the perfect grab-and-go bite when you’re racing to your next session.
Chicken & Noodles - Kansas Style
Yes, we serve chicken and noodles on top of mashed potatoes – and yes, it’s as cozy as it sounds. This carb-on-carb classic has been a Kansas favorite for generations. Prefer to try it out around town? Order especially good versions at Doo-Dah Diner or Tanya’s Soup Kitchen.
Chili + Cinnamon Rolls
The combo that confuses outsiders and converts them instantly. A warming bowl of chili paired with a tender, frosting-kissed cinnamon roll is a school-lunch throwback Kansans never outgrew. Find it around Wichita at spots like Public, The Kitchen and Old Mill Tasty Shop.
Kansas Grazing Boards
Built by Kansas farmers and makers, our boards showcase local meats, cheeses and baked goods from shops like Yoder Meats, Elderslie Farm, Cottonwood River Cheeses, Bagatelle Bakery and more. It’s a snackable tour of the state in one beautiful spread.
Parfaits & Donuts
Donut boards featuring rings and minis from local favorite Paradise Donuts are the perfect way to refuel. Other crowd pleasers include fruit kabobs with a cool vanilla–honey yogurt dip, local honey for drizzling and individual yogurt parfaits layered with fruit and granola.
Kansas Beef
From sliders to slow-smoked brisket with all the fixings, Kansas beef brings Sunday-dinner energy to TBEX. Expect hearty plates sourced from Kansas ranchers and classic Midwest sides. Craving more? For an authentic local story, visit Station 8 BBQ, set in a renovated historic fire station and enjoy smoky brisket, tender ribs and sides that feel like a backyard cookout. Check out other barbecue options and find more Kansas beef at steakhouses such as Scotch & Sirloin, 6S Steakhouse and Chester’s Chophouse.
Barbecue Sauce Bar
We’re showcasing bottles from some of Kansas’ favorite BBQ makers, including:
Barrel Boys BBQ (Wichita)
Facebook: @barrelboysbbq
Instagram: @barrelboysbbq
TikTok: @barrelboysbbq
Freddy’s Famous Fry Sauce & Steakburger sauce (Wichita)
Facebook: @FreddysUSAWichitaRock
Instagram: @freddysusa
TikTok: @freddysusa
X: @FreddysUSA
Joe’s Kansas City Original (Kansas City)
Facebook: @joesksbbq
Instagram: @joeskc
TikTok: @joeskcbbq
X: @joeskc
Joe’s KC Rocket Pig Sweet Hot (Olathe)
Facebook: @joesksbbq
Instagram: @joeskc
TikTok: @joeskcbbq
X: @joeskc
Jones Bar-B-Q Hot & Jones Bar-B-Q Coconut Pineapple (Kansas City)
Facebook: @jonesbarbqks
Instagram: @jonesbbqkc
TikTok: @jonesbbqkc
EAT Barbecue The Next Big Thing (Olathe)
Facebook: @Eat.barbecue.rodgray
Slap’s Smokey (Kansas City)
Facebook: @slapsbbq
Instagram: @slapsbbq
TikTok: @slapsbbq
X: @slaps_bbq
Cowtown Night of the Living (Olathe)
Facebook: @cowtown-barbecue-products
Meat Mitch Naked & Man Meat & Meat Mitch WHOMP! (Leawood)
Facebook: @meatmitchbbq
Instagram: @meatmitchbbq
TikTok: @meatmitch
X: @meatmitch
Man Meat Sweet & Smoky Competition (Olathe)
Facebook: @manmeatbbq
Instagram: @therealmanmeatbbq
TikTok: @therealmanmeatbbq
Cobbler Station
Swirl, scoop, and savor like a Kansan. Warm cobbler—peach, apple, tart cherry—served in a mug and crowned à la mode. From county fairs to prairie kitchens, this is Kansas comfort in a spoon. You can find this sweet treat places like Hog Wild Pit Bar-B-Q, Two Brothers BBQ (West Central & East Greenwich Rd.) and Wichita Cheesecake Company.
More Wichita Classics to Hunt Down
Wichita may be the state’s largest city, but farms are never far—and you’ll taste that in our desserts and dinner plates. Put these on your personal list:
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Pies across the city (try Bagatelle Bakery, Connie’s Cookies, Georges French Bistro)
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Chicken Fried Steak at classic diners like Old Mill Tasty Shop.
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Local legends: the Famous #8 at Artichoke Sandwichbar, Big Shell Mac N Cheese at River City Brewing Co., the chicken salad sandwich at Old Mill Tasty Shop, and Bacon Crack at Nortons Brewing Co.
Hungry yet? That’s the idea. TBEX in Wichita is as much about flavor as it is about storytelling—consider this your edible itinerary.
