Louie Keen plans out-of-this-world additions to Uranus Fudge Factory and General Store.
The self-described mayor of Uranus bought the remaining land formerly occupied by New Creations, providing an additional 70,000 square feet of building space and another 14 acres along U.S. 40 east of the Interstate 70 interchange. He has a galaxy of ideas — to the tune of about $4 million — ready for blastoff.
A Uranus request to rezone land from institutional to general commercial was on Richmond Advisory Plan Commission’s agenda for its April 22 meeting; however, only five plan commission members attended, one short of a quorum. That canceled the meeting and delayed consideration of the Uranus request until the plan commission’s May 27 meeting.
While waiting for the April 22 meeting, Keen said Revive I-70 construction that’s rebuilding the U.S. 40 and I-70 interchange has slowed business and slowed expansion. Now, after receiving a good deal on the remaining New Creations property, the high-energy Keen, who was dressed in his standard U.S.A.-themed shirt, American flag bowtie and “I love Uranus” baseball cap, is ready to keep going.
Uranus already has its mayor, but it will soon also have a Muffler Man. Keen purchased the 20-foot, 1960s-era Tulsa Oil man from USAGiants.com and is having it restored and prepared for installation on site. After serving a promotional role for New England-based Tulsa Oil, the Muffler Man was painted over as Paul Bunyan, according to USAGiants.com.
Keen said engineering is completed for a gas station and mini-golf course, two possibilities originally mentioned when Uranus made Richmond its third location after St. Robert, Missouri, and Anderson.
Candy production will move to Richmond once an Anderson building’s lease expires. Keen said tours will be available for visitors to watch candy being made.
Keen also plans an Americana museum that will display his collection of “crazy stuff.” He’d like it to include a 1939 Crosley car made in Richmond.
A Taco Uranus restaurant would follow a similar restaurant’s opening at the original Uranus in Missouri.
Keen wants to create an overall experience that attracts visitors.
“I love this,” he said. “It’s so much fun. I’m like a child, and it’s Christmas all the time.”
A version of this article will appear in the April 29 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.