In the golden light of a beautiful spring afternoon, a black GMC Denali Yukon rumbles into the parking lot of a historic building outside of downtown Manhattan. Behind the wheel is a determined woman in a Green Hat Gin ballcap and a George Remus whiskey jacket, the picture of rugged confidence. She parks with purpose, hops out, and starts unloading boxes of beef sticks and beef tallow—fresh from Krehbiels beef locker in McPherson. With practiced ease, she carries them into her beef store. No fuss, no fanfare. Just another day in her world of grit, good beef, and getting things done. This is the rhythm of Sara Larson’s life—and she loves it.
Sara Elizabeth Larson (née Wallace) has always been a go-getter. Born at Manhattan Memorial Hospital and raised between Junction City and Chapman, she graduated from Chapman High School. Initially, she set her sights on law and enrolled at Washburn University in Topeka. After acing the LSAT, she realized that law was not the path she wanted to follow. Instead, she took the logical next step—Disney’s College Program.
The Disney College Program is a paid internship at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, offering college students and recent graduates immersive work experience across various roles, including attractions, hospitality, and entertainment. For Sara, it was an exciting way to make a move to Florida.
Upon landing in the Sunshine State, Sara initially thought her first job at Disney would be as a boat captain for an attraction. What she discovered, however, was so much more. She eventually joined Disney’s professional internship program, where her career growth accelerated rapidly. After gaining experience in several venues, she was offered a full-time management position at the Concourse Steakhouse inside Disney’s Contemporary Resort. This role led to Disney’s management course, Foundations, where all managers were trained in every aspect of their position. As a restaurant manager, Sara had to know everything—from who cleaned the grease traps and handled extermination, to how the fire suppression system worked, and how to fix the dishwashers. It was an intensive, hands-on program that shaped her expertise.
Her next stop was The California Grill. This was a high-end, white-tablecloth restaurant, serving up to 700 guests a night. It features two private dining rooms and a full bar. Ranked among the best dining experiences at Disney World, it attracts dignitaries, royalty, and numerous celebrities—including the famous movie actor, John Travolta.
John Travolta, along with his late wife Kelly Preston, were impressed by Sara’s service. They lived in Ocala, Florida, about an hour north of Orlando. This encounter led to the biggest breakthrough of her life—coordinating John’s red carpet events. While still working for Disney, Sara began planning the Travoltas’ star-studded events. From managing interviews and paparazzi to handling pre-parties, post-parties, and everything in between, she became the go-to planner for movie premieres. Among the events she coordinated were Old Dogs, Savages, and From Paris With Love. Her work on these red carpet events also opened doors for her to host private gatherings for other famous personalities.
While managing red carpet events and working for Disney was a fantastic experience, Sara was eager to pursue her college degree in marketing. However, transitioning into marketing at Disney typically requires at least five years of experience with well-known companies. Not meeting that requirement, she took a marketing position at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, with the concessions company Aramark. This role eventually led her to Aramark at Florida State University, which brought her back to the Midwest.
On a snowy Cinco de Mayo, May 5th, Sara moved to Kansas City. Her first job was with a marketing firm, which eventually led to a position at MGP Ingredients in Atchison, Kansas. It was here that Sara learned the art of building brands. She helped promote several well-known liquor brands, including Till Vodka, George Remus Bourbon, Union Rye, and Green Hat Gin. It was a great job—until the global pandemic changed the course of the world.
Before, in 2018, Sara had reconnected with her Flint Hills roots. She met Andy Larson, from the renowned Larson cattle family in Riley County. They quickly formed a deep connection, and by 2019, they were married.
Four days after the birth of their daughter Clara in 2020, Sara received a call that would change the course of her life: MGP Ingredients had merged with beverage company Luxco, and she was out of a job.
Being a stay-at-home mom was incredibly challenging for Sara, but Andy came up with a brilliant idea—creating floral arrangements for weddings and events around the Flint Hills area. This led to her first wedding at Blue Vista, which eventually sparked the opening of Wild & Blooming inside the Candlewood Shopping Center. Seeking a downtown space, Wild & Blooming opened in the 100 block of South 4th Avenue in downtown Manhattan on January 1st, 2024.
Andy had always wanted to sell beef directly to consumers. With her background in brand building, Sara knew exactly how they could make it happen. Larson Angus Beef, established in 1880, has maintained a continuous herd of Black Angus cattle through seven generations, surviving every depression. The one thing they never had was a storefront. Together, Sara and Andy made that dream a reality, opening their first storefront at the former Wild & Blooming space in Candlewood on June 1st, 2024.
After developing the brand, Sara and Andy moved from Candlewood to the former Addair Law Firm building at 900 Poyntz Avenue. This 1911 structure, listed on the National Register of Historic Sites, became the perfect location for selling beef, western goods, and crafts.
The new location is now open, as is the Larson family’s dream to expand 1880 Beef by opening multiple locations across several states. With a rich history of seven generations in the cattle industry, they aim to bring their premium Black Angus beef directly to more communities, offering high-quality products while staying rooted in their family’s legacy.
As for Sara, her dreams are as wild and blooming as ever. Her passion for growth and creativity continues to flourish, whether in the floral world or expanding the Larson family’s beef business. Her unwavering drive, combined with a heart for innovation, ensures that her ventures will continue to thrive and evolve.
Everything we've dreamed about has really started to come true. The best part is being in Manhattan.
As for Sara, her dreams are as wild and blooming as ever. Her passion for growth and creativity continues to flourish, whether in the floral world or expanding the Larson family’s beef business.