News

Sicilian legacy meats its match: Why this rising star on KC’s food scene was DiCapo’s pick to take over family pizzeria after nearly 100-year run

By Tommy Felts / August 31, 2022

As a teenager working in downtown Kansas City in the 1990s, Theresa Santos found herself spending her breaks and spare time at the Italian Gardens restaurant on 12th and Baltimore, she recalled. Growing up in New York City and infatuated with Italian culture and food, Santos quickly became friends with the staff — then the…

You shouldn’t have to drive through hell to find a car, founder says; Startup brings concierge service to online auto customers

By Tommy Felts / August 30, 2022

Not all car buyers want to be in the driver’s seat — especially when attempting to navigate a disconnected roadmap of dealer-focused online marketplaces, said Eric Westphal. “Years ago, when I was looking for a car, I knew what I wanted and I couldn’t find it locally,” said Westphal, describing the inspiration behind Overland Park-based…

‘Perfect for new mRNA vaccines’: Olathe startup targets biotech toward precision delivery

By Tommy Felts / August 30, 2022

A sudden, then lingering, global pandemic put a spotlight on vaccine technology — with an Olathe startup now positioning itself at the leading edge of both pharmaceutical and vaccine applications for humans and their four-legged counterparts. “We manufacture and develop peptide delivery systems to help deliver drugs and vaccines safer and more effectively,” said Steve…

KC Digital Drive awards $20K in digital literacy micro-grants; aims to boost digital inclusion

By Tommy Felts / August 26, 2022

KC Digital Drive announced today its first cohort of micro-grant recipients for “KC Goes Tech,” a new program that helps community organizations teach digital skills, such as how to use email and stay safe online, and it connects participants to funding for home internet and a computer they can take home after completing 15 hours…

Column raises $30M with a mission to make public information systems more valuable

By Tommy Felts / August 25, 2022

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. This series is possible thanks to the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, which leads a collaborative, nationwide effort to identify and remove large and small barriers to new business creation. MANHATTAN,…