Austin Barnes and Tommy Felts
Recent Articles by Austin Barnes and Tommy Felts
J. Rieger spices up its strategy with KC culinary star; new tastes already hitting destination distillery’s menu
Deep fried and doubling down, the minds behind J. Rieger and Co. are distilling a new era that’s expected to make the local tourist destination one of Kansas City’s best places to work — and to grab one of its most legendary spicy chicken sandwiches. “If you didn’t already know, you quickly come in here and…
UMKC pitch contest puts Cafe Cà Phê closer to Jackie Nguyen’s big goal; winners range from students to emerging startups
The University of Missouri-Kansas City continues to brew innovation — and the return of its Regnier Venture Creation Challenge (RVCC) Friday poured proof, offering more than $88,000 in critical cash prizes to percolating ventures that spill far beyond its classrooms. “I moved to Kansas City from Washington D.C. over the summer and I started following Cafe…
Meta promises local jobs, impact; How its $800M plan could post growth (and disruption) to KC’s story
There’s more to Meta’s $800 million upload into Kansas City’s Northland than face value, company officials said Thursday, outlining plans for community impact that extends well beyond anticipated tech jobs. “We have programs that help to equip people, schools, and organizations with the resources to build skills and increase the use of technology,” Darcy Nothnagle,…
Cotton candy calling: Why a South KC sweets shop’s signature treat is still hand-spun with an air of nostalgia
Each ding of the oven generates more buzz for this whimsy-frosted bake shop and creamery in South Kansas City. But it’s the soft, sticky sweet treat that fills small tubs and lines the store’s shelves — (hand) spinning the entrepreneurial dreams of its owner into a sugar-rush of a reality. “I really hit the jackpot,”…
Pantry Goods brings wall-to-wall organic, European-style shopping to Midtown micro market
The expansion of Pantry Goods from an online service into a Midtown micro market has brought with it a bushel of changes — all organic — for Marcelle Clements as she continues her mission to grow support for small businesses and sustainable living. “It was a great move,” said Clements, founder of Pantry Goods, recalling her…
Why a KC real estate icon is letting urban artists spray paint his high-profile Plaza building (again)
A massive, five-story mural project launched on the Country Club Plaza in late 2020 will grow even bigger over the next week, painting the potential for more representation in an otherwise traditional — and earth tone — Kansas City shopping district and neighborhood. “It adds a lot of conversation and excitement — and it shows an opportunity…
Legacy-filled eclair shop launches with crowds, pastry case lined with custom, unexpected treats
Chef Erin Luttrell recalls tales of lines out the door and around the block at her great-grandparents’ bakery in the 1920s — the inspiration behind her newly opened sweets shop on the historic Independence Square. “During the grain strike, people couldn’t get flour or bread or products to bake at home for their families, so they…
She’s bringing a selfie studio to Zona Rosa; Why India Wells-Carter says ‘Do it scared, but do it anyway’
A limited-run attraction in the Northland is set to offer India Wells-Carter a snapshot of what startup life could look like longterm. “This feels safer,” Wells-Carter said, expressing a healthy mix of fear, relief, and confidence about the test run for her new venture:Fresh Factory KC, a selfie experience set to launch May 29 —…
Reimagined Lightwell ready to take innovation hub mantle as KC’s tech talent return to the office
A steady stream of foot traffic flows beneath the Lightwell building’s signature feature — a winding overhead natural light design that spans nearly a city block — as employees returning to the workplace help the iconic downtown Kansas City landmark assume its new identity: 21st century innovation hub. “A lot of people will talk about…
Sneak peek: Plexpod Flashcube offers glimpse into coworking’s future (Hint: It isn’t far from home)
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Plexpod — a progressive coworking platform offering next generation workspace for entrepreneurs, startups, and growth-stage companies of all sizes — but was independently produced by Startland News. Work, live, play, Stephanie Medina emphasized during a guided tour of the newest and most high-end Plexpod community yet. “We’re looking at how…