KCMO awards another $100K to help businesses boost outdoor dining ahead of World Cup

A fresh round of funding for upgraded outdoor dining experiences at small businesses across Kansas City, Missouri, will put entrepreneurs ahead of the game when World Cup revelers arrive in 2026, city officials said Thursday.

The exterior of Orange By: Devoured in Kansas City, Missouri’s Tower East neighborhood near Martini Corner; photo by Elyssa Bezner, Startland News

Twelve recipients were chosen this week to receive their slice of $100,000 from KCMO’s Outdoor Dining Enhancement Grant Program — building on a first round of $200,000 in funding announced in December.    

ICYMI: KCMO unveils $200K in grants for nearly two dozen restaurants, bars, coffee shops

“With a small business there’s not a lot of extra in the budget,” said Jhy Coulter, founder of Orange By Devoured, one of the grant winners whose artisan pizza business opened in August 2024 in the Tower East neighborhood within Midtown. “We have to do improvements in small phases. So I am super grateful; this will help us a bunch.”

The Outdoor Dining Enhancement Grant Program, led by the KC BizCare Office, supports local restaurants in creating and improving outdoor dining areas that boost revenue, expand business potential, and contribute to Kansas City’s culinary scene. 

“This second round of funding demonstrates our continued commitment to supporting Kansas City’s exceptional restaurant community,” said Mayor Quinton Lucas. “These businesses will use the grants to create inviting outdoor spaces that will serve our community well beyond the 2026 World Cup, contributing to the unique character that makes Kansas City a premier destination.” 

For serial entrepreneur Isaac Collins, the grant funding will help his Fifth & Emery Frozen Yogurt and Chocolate location at Shoal Creek replace its outdoor tables and chairs with higher quality models, add umbrellas and string lights, and activate the area to encourage family friendly play with games like cornhole and tic tac toe.

“This program radically helps our business be able to bring our vision for creating safe, clean, and engaging spaces to life for our customers to enjoy,” said Collins, who also is a member of KCMO’s inaugural Doordash Accelerator for Local Restaurants. “This patio will give our store a whole new feel, especially in the warmer months.”

The just-announced grant-winning businesses: 

• Novel Restaurant, 1927 McGee St.
• Scotts Kitchen and Catering at Hangar 29, 11920 N Ambassador Dr.
• La Bodega, 703 Southwest Blvd
• Ruby Jean’s Juicery, 3000 Troost Ave.
• Border Brewing Company, 512 E. 18 St.
• Fifth & Emery Frozen Yogurt and Chocolate, 8375 N. Booth Ave.
• Orange By Devoured, 325 E. 31st St. Suite 100
• Mean Mule, 1733 Locust St.
• Brewery Emperial, 1829 Oak St
• Torn Label Brewing Company, 1708 Campbell St
• Trezo Mare Restaurant, 4105 N. Mulberry Dr.
• Kansas City Taco Company, 528 Walnut St.

All applications underwent a comprehensive evaluation process, according to the city, including administrative review to verify eligibility and documentation, as well as technical review by the City’s Public Works Department to assess safety and feasibility of outdoor dining spaces, particularly those in public rights-of-way. 

Fifth & Emery Frozen Yogurt and Chocolate at Shoal Creek; courtesy photo

Those selected reflect the diversity and creativity of Kansas City’s restaurant scene — from neighborhood favorites to innovative culinary concepts, the city said in a press release.

Enhancements at Collins’ Fifth & Emery location would’ve had to wait without the city funding, the founder said, noting the grant allowed him to re-prioritize the Shoal Creek spot amid adding new locations in Zona Rosa, Lenexa and Olathe.

“With all the other store openings and rebranding our business, we didn’t have the budget to transform our patio this year,” Collins said. “By receiving this grant, we will now move this project up to this year and complete this project ASAP to take advantage of summer.”

Jhy Coulter, Orange By: Devoured

In addition to World Cup visitors, Coulter hopes to better activate the area around her emerging pizza shop, she said, which sits near Ludo’s and Made in KC at 31st and Oak streets.

“I would really love to slow down the traffic on 31st Street and have a small parklet; that’s the ultimate goal,” Coulter said. “Martini Corner is such a cute neighborhood and I would love for people to be able to have an outside vibe as we grow into more walkability in the city.”

She hopes the Outdoor Dining Enhancement Grant Program is the first of many KCMO-led projects focused on helping small businesses get further along in their journeys, she said, noting ventures like hers could use help with everything from purchasing signage to equipment and supplies.

“Trying to be visible to your customers and market is a huge piece of your budget,” Coulter said. “Sometimes it’s hard to get the signs and displays you need to be seen. You may have the right recipes and concepts, but getting in front of people is the No. 1 thing you need to sustain, as well as having the equipment to make you efficient.”

 

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