News

Peregrine Honig; Photo by Channa Steinmetz

Body of artwork: Birdies’ Peregrine Honig sketches business artistry from Crossroads lingerie shop

By Tommy Felts / January 21, 2021

A global pandemic has far from caged artist-turned-entrepreneur Peregrine Honig. Her creativity helped perch the Crossroads lingerie shop she founded within a market the ongoing economic downturn couldn’t cover. “Liquor and lingerie do great when people are freaked out,” said Honig, who co-owns Birdies with Alexis Burggrabe. “People at home still want to entertain even…

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Rose latte by HITIDES Coffee

Hot cocoa, mocha, donuts and aloha: KC’s new tiki hideaway pours the unexpected — 1,600+ miles from the beach

By Tommy Felts / January 21, 2021

Snowy skies and frosted windshields outside, beach vibes within. A new tiki-inspired cafe — tucked away in the East Crossroads — offers a warm, inviting atmosphere and tropical transformations of classic treats and sips. The concept: Blend the flavors of surf and sunsets with perennial staples like coffee, donuts and ice cream. “It’s an all-inclusive…

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Garney Construction with Kenzen wearables

Worker wearables startup Kenzen earns $1M capital injection from Fenaroli-led Overland Park investor

By Tommy Felts / January 20, 2021

Kansas City-worn Kenzen is rolling into 2021 with new funding and partnerships pushing the wearables startup into overdrive.  The company announced a $1 million injection of funding from Overland Park-based Examinetics — a portfolio company of New York-based Freedom 3 Capital — Wednesday.  “The Kenzen solution is gaining momentum. This alliance with Examinetics will broaden the team…

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Melanie Hungerford, Jeremyah and Izayah Bradley Mary Esselman, Operation Breakthrough, at Maker Village

A maker reality TV series is transforming Travis Kelce’s gift to KC into a ‘fan experience’ on Troost

By Tommy Felts / January 19, 2021

While the Kansas City Chiefs run it back on the field — the impact of superstar tight end Travis Kelce continues to be felt through a new partnership with Make48.  Kelce’s ongoing work with Operation Breakthrough will see the non-profit realize it’s Ignition Lab later this year, but it won’t open its doors without some…

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Upside Down Bakery

Tasty, healthy treats in a microwaveable cup: Omega Power Creamer founders launch Upside Down Bakery 

By Tommy Felts / January 19, 2021

Guilty pleasure treats — like brownies, muffins and pancakes — no longer require “guilt” as an ingredient, Greg Blome said.   “Upside Down Bakery is flipping baking on its head,” said Blome, who co-founded Upside Down Bakery with Nick Wehrle. “As in, we are making traditional high-sugar, high-carb products that taste good, and taking away the…

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