Since the start of 2026, six new retailers have opened their doors downtown – and another four are opening soon! Downtown continues to be a destination for local entrepreneurs, with 85% of downtown retail businesses boasting local ownership. With a mix of visitors, residents, workers and students coming through the doors, downtown retailers enjoy a strong customer base.

Newly opened downtown businesses in 2026 include a coffee shop, gallery, aesthetician, home goods store, vintage store and a Mexican restaurant.

Bella Bonita Designs (104 N. St. Francis Ave., Suite A) features custom artwork by owner Stella Hankins, including fashion sketches, wall art, and accessories. Stella also offers her services as a live illustrator at events and does custom portraits. Bella Bonita Designs is open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Skin Is In Studios (104 N. St. Francis Ave., Suite B) attends to your every skin care need. Services include facials, body treatments, and waxing. Walk-ins are welcome at this chic studio from Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays are by appointment only.

11:11 Coquetry Maison (105 S. Emporia Ave.) is open until 10 p.m. on weeknights and until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. Featuring pastries from a variety of cultures and custom coffee drinks, the shop invites customers to lounge in swings, booths and cozy couches. There’s ample space to relax or bring your laptop and work.

The Vault Collection (141 N. Rock Island Ave.) moved from Lincoln Heights and has become a weekly feature at the Old Town Farm & Art Market, opening at 9 a.m. every Saturday in addition to weekday hours. They sell a curated collection of antiques, furniture, home décor and gifts. The shop is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

As Allison Baker, owner, said when sharing news of the move in November, “Downtown is really having… an exciting moment right now with all of the new things happening down there.” Read the full story by the Wichita Eagle here.

American Saints (142 N. Mead St.) celebrated its opening on Saturday, June 13 in Old Town. This unique, community-focused hub blends elements of an art house, coffee bar and photography space with its primary function as an eclectic retail store. Founded by owner Destiny Slane, the name "American Saints" was chosen to emphasize a collective atmosphere. Rather than a single product line, it houses a collaborative mix of vendors selling vintage clothing, custom-designed area rugs and local art. The store also features a photo booth for customers, as well as a photography studio available for public rental.

Chilaquiles, Tacos & More (612 E. Douglas Ave.) held their grand opening this week, taking over a space previously occupied by Paradise Donuts and located directly across from Naftzger Park. The restaurant — a new concept from Molino’s Mexican Cuisine owner Mara Garza — focuses on breakfast and lunch service with a condensed menu highlighting fan favorites from the main Molino's location, including chilaquiles, tacos, burritos, bowls, nachos, piratas and aguas frescas. Enjoy the fast-casual fare at one of twelve seats or take it across the park to enjoy!

Dreamer's Cocktail Lounge (417 E. Douglas Ave.) For anyone mourning the closing of Vorshay’s Cocktail Lounge space, a new cocktail lounge is coming June 20^th to the same iconic downtown space! Dreamer’s Cocktail Lounge will have a similar atmosphere to its predecessor in the former movie house, with craft drinks and live bands, while establishing its own unique identity.  The venue will initially serve only drinks and plans to add bar snacks over time. Hours of operation will be 4 p.m. to midnight on Mondays through Thursdays; 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays; and 1 p.m. to midnight Sundays.

Margarita's Cantina (725 E. Douglas Ave.) Making its move from the edge of College Hill to the heart of downtown, Margarita’s will join The Depot and Smoothie King in Union Station’s historic red-brick Rock Island Depot in late summer. The 60-seat space assumes a fast-casual model where customers order at the counter and servers deliver food to their tables. Margarita’s famous chips, salsa and core authentic Tex-Mex recipes remain the same, offering one delicious menu for both lunch and dinner. Margarita’s new space is designed to be bright and colorful indoors, with an ample outdoor patio for al fresco dining options.

Patsy Jo’s Sewing Co. (230 N. Mosley St.) Fans of “grandma hobbies,” rejoice! Scheduled to open late September in Old Town, Patsy Jo’s will cater directly to garment makers, quilters and hobbyists by providing a curated selection of high-quality fabrics, essential sewing tools, on-site sewing classes and workshops for various skill levels. Crafters lamenting the nation-wide closing of Jo-Ann Fabrics & Crafts will enjoy selecting fabrics in person and collaborating with fellow makers. Long-time costumer Abby Stroot brings her expertise from Music Theatre Wichita, Cirque du Soleil and Sesame Street Live! to the retail venture.

Stoner's Pizza Joint (645 E. Douglas Ave., Suite 107) The popular Florida-based pizza chain is opening its first Kansas location in downtown Wichita this July. Located just west of the Douglas Avenue railroad bridge and Insomnia Cookies, Stoner’s new location is in the same building as Homegrown and provides another great food and beverage option near Naftzger park. The 2,000-square-foot space will feature an outdoor patio fronting Douglas Avenue, serving hand-tossed stone-baked pizzas, strombolis and calzones, chicken wings, chocolate chip cookies and desserts.