WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — For over a century and half, it has been serving up mouth-watering fried chicken and biscuits to travelers from across Kansas and the globe.
But on Wednesday, the restaurant once known as the Brookville Hotel announced that it is closing its doors. A specific reason was not provided.
With heavy hearts, we share news we never imagined having to write. After more than 150 years as Brookville Hotel and later Legacy Kansas, the owners have made the difficult decision to close their doors at this time.
For generations, this restaurant has been more than a place to gather for family-style chicken dinners — it has been a home for travelers and locals alike, celebrations, traditions, laughter, and memories shared around the table. Being part of those moments has been one of the greatest honors of our lives.
As managers, please know we tried everything we could to keep this beloved business going. We explored-every option available to us and hoped for a different outcome. Ultimately, this decision was made by the owners and out of our hands.
We are deeply heartbroken. This restaurant has meant so much to so many, including all of us who have had the privilege to serve you. Your loyalty and support through the years have meant more than words can ever express.
Thank you for allowing us to be part of your family traditions and your lives. It has truly been our pleasure to serve you.
We kindly ask for grace and compassion in the comments as we process this loss alongside all of you. Further questions can be directed to the owners, as we will no longer have access to the website, phone lines, or social media.
With gratitude,
Veronica & Jeff Higgins, Managers
The Brookville Hotel first opened in the 1870s in Brookville, operated by Gus and Mae Magnuson. In 1915, their daughter, Helen Martin, added family-style chicken dinner to the menu, which quickly turned the hotel into a dining destination.
In 1999, the restaurant moved to Abilene to be closer to Interstate 70. It continued to operate as the Brookville Hotel until the COVID-19 pandemic forced it to close its doors.
But a year later, a new owner resurrected the historic restaurant under a new name.
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In February 2021, the popular Junction City steakhouse Munson House was destroyed by fire. Rather than rebuild, owners Chuck and Deanna Munson purchased and reopened the Brookville Hotel under a new name: Legacy Kansas: Munson’s Prime & Brookville Hotel. They also added steaks, burgers, sandwiches and ice cream, and later added an attached bar and grill called Munson Taphouse.
