News

KC startup’s sale charges strategy as battery innovator plugs into century-old tech firm

By Tommy Felts / November 30, 2021

A Massachusetts tech company’s strategy to advance into new clean energy markets is now electrified thanks to the completed acquisition of Grandview-based Spear Power Systems — a leader in next generation battery storage systems for demanding land, sea and air applications. “The acquisition of Spear Power Systems enables us to deliver more comprehensive energy storage…

Gary floral design blooms along ‘upside-down’ path as founder pivots from camper pop-up

By Tommy Felts / November 27, 2021

Even when a side hustle grows organically, it still takes a creative mind to arrange a meaningful and worthwhile venture, said Jessi Levine, whose drive to pay homage to her father led to an eye-catching floral design business. The journey to her subscription floral service has been admittedly “upside down,” she said. From the outside,…

How the relaunched Classic Cookie plans to craft KC’s best breakfast sandwich (without overcomplicating it)

By Tommy Felts / November 27, 2021

A longtime Waldo restaurant and sweets shop is under new ownership, Chef Bryan Sparks announced, serving up a plan to fix the broken restaurant industry he thought he’d left behind. But a more immediate and daunting task awaits ahead of the Classic Cookie & Cafe’s relaunch in December: crafting the best breakfast sandwich in Kansas…

Shop small: Five holiday hacks for supporting KC makers without leaving home

By Tommy Felts / November 27, 2021

Editor’s note: Startland News explored its 2021 archive of most-popular maker stories — as well as looking at the creatives behind its own T-shirt campaign — as part of the newsroom’s five-part holiday gift guide. These items are all available online now. Featured stores, makers and products were not asked to pay to be included…

Shop small (and Black): Five high-quality goods at The Black Pantry to shop with intention

By Tommy Felts / November 24, 2021

Editor’s note: Startland News explored The Black Pantry at Martini Corner in Midtown as part of the newsroom’s five-part holiday gift guide that highlights locally owned shops and the makers within them. The items identified here were curated by Brian Roberts, founder of The Black Pantry. Featured stores, makers and products were not asked to…