Local businesses around Shawnee are popular with students

Located in Shawnee, local businesses are a staple in the area, and students love going to them for things like shopping, eating or just hanging out

Gwen Ansell and Maddie Martin

October 28, 2025

By Avery Curry

During the lunch rush hour, Betsey Merckens works behind the counter on drinks to serve to her customers, Monday Oct. 21.

During her morning shift, Prayer Box Cafe owner Katie Bolen works on making a blended frozen lemonade for one of her customers, Wednesday Oct. 15. (By Avery Curry)

Prayer Box

Prayer Box Café is a local coffee shop that is popular among many students and Shawnee residents.

Owner Katie Bolen opened the cafe with the goal of making it a space where people could feel comfortable.

“I want [customers] to feel good,” Bolen said. "It's a safe space to feel good, emotionally, physically, spiritually and I just hope they maybe make connections with other people.”

To promote these connections, Bolen runs the shop with kindness.

“We run our business through kindness,” Bolen said. “People say, ‘They didn't earn my respect.’ Well, respect isn't something they give, it's something we get. Same thing with kindness. [If] somebody's having a bad day, they come in, being nice to them isn't anything about them. It's how we are. We're kind.”

Standing behind the counter, Embellish Boutique co-owners Amanda Hamilton and Lindsay Wake wait for customers to arrive, Wednesday Oct. 15. (By Avery Curry)

Embellish Boutique

For those who love shopping locally, Embellish Boutique offers a wide variety of items from clothing to home decor.

The boutique has been open for eight years, according to Hamilton, their goal has always been to serve their customers.

“We've had a really good, strong customer base,” Hamilton said. “It's a wide variety of shoppers, but we've had some really loyal customers over the past eight years that have helped keep us in business.”

For Hamilton those customer relationships are her favorite part of owning a business.

“We've met some really amazing customers who have become our friends,” Hamilton said. “We have some customers that we've seen through life's challenges, so it's good to be able to establish friendships with customers that can evolve outside of a storefront.”

During the lunch rush hour, Betsey Merckens works behind the counter on drinks to serve to her customers, Monday Oct. 21. (By Avery Curry)

Station 3

Station 3 is a small local coffee shop located inside of a historical decommissioned fire station and surrounded by nature. Nearly every inch of the building is covered with murals painted by local artists and even a KC heart stands outside. Courtney Nelson runs the cafe alongside her sister-in-law, Betsy Mecknes, and husband John Nelson. They opened the shop after their students graduated from Mill Valley, leaving them as “empty nesters”.

“[We want our customers to have a] friendly atmosphere, good coffee. Our new slogan is, “good coffee, good company.” [we are] just providing the outdoor space that I feel like is sometimes hard to find a strip center,” Courtney said.

Helping out at her parents’ restaurant after school, sophomore Hollie Chen packages orders to hand out to customers, Wednesday Oct. 15. (By Avery Curry)

China King

China King, located in Shawnee, Kansas, is a local favorite restaurant owned and operated by Tracy Huang and Micheal Chen that serves the community authentic Chinese cuisine. Their daughter, sophomore Hollie Chen, helps out.

“[I usually] come help out on Fridays and Saturdays,” Hollie said. “I usually come around four or five after school, then I work [until] it starts to slow down.”

China King has over 50 dishes on the menu, ranging from chow mein to crab rangoons, all cooked in house to order.

“[The menu] evolved to whatever the customers' taste preferences are, [causing us to add] more stuff to the menu,” Hollie explained. “I hope that [customers are] very happy they enjoy the food.”

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About the Contributors

Gwen Ansell, JagWire reporter/photographer

This is sophomore Gwen Ansell’s first year on the JagWire staff. Outside of journalism, Gwen is involved in theater and choir. Along with this, Gwen enjoys watching movies and practicing guitar.

Maddie Martin, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief and JagWire editor-in-chief

This is senior Maddie Martin’s third year on the JagWire staff, she is excited to continue her work on the website as Mill Valley News editor-in-chief as well as taking on the role of JagWire editor-in-chief. Outside of journalism, she is a part of the girls golf team, involved in Jaguar Leadership Corps, NHS, NEHS, French NHS, an ELT for Relay for Life and is also the proud founder of the Coloring Club. When not in C101 working on journalism Maddie can probably be found practicing golf, reading a new romance book or listening to the newest Lumineers album.

Avery Curry, JagWire reporter/photographer

This is sophomore Avery Curry’s first year on the JagWire staff, and she will take on the position of a writer and photographer. Outside of journalism, she is involved in Relay For Life, plays volleyball and snowboards. She also enjoys playing piano, traveling and watching movies and TV shows with her dad.

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