The town of Salina, KS seems to be flourishing. If you walk up and down Santa Fe Avenue you will find a wonderful selection of intriguing retail stores and restaurants. The Stiefel Theatre seems to be the anchor. This Boller Brothers theater, built in 1931, was gloriously restored a few years ago and has drawn crowds to Salina with a packed schedule of shows ever since. Reportedly 70% of attendees are from out of town, which is great for the town's motels, restaurants, and stores. There is a wonderful Arts Center downtown. An ongoing mural festival has brought world-class muralists to adorn the bare walls of storefronts, grain elevators, and warehouses with colorful, thought-provoking works of art. The effort has wonderfully and colorfully transformed the town. A job well done.
On the other hand, the city has reportedly spent $800,000 on legal fees over a dispute regarding a mural on my favorite hamburger stand, The Cozy Inn. This restaurant only has six stools at the counter inside. There are just three items on the menu: burgers, chips, and soda. They have been serving up their uniquely styled burgers since 1922. They wanted to participate in the mural movement taking place around them. A whimsical scene depicted flying saucers resembling hamburgers squirting ketchup on the north side of their building. The controversy stemmed from: Is it a sign or is it art? Is it a violation of a sign ordinance, or is the city's order to stop that mural a violation of the Cozy Inn's First Amendment rights? So far, the lower courts have found in favor of the tiny hamburger stand. And their mural colorfully continues to enhance the north wall and the walk-up order window.
Check out Salina's murals and grab some of the world-famous burgers.
Take a walk with Birkenstock.
