Tag: The Black Pantry

Entrepreneur featured on Hallmark show finds identity beyond motherhood (with help from Connie Britton and her own KC Team Mom)

By Tommy Felts / May 6, 2025

When Kansas City’s Rochelle Owens answered a message from Hallmark, she had no idea it would launch her into the national spotlight — or transform her life as a single mother and aspiring entrepreneur. Owens is the featured mom in Monday’s episode of The Motherhood, Hallmark’s new reality series created and hosted by actress Connie…

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Meet the winners: Pitch Black competition rewards founders’ vision with $60K in prizes

By Tommy Felts / April 1, 2025

Founder Godfrey Riddle was overwhelmed with emotion Saturday, he said, after accepting the $30,000 grand prize at the Pitch Black Business Summit — a game-changing development for his sustainable, affordable housing venture, Civic Saint. “I’m feeling phenomenal. Shocked, relieved — just elated,” said Riddle, following the announcement of his win. “It’s crazy because when you…

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Meet the competition: 10 entrepreneurs vying for $60K at KC GIFT ‘Pitch Black’ business summit

By Tommy Felts / March 17, 2025

The return of Kansas City G.I.F.T.’s spring pitch competition not only opens the door to prize money for emerging Black entrepreneurs, said Brandon Calloway, it also allows community members and supporters of his nonprofit to see the impact of its mission firsthand. GIFT’s highly anticipated Pitch Black Business Summit 2025 is set for 10 a.m.…

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Vine Street Brewing drafts ‘Afrodisiac’ Ale: A tribute to love, Black culture

By Tommy Felts / February 16, 2024

A cross-Kansas City collaboration crafted specifically for the month of February could become a staple at Vine Street Brewing if customers fall in love with the blend as much as its brewers hope. Kansas City’s first Black-owned brewery — in partnership with André’s Chocolates and The Black Pantry — unveiled ‘Afrodisiac’ last week, offering a…

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Black Pantry expands to Troost, setting a cornerstone for new Black business hub 

By Tommy Felts / December 1, 2023

A second location for the Black Pantry is about more than adding a “cool little gift shop” to Troost, said Brian Roberts, detailing his plan for a broader mission: a whole block of Black-owned businesses and a hub for Black entrepreneurs and creatives. It begins with Roberts’ in-the-works standalone space at 3108 Troost Ave., he…

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