News

‘Neon Alley’ turning on 40 historic KC signs at Pennway Point, lighting the way to new entertainment district

By Tommy Felts / July 22, 2023

The planned Pennway Point entertainment district near the Crossroads and Union Station soon will be awash in the glow of neon history, said Nick Vedros. “What’s more Kansas City than to have all these great signs that were once part of our city’s historical fabric all in one spot?” said Vedros, teasing the future Lumi…

This KC sausage maker serves one of America’s best vegan hot dogs; the PETA-approved menu item wasn’t an afterthought or gimmick, its owners say 

By Tommy Felts / July 20, 2023

Wiener Kitchen has always been a community-driven venture, said Jessica Rush, which includes providing options for all members of the community — meat eater or not. “We started at a farmers’ market, and I felt really strongly about having a vegetarian and vegan option. A lot of people go to the farmers’ market because they…

Don’t sleep on ‘Barbie’, KC theater owner warns as Barbenheimer blockbuster arrives

By Tommy Felts / July 20, 2023

‘Barbenheimer’ could bring best movie-going weekend in nearly a decade; How KC theaters are getting dolled up for the blockbuster Local theaters are expecting a blockbuster weekend, thanks to a highly anticipated and unlikely double feature opening Thursday. Dubbed “Barbenheimer,” the high-profile films “Barbie” — a fictionalized focus on the doll-turned-fashion icon — and “Oppenheimer”…

ScaleUP! KC touts revenue success stories as latest small biz cohort opens applications

By Tommy Felts / July 19, 2023

Growth outcomes don’t always follow entrepreneurs’ graduation from ScaleUP! KC — sometimes they come before the game-changing, no-cost program is even complete, its leaders said. Rickey Leathers made significant strides in his business, Savvy Salon — co-owned with his wife, Lenora — while enrolled in the cohort, he said. “I successfully opened a second location…

Modern-day stress triggers make life harder; getting healthy shouldn’t add to those burdens, says KC Wellness Club

By Tommy Felts / July 19, 2023

The shift to focusing on wellness instead of illness should be fun, said Heath Wessling, a former wellness expert at Cerner-turned-entrepreneur, who noted sustained growth or change is unlikely if a person is unhappy with the process. “We like to find ways to show you how it’s not a drag,” said Wessling, founder and owner…