FEATURE
By Marci Williams
S
tate capitols are interesting places, especially for people with a passion for history. For history buffs, Topeka, KS, is a must-see. Topeka has served as the Kansas state capital since 1861, and the dome of the capitol building, at 304 feet, is actually larger than the United States capitol dome at only 288 feet. It is one of the few capitols in the United States that continues to offer tours that go to the top of the dome and where you are allowed to walk outside. It’s 296 steps from the 5th floor to the top. For those willing to walk the 592 steps, the champions deserve a special meal and beverage, and the Pennant is awaiting them in downtown Topeka. They’ll be rewarded with amazing food, beverages and, when rejuvenated, they can enjoy vintage arcade games and bowling. Cody Foster, co-founder of Advisors Excel, an insurance marketing organization which helps independent financial professionals market their small businesses as well as help facilitate their relationships with insurance carriers, faced a 48
IBI June 2019
crossroads with his business: should he and his partners move to a larger city, or cement their roots in Topeka? Advisors Excel decided to stay in Topeka, but Cody knew that investments would be needed to make Topeka great. He thought, “What does Topeka not have? What would make people come downtown?” He formed AIM Strategies and became part of the revitalization project of downtown Topeka. Admittedly, AIM Strategies got the community eye roll when talking of their vision of a new, exciting restaurant in downtown. Cody’s vision Cody Foster, co-founder of was always to combine his passion for history and Advisors Excel his love of restaurants — his grandmother owned a restaurant in Stockton, KS, and he worked there as a child. The goal was to create a venue where people would have an unbelievably great time and create memories. The Pennant opened in March 2018 with an investment of $2.4 million. It pays homage to The Pennant Cafeteria which was open from 1931-1974. The cafeteria was run by Miss Patricia Beezley who was quite the rebel in her day, hiring only women and children from the nearby Capper Foundation for the Disabled, to work. The building was available and the