Minority-Led Stories
Destination discount: Mobile business hunt hides prizes across KC (and you can find them without a new app)
A new venture from Soda Pop Graphics founder Kamia Kindle is turning everyday errands into something more interactive, inviting Kansas Citians to play their way through local neighborhoods while helping small businesses see who is actually walking through the door.
This brand on the rise smells a lot like cookies fresh out the oven; why Brown Suga tastes better in Leawood
A fan-favorite Kansas City cookie shop has found its sweet spot in Leawood’s mixed-use Park Place district, said founder Ebony Paul, noting the setting for Brown Suga Bakes’ second storefront clicked right away. “We have people coming in from other businesses, visitors from the hotels, and residents from nearby apartment complexes,” she explained. “We see…
KC-backed (and built) AI startup rebrands amid shift to tackling America’s supply chain pain points
With its pivot from video transcriptions to bulk inventory tracking, one of Kansas City’s most-promising, emerging tech startups is rebranding to match the new direction, co-founders Warren Wang and Cole Robertson said. “‘Rebulk‘ feels like the right name for the future we want to build,” said Wang, reflecting on the company’s efforts to use AI-powered…
No late risers: KC’s hottest line leads to a sell-out doughnut; owners balance appetite with days-long production
At 4:45 a.m. on a rainy Saturday morning, Susan Worrel of Overland Park was first in line at the new Slow Rise doughnut shop by her subdivision. She had tried the week before, arriving an hour before the doors opened, only to find a line of hungry would-be diners stretching down the shopping center. The…
Thai Orchid expansion blossoms; new restaurant coming to emerging foodie destination
It’s time to bring Thai Orchid’s homecooking, well … home, said second-generation owner Jonathan Rojjanasrirat, teasing the October opening of a new Shawnee location for his family-owned, street food-inspired restaurant in a thriving entertainment district. “We live in Shawnee. We’ve always loved the energy in the downtown area. With so many great spots, it’s become…
