Great Harvest’s Goal: ‘Comfortable Space’

Kansas.com:

Working behind the counter on a busy Thursday afternoon, Tim Heeren took time to personally talk to each of his customers.

Whether introducing himself to new patrons or catching up with old friends, Heeren left each with a handshake and thanks for their business.

‘Sometimes it’s just that kind word that turns a person’s whole day,’ Heeren said.

As owner of Great Harvest Bread Co., Heeren said getting to know his customers has always been a priority.

13 years ago, Heeren opened his original location on East Central.

Now he has expanded with a West 21st Street location, which he opened April 1.

Although the services at both stores are the same, Heeren said the atmospheres are different.

‘My vision for this… was to create a comfortable space,’ he said of his new store.

Heeren said his west store has around 2,600 square feet; more than twice the space of his east Wichita location.

By including large, ‘community’ tables and a lounge area, Heeren hopes to encourage customers to interact with each other the way he does.

If that doesn’t keep his customers coming back, Heeren is confident his products will.

Great Harvest not only offers fresh-baked bread, but also cookies and muffins, sandwiches, salads, soups, scones, jams, coffee and tea. The West 21st Street store also features free wireless Internet access.