Destination discount: Mobile business hunt hides prizes across KC (and you can find them without a new app)

A new venture from Soda Pop Graphics founder Kamia Kindle is turning everyday errands into something more interactive, inviting Kansas Citians to play their way through local neighborhoods while helping small businesses see who is actually walking through the door.

Her latest platform, Soda Hunt, blends marketing strategy with gameplay, asking users to explore, scan QR codes and unlock deals along the way. The goal is to connect digital engagement to real-world visits in a way that is easy to track.

“It’s a scavenger hunt for local restaurants and local businesses, where you can scan a QR code and see whatever offer is available,” said Kindle. “It’s kind of similar to Pokemon Go, but for businesses.”

Soda Hunt took shape around a challenge many small businesses face. Money goes into digital ads, but what happens after someone clicks is often a mystery.

“We all have spent so much money on online ads, whether that’s Google ads, Facebook ads, whatever it is,” said Kindle. “Nine times out of 10, you get traffic to your website, but that’s pretty much it. There’s no way to guarantee that you were successfully paying for those leads.”

Her new platform leans on gamification to close that gap, using familiar incentives to motivate people to show up in person.

“You play the game to win prizes, and people love to win prizes,” said Kindle. “We wanted to pair gamification with our ad network and agency side.” 

A citywide game

The concept is intentionally simple. Businesses sign up, receive a QR code and create their own offers. Users join for free, visit locations and scan to redeem.

“It’s free to play the game,” said Kindle. “You open your phone, scan the QR code at the register, and when it’s time to pay, you get a BOGO or 20-percent off your order.”

Those moments are meant to spark curiosity in real time. 

“Imagine the person behind you asking how someone got 25-percent off their ticket,” said Kindle. “It’s a domino effect because people want to play the game and save money.”

On the business side, the hunt drives foot traffic at a lower cost than traditional advertising, she said.

“We’re asking for a nominal fee to register your business,” said Kindle. “It’s a win-win for everybody.”

Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop at 2030 Central St. in Kansas City’s Crossroads Arts District; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

Kindle said her team is currently focused on onboarding businesses ahead of launch, with Kansas City spots already signed on including The Peachtree Cafeteria, Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop and City Market Coffee Roasters, among others.

Margaritaville has also officially joined Soda Hunt as a featured destination, bringing a high-energy, resort-style experience to the platform. Their participation adds a premier hospitality element, giving travelers and locals alike a place to relax, explore, and fully engage in the Soda Hunt experience.

Timing the launch with a global moment

The rollout aligns with a summer expected to bring a major influx of visitors to Kansas City, with more than 650,000 people projected to travel to the region.

“We decided to launch now because there are going to be close to 650,000 people coming from around the world,” said Kindle.

The first hunt runs from May 16 through August 19, capturing both early arrivals and longer stays. The experience is hosted as a web app, removing the need for downloads.

“It operates just like an app, except you don’t have to download it on your phone,” she said.

Neighborhood-based hunts are planned across the Plaza, Westport and 18th and Vine, with additional partnerships in progress. Even modest participation could create noticeable activity.

“If just 1 percent of visitors engage, that’s roughly 6,500 participants,” said Kindle. “If 2 to 3 percent engage, that could be up to 20,000 participants.”

“Because Soda Hunt functions as a discovery experience rather than a ticketed event, we are careful not to guarantee a specific number of participants or foot traffic,” she added.

New insights available to businesses

Soda Hunt also aims to give businesses something they can use after the game ends: data tied directly to in-person engagement.

“I think it gives businesses an opportunity to learn more about their customer base,” said Kindle. “The data will speak for itself.”

That information will be shared with participating businesses, opening the door to continued outreach. 

“We share our data,” she said. “When this round of games is over, we’ll send the data list so businesses can send email marketing offers later.”

The platform arrives during a busy stretch for Kindle and her team at Soda Pop Graphics, which recently posted its strongest first quarter yet. 

“This is probably the best Q1 that we’ve had in eons, it’s our best Q1 ever,” said Kindle.

As onboarding continues and the full launch approaches, users can already sign up and start exploring at www.sodahunt.com. 

“We’re preparing people before they even go into these businesses and stores,” said Kindle. “I think that’s really good.”