Building Community One Burger at a Time: The Story of Thursday Club

At its core, Thursday Club is more than just a pop-up smash burger and cocktail bar. It's an homage to the power of consistent social gatherings and a tribute to a rich piece of Topeka's history. Nestled inside Circle Coffee, Thursday Club operates with extended hours, offering a unique place for locals to unwind and connect. They are open Thursdays from 5-10 PM and Fridays and Saturdays from 5-11 PM, but the story behind their name and concept runs much deeper than the burgers and cocktails they serve.

The Inspiration Behind Thursday Club

When David Vincent first considered adding evening hours to Circle Coffee, he knew he wanted to cultivate a neighborhood bar vibe—a casual, welcoming space where people could come together. The name, however, needed to be something with local significance, something that reflected our vision of fostering community and connection.

During his search, he spent some time at the Topeka Room in the Topeka Library. If you haven’t visited, it’s a hidden gem of local history. There’s a drawer filled with old restaurant menus and another packed with folders on various social clubs that used to thrive in Topeka. It was in this room, while browsing through decades-old records, that David stumbled upon the story of the original Thursday Club—a small social group that resonated deeply with his vision.

A 59-Year Tradition of Friendship

The original Thursday Club began in 1965 when four women in the Collins Park area of Topeka came together with the simple goal of forming a sewing club. Of the four, only one knew how to sew, but it didn’t take long for their weekly gatherings to blossom into something more than just a place to learn a craft. The club became a dedicated social group, meeting every Thursday to spend time together.

For nearly 60 years, the women of the Thursday Club have continued to meet—every single week, without fail, outside of major holidays. Today, the group is still active, with the daughter of one of the original members, Kathy, now participating in the weekly Thursday lunch tradition. The group’s consistent dedication to friendship and gathering struck a chord with David, and he knew he had found the perfect name for his pop-up bar.

After getting approval from the current members of the Thursday Club, he was thrilled to honor their legacy. Their story embodies the very essence of what he want Thursday Club to be—a place where people gather regularly, form lasting bonds, and celebrate the importance of community.

Creating Consistent Social Spaces in Topeka

Thursday Club is about much more than just serving food and drinks. It’s about building a community where people feel comfortable gathering and socializing, just like the original Thursday Club members have done for nearly six decades. He's expanded the evening hours at Circle Coffee because he wants to offer Topeka a neighborhood spot where relationships can grow and deepen.

While his vibe may be different—burgers and cocktails instead of sewing and lunch—the underlying principle remains the same. David wants Thursday Club to be a place where people can consistently come together, whether it’s to meet new friends or catch up with old ones. And just like the original Thursday Club, he hopes to foster those connections for years to come.

Looking Ahead

David's hope is that Thursday Club will become a lasting part of Topeka’s social scene, much like the original club that inspired him. Whether he remains inside Circle Coffee or eventually expand to a new space, his goal is the same: to provide a welcoming, consistent gathering place for our community.

Stop by Thursday Club, enjoy a smash burger, sip on a cocktail, and be part of this new tradition. Because at the end of the day, it’s all about gathering together and celebrating what it means to be a community.

Hours of Operation

Thursdays: 5-10 PM
Fridays & Saturdays: 5-11 PM
Inside Circle Coffee, Topeka

Come and experience what Thursday Club is all about. See you soon!

About the Author:

The above article Building Community One Burger at a Time: The Story of Thursday Club with Topeka Insider was written by Justin Armbruster of the Armbruster Team at Genesis, LLC, REALTORS®, local leaders in Topeka real estate, digital marketing, and social media. You can contact Justin Armbruster at 785-260-4384. He has helped hundreds of people buy and sell homes in the Topeka area for years, and would love the opportunity to help you as well. Follow him on Instagram and connect!