We are thrilled to announce that Betty Bremser, the longtime heart and soul behind Foo’s Fabulous Frozen Custard, has been selected as the honorary business representative— Brookside Marshal / Honorary Irish—for the 2026 Brookside St. Patrick’s Warm-Up Parade!
A Legacy of "Going for the Gold"
This year’s parade theme, "Leprechaun Cup: Going for the Gold," perfectly captures Betty’s decades-long commitment to excellence. For nearly 30 years, Betty has embodied a champion’s spirit, turning a small neighborhood shop into a premier Kansas City dessert destination through hard work and a passion for small business.
Community, Custard, and Celebration: Betty’s New Chapter in Brookside
For decades, the name Betty has been synonymous with the heart of the Brookside business district. As the longtime owner of Foo’s Fabulous Frozen Custard, she has been the silent engine behind one of Kansas City’s most beloved traditions. This year, however, the view is changing.
A First-Time View of the Brookside St. Patrick’s Warm-Up Parade
Although Betty was in Brookside for 29 years, she’ll be experiencing the parade for the first time. “I’ve never been in the parade because it was so busy during the parade. I’m excited to see former employees and customers just wandering around. I love seeing them.”
In spite of not being in the parade, she’s experienced the growth and appreciates the benefit to the neighborhood and the Brookside businesses. “The parade is so Brookside. It's about neighbors and neighborhood. It's a true experience of Brookside and brings everyone back together. All the kids from the neighborhood started, and the schools got involved, and dance groups got involved. As it got bigger everyone’s business grew. It's a great time of day. Everything about it is great. I've lived here for 40 years and have lived through generations of young families and kids. The parade is a great part of the experience for everyone.”
The Legacy of Foo’s Fabulous Frozen Custard
The parade has been especially beneficial for Foo’s. “The most fun was when it was busy and crazy and employees have their head down. Custard is a real parade item. If the weather is good and the sun is out it's a perfect time to stop by Foo's. I predict that if people aren't out of town it's going to be nuts. I'd predict record sales for Foo’s.”
In 2025, Betty sold Foo’s to former employees Leah Krieger and Megan Reilly, but she still loves staying connected with the friends she’s made at Foo’s over the years. “I love running into former customers. It's the best. I love catching up, sharing memories and finding out what they’re doing now.”
Beyond friendships, many connections are much deeper than nostalgia, with some honoring loved ones with their favorite flavors as a tribute. “It’s special to have been a part of that.”
Why Brookside is the Model for Kansas City Neighborhoods
Brookside is still home for Betty, and she’s still a great ambassador for the businesses and neighborhoods.
“Because the neighborhood was built around a set of locally owned shops, that tells the neighborhood that we want you to be here and have a special experience. I personally think Brookside is a model for any neighborhood, with central businesses surrounded by neighborhoods. It's ripe for community and friendliness. It’s all the things that make you want to know your neighbor and create community. Brookside is set up for it. These younger families are buying anything they can just to be in Brookside.”
Exploring Kansas City with Newfound Freedom
When asked what she’s doing with her newfound free time, Betty is experiencing Brookside and Kansas City in a way she couldn’t before. “I'm trying something new every afternoon, visiting museums, seeing a movie, visiting parks, enjoying Kansas City jazz, and more and looking forward to trying things I’ve never done before like the Wornall House museum.”
A Brookside Fixture
Betty has always championed the importance of local businesses as the backbone of the community. To her, the magic of Foo’s wasn't just in the "best custard in town," but in the "love added to every concrete" and the safety parents felt letting their kids hang out in the heart of Brookside.
Whether she was memorizing a regular’s specific order or catering the wedding of a former employee, Betty’s impact on our neighborhood is lasting. We are honored to have her "cheering us on" from the parade route this year as we celebrate her golden legacy in Brookside.
Join us this Saturday, March 14th at 2 pm to cheer for Betty and celebrate the community spirit she helped build!
Let’s show Betty the same love she’s poured into every concrete for the last three decades!
- Where: The Brookside Shops (63rd and Brookside Blvd)
- When: Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 2 pm
- Theme: Leprechaun Cup: Going for the Gold
- Parade Route: Click here to download the 2026 Parade Route Map
Let’s show Betty the same love she’s poured into every concrete for the last three decades!
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