News

Black leaders need to earn a ‘thriving wage’ before they can help others; an Evergy-backed cohort could help them ascend

By Tommy Felts / February 15, 2024

A new program backed by entrepreneur support groups and Evergy aims to raise household income by at least 30 percent for participating Black professionals, nonprofit founders, and entrepreneurs, said Craig Moore II. “The ultimate goal is making sure you’re a leader who can do more than show up and talk about community — you have the…

Last to know, first to go: ‘Out of touch’ ballpark plan leaves Crossroads small biz owners feeling betrayed

By Tommy Felts / February 15, 2024

Unlike many of her Crossroads neighbors — hoping to draw in crowds of football fans still riding high from Kansas City’s Super Bowl win — Jill Cockson’s business wasn’t open during Wednesday’s Chiefs victory parade. Candidly, jersey-clad sports enthusiasts aren’t really within her typical customer profile, the James Beard-nominated owner of Chartreuse Saloon said, and…

Royals want Crossroads ballpark open by 2028, calling up ‘generational’ impact on newly linked arts district, downtown

By Tommy Felts / February 14, 2024

A late-to-the-game East Crossroads site is expected to take shape as the new home of the Kansas City Royals if voters approve the extension of a stadium sales tax that would help support the $2 billion downtown ballpark project. Ending months of speculation, majority owner John Sherman and team officials announced on Tuesday the ball…

KC apparel brand commandeers Chiefs’ ‘Nobody Likes Us’ spirit for latest wave of designs

By Tommy Felts / February 13, 2024

Back in 2016 — when the Chiefs were still rebuilding from a franchise-worst season — Joe Brynds set sail with Commandeer Brand, aiming to carve a niche in the apparel industry by infusing pride and the rebellious spirit of counter-culture.  “When I started Commandeer, I wanted to create something that was unique to Kansas City,”…

Why one entrepreneur is Swiftly rolling up the warehouse doors for thirsty Chiefs parade-goers

By Tommy Felts / February 13, 2024

Wednesday’s Chiefs victory parade will be the city’s third in four years, but for East Crossroads-based Wild Way Coffee, the 2024 rolling downtown-to-midtown event hits different, said Christine Clutton. The brand’s iconic mobile coffee camper — stationed in the Wild Way warehouse at 708 E. 19th St. for the winter — will once again open…