All Stories

O Christmas weed: Missouri dispensaries ring in first holiday season with legal marijuana

By Tommy Felts / December 22, 2023

Editor’s note: This story was originally published by Missouri Business Alert, a member of the KC Media Collective, which also includes Startland News, KCUR 89.3, American Public Square, Kansas City PBS/Flatland, and The Kansas City Beacon. Click here to read the original story. Since Missouri began recreational-use cannabis sales in February, the industry has averaged $117.8 million…

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KC tattoo culture inked on ‘Maker Nation Challenge,’ paying homage to legendary Grimm family

By Tommy Felts / December 22, 2023

A new streaming TV series left its mark on a legendary Kansas City tattoo artist after the first of two challenge episodes featuring local entrepreneurs and creatives debuted — showcasing KC’s top tattoo talent tussling without drawing blood.  “It was the best party I’ve been to all year. I had such a great experience,” said…

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If support for LGBT employees doesn’t seem obvious, this new chamber leader would like a word 

By Tommy Felts / December 22, 2023

Kansas City’s LGBTQ+ community shouldn’t have to face its battles alone, said Tracey DeMarea, emphasizing the impact of allyship and the growing need for stronger support from the region’s business community — regardless of whether a company considers itself LGBT-owned. “Equity isn’t just an issue for businesses that know they have LGBT leadership or employees,”…

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Veteran brewer pulling double shift with purchase of neighboring Crossroads taphouse, brewery

By Tommy Felts / December 22, 2023

Purchasing a nearby brewery in the Crossroads Arts District will help Pat Mitchell boost beer production and distribution in Missouri and Kansas, as well as expand a community of support for U.S. military veterans and especially former service members who’ve become entrepreneurs.  Mitchell, founder and owner of Red Sash Brewing, and longtime family friend Ryan…

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Anchor Island pours into coffee shop’s potential with unique investment round

By Tommy Felts / December 19, 2023

A crowd-funded investment opportunity through HoneyComb Credit would allow customers to help a Troost Avenue coffee shop enhance its kitchen equipment and expand the Anchor Island Coffee brand’s popular menu. Franchising and a liquor license could also be on the horizon. “We need support for the vision that we have, the product we serve, and…

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Health tech entrepreneur opening spa on the Plaza; Here’s how its ‘accessible luxury’ comes served with collaboration

By Tommy Felts / December 19, 2023

After 20 years as a hospital executive, Ashley McClellan has a new way to help people on their wellness journey, the budding Kansas City serial entrepreneur shared. In January, McClellan and her husband, Brett, plan to open Sojourn Spa in the Cascade Hotel on the Country Club Plaza. “From my perspective, we want our guests…

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Ingredients in your burrito bowl could be grown by agbots; Chipotle’s $50M venture fund wraps investment in Kansas robotics startup

By Tommy Felts / December 19, 2023

Startland News’ Startup Road Trip series explores innovative and uncommon ideas finding success in rural America and Midwestern startup hubs outside the Kansas City metro.  A minority investment from Chipotle Mexican Grill’s $50 million Cultivate Next venture fund is expected to help bring a Kansas tech company’s autonomous weeding robots into the fold as the…

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New news: This KC shop makes the sold-out hats for Kelces’ popular podcast; now you can find even more merch in store

By Tommy Felts / December 16, 2023

Sandlot Goods is taking its new retail space in Leawood to new heights, shared Garret Prather, announcing an in-store exclusive: a partnership that allows Sandlot to locally carry gear from Travis and Jason Kelce’s New Heights podcast in its shop. Just in time for the last-minute holiday rush, the opportunity offers the perfect gifts for…

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EDCKC boasts right team at the right time, CEO says as agency rebuilds its reputation

By Tommy Felts / December 15, 2023

With 18 months of foundational work now laid, Tracey Lewis said, the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City is well on its way to rebuilding the trust, respect, and effective communication needed to execute the agency’s economic development goals. That takes repairing bridges between the City of KCMO and the EDCKC, he said, as well…

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We rode Kansas City’s new Ferris wheel for the best view of the skyline; Here’s what we saw

By Tommy Felts / December 14, 2023

Editor’s note: The following story was published by KCUR, Kansas City’s NPR member station, and a fellow member of the KC Media Collective. Click here to read the original story or here to sign up for KCUR’s email newsletter. Although it’s been visible from the ground for months, the 150-foot KC Wheel is now open to ride for a panoramic,…

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