Browne’s Irish Marketplace: Heritage, Family, & Business

Kerry Browne and her husband John McClain are 4th generation owners of the historic Browne’s Irish Marketplace, the oldest Irish business in the world outside of Ireland & the oldest retail business in Kansas City.

Located in Midtown, Browne’s is known for its warm hospitality, curated Irish imports and authentic Irish food and drink.

Only ½ of 1% of all businesses last for 100 years. We sit down with Kerry and John to talk about how Browne’s has thrived for nearly a century and a half: through two pandemics, two World Wars, Prohibition (rumor has it Pendergast himself was a Browne’s regular), the Depression, and every downswing of the economy since.

Their secret? Good old Irish resilience, and an incredible community — one that warmly includes everyone who walks in the front door. 

We’re also joined by Kerry and John’s oldest son Ian, along with loyal Browne's supporter Pete McCluskey, who serves with Kerry on the board of both the St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Kansas City Irish Fest and shares their stories. This crew represents everything Irish here in Kansas City as they carry on the incredible legacy of the immigrants who helped build this city we love. Slainté!