Minority-Led

Malisa Monyakula wants to welcome you home for the holidays; she already has an igloo waiting

By Tommy Felts / December 19, 2024

Adding pop-up holiday experiences at her popular Kansas City businesses is a way for Malisa Monyakula to bring back nostalgic memories of her childhood in Thailand, the restaurateur behind Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop said. “Christmas is everywhere in Thailand,” she said, noting the classic American holiday celebrations are vibrant despite the country’s predominantly Buddhist population.…

Potato Potatas grows the business of comfort food from the ground up (and in a pot pie)

By Tommy Felts / December 16, 2024

Two years ago, Trine’ce Brown took note of restaurant chains like Chipotle and Qdoba, and wondered why there wasn’t already a fast-casual potato bar concept. She decided to start her own — but taking small steps, first working out of a Northland kitchen commissary, the Culinary Center at the Mid-Continent Public Library, starting in May.…

How KC’s most iconic new art installation became this season’s must-have holiday ornament (plus where to find the 14-inch version flying)

By Tommy Felts / December 14, 2024

“On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, a jazz bird in a pear tree,” sculptor Willie Cole said in a singsong voice.  The artist behind “Ornithology” — an eye-catching and newly iconic installation suspended within Kansas City International Airport since its new terminal’s debut in March 2023 — this fall…

Ho-ho-hometeam gifts: Your guide to KC’s best sports-inspired gifts (and how to get ’em before the holidays)

By Tommy Felts / December 14, 2024

As a lifelong Kansas City Chiefs fan, Donnell Jamison stood by the team during the grim years when the playoffs were just a prayer and Chiefs shirts weren’t necessarily a hot holiday item, he shared. “I’m a die-hard Chiefs fan,” continued Jamison, owner of Deep Rooted, a KC streetwear brand with a brick and mortar…

Jerusalem Cafe returns to JoCo; Overland Park restaurant unwrapping this spring

By Tommy Felts / December 12, 2024

Westport mainstay Jerusalem Cafe is expanding — not only returning to Johnson County with two locations but more locations in Missouri next year. This week, the Mediterranean and Greek family-owned restaurant company softly opened Jerusalem Cafe on the Go in the deli at World Fresh Market, 10303 Metcalf Ave. in Overland Park. Items can be…