1954 night time photo of a Town Topic that used to stand at 6th and Central, KCMO. It was torn down when I-70 was built.
Former Town Topic 6th and Central, KCMO
Category Archives: History
Did you know….
Hard to imagine, but the Town Topic on Broadway wasn’t always a Town Topic. Claude
Sparks purchased this Eat-Moore Hamburger building in 1944 and converted it to Town Topic Hamburgers. The previous owner’s last name, not surprisingly, was Moore. This building still stands as our most beloved, and only 24 hour, Town Topic.
Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays!
This TT Christmas card may be from 1962, but our message for 2013 remains the same. Wishing you health, happiness, peace and prosperity this holiday season.
81 years ago today
This photo was taken 81 years ago today! Here is a young Claude Sparks at a 1932 White Castle employee Christmas banquet in Kansas City. Claude is the 4th person from the front on the left. He moved to Kansas City from Golden, Missouri and worked as a cab driver before starting at White Castle, which, of course, paved the way for him to start Town Topic Hamburgers. Claude was just 24 years old in this picture. Looks like a pretty fancy banquet!
Trivia answer!
No guesses on the waitress below? It’s Billie! She was with TT for almost 15 years, and had a GREAT sense of humor. She stopped in just the other day. Always nice to see her!
Town Topic Trivia!
Can you name this long-time Baltimore TT waitress?
Happy Halloween!!!
Can you identify this TT cook from a Halloween past?? Taken at 2021 Broadway, probably in the 1970’s. Have a SAFE and Happy Halloween everyone!!!
Cheers Liz!
Well-know TT cook Liz outside 19th and Baltimore, KCMO, circa 1990. Liz worked at TT for more 
than 40 years and retired just two years ago.
than 40 years and retired just two years ago.She received the Kitchen Employee of the Year Award from the Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association in 1987.
Before there was Town Topic…..
Town Topic founder Claude Sparks at his White Castle job in 1936 – less than a year before he embarked on his own and started Town Topic Hamburgers! Frankfurters just 5 cents!
Town Topic Trivia Answer – Chili!
The answer to the trivia question is – chili! Town Topic chili used to be served at Arrowhead Stadium and the old Municipal stadium. The recipe is more than 80 years old and was created by Betty Sparks, wife of original owner Claude Sparks.