Austin Barnes

Recent Articles by Austin Barnes

Boulevard launches BBQ beer to help new museum tell Kansas City’s smoky story

May 15, 2025

It’s a beer that could only happen in Kansas City, said Greg Garrity, teasing Boulevard Brewing Co.’s just-announced bourbon barrel-aged Belgian-style quad — a brew infused with smoked malt and a blend of bold, barbecue-inspired ingredients. Crafted in collaboration with the recently opened Museum of BBQ at Crown Center, the MO’ BBQ release is the…

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Olathe opening: Popular chicken chain flies deeper into JoCo; its first franchisee isn’t just winging it

May 14, 2025

Joe Finch got his start in the food industry bussing tables. This weekend, he’ll open his own restaurant in Olathe — capitalizing on the popularity of spinout success WingStand by opening the brand’s first franchise location. WingStand Olathe is set to debut Saturday at 119 South Mur-Len Road, offering an order of free wings to…

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Lawmakers cut MTC’s funding to zero: Venture fund will move forward, leader says, but future grantmaking in jeopardy

May 14, 2025

Editor’s note: The following commentary was originally released May 14 by Jack Scatizzi, executive director and CEO of Missouri Technology Corporation, as an update on the 2026 funding outlook for MTC, a public-private partnership created by the Missouri General Assembly to promote entrepreneurship. The perspectives expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. [divide] As…

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Grab your Zhoug sauce: Lawrence-built eatery launching brand across KC (starting with this famous food spot)

May 14, 2025

Shuttered for three years, the former d’Bronx pizzeria space — the now-defunct hometown brand’s original location along 39th Street’s famed “Restaurant Row” — is reopening Wednesday with a fresh look and flavors from the other side of the globe (via a Kansas college town). Zhoug Mediterranean is expected to debut its fare at 3904 Bell…

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Homegrown startups can redefine KC, leader says; they just need help surviving long enough to do it

May 14, 2025

Editor’s note: The following is the third in a four-part series exploring the verticals and impact of initiatives within the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City through a paid partnership with EDCKC. Leave KC better than you found it: How matching growth to city’s needs is paying off Wrong tool can wreck a neighborhood; Precision development…

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This AI scans for auto damage in 30 seconds; Here’s how it’s gaining instant trust, KC tech industry veteran says

May 13, 2025

A growing number of automotive-sales and related businesses are turning to Click-Ins, an AI-assisted startup on a rapidly upward trajectory, to solve a long-standing problem: how to inspect vehicles quickly, accurately and consistently without relying solely on human judgment.  But the value isn’t in replacing humans in the workforce, said Josh Parsons, a 20-year auto…

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Power moves: Electric vehicle infrastructure stalled in Kansas where liquid fuels still dominate

May 13, 2025

Editor’s note: This article was written for a class at the University of Kansas’ William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications and distributed through the Kansas Press Association. [divide] The number of people buying electric vehicles in Kansas is steadily growing, and as the number increases, the need for accommodation will be balanced…

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Five years after being built, dream spot on streetcar line finally brewing opening date, tavern owner says

May 13, 2025

A never-opened space along the KC Streetcar line in the Crossroads — once planned as high-profile culinary destination — is expected to be remodeled by the owner of a popular brewery and restaurant chain with its long-awaited opening as soon as late summer. Matt Moore, the entrepreneur behind Martin City Brewing Company and Martin City Tavern,…

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Meet the Kansas City entrepreneurs picked for DoorDash’s first Midwest accelerator

May 13, 2025

DoorDash delivers $50K bag to 10 KC small biz leaders hungry to learn DoorDash is dropping support on Kansas City’s doorstep through a new cohort of 10 small businesses selected for the company’s local restaurant accelerator, marking the first time the nationwide initiative has landed in the Midwest — with KC chosen as its launchpad.…

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Not a college student anymore: Entrepreneur’s origami-inspired bags fold functionality into professional fashion

May 13, 2025

Editor’s note: The following story was produced through a paid partnership with MOSourceLink, which boasts a mission to help entrepreneurs and small businesses across the state of Missouri grow and succeed by providing free, easy access to the help they need — when they need it. [divide] ST. LOUIS — Founded in 2018 by Lisa…

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