Emerging biz of the year put its own twist on Kansas City sweets; now it’s scaling up
May 27, 2026 | Nikki Overfelt Chifalu
Isaac Lee Collins and Rachel Collins accept the KC Chamber's Emerging Small Business of the Year from Annie McGinnis, co-owner and business development manager for Vine Street Brewing, the 2025 Emerging Small Business honoree; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News
Breaking away from the Yogurtini brand as a franchisee — and branching out on his own — took a leap of faith for Isaac Lee Collins, the owner of Fifth & Emery Frozen Yogurt and Chocolate said.
His win Wednesday as the KC Chamber’s Emerging Small Business of the Year is validation Collins made the right choice, he added.
“We were getting rid of a brand that had 16 years of brand strength in Kansas City to start fresh and essentially be unknown again,” he said off stage at the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Awards Luncheon at the Loews Kansas City Hotel. “So to win this award means a lot. Kansas City really does champion independent business owners who are stepping out in faith and doing a good job of leaning in and building community and culture.”
Owner Isaac Collins stands outside his Fifth & Emery Frozen Yogurt and Chocolate location at Shoal Creek; courtesy photo
The emerging business award recognizes a company that is less than three years old but already has demonstrated remarkable entrepreneurial spirit along with leadership, resilience, innovation, and determination, according to the KC Chamber.
“This year’s recipient has created a business that’s blended creativity, hospitality, and joy into an experience customers genuinely love,” noted Annie McGinnis, co-owner and business development manager for Vine Street Brewing, the 2025 Emerging Small Business honoree. “Their rapid growth reflects not only strong business instincts, but also a remarkable ability to create connection and community around their brands.”
Isaac Lee V, Rachel, Emery, and Isaac Lee Collins IV, outside the then-future Zona Rosa location for Fifth & Emery Frozen Yogurt and Chocolate in February 2025; photo by Lynne Pierce Creative
Rebranded in early 2025, Fifth & Emery — a family-inspired Kansas City brand building a next-generation dessert experience that brings people together, celebrates family, and creates sweet moments — has expanded to five locations across the Kansas City metro area with a sixth opening in early 2027.
The Fifth & Emery Frozen Yogurt and Chocolate location in Zona Rosa in February 2026; courtesy photo
“Personally, I’d say this year has been tough with losing my dad,” shared Collins, a serial founder who previously launched a range of ventures, from a nutrition startup to Superhero Yoga and business coaching consultancy. “But the Kansas City community coming alongside of us and really championing us and giving us this award and voting on us has just been truly amazing. It has made my year and I know my dad’s so proud of everything we’ve been able to do.”
The award was one of five speciality honors presented Wednesday alongside the coveted Small Business of the Year or “Mr. K Award.”
“One of the things I love most about Kansas City is that the community genuinely wants small businesses to succeed,” McGinnis said. “This celebration reminds us all that we’re not building this alone. We are surrounded by people who believe in innovation, creativity, and supporting one another along the journey.”
During the Fifth & Emery rebrand, Collins added handmade chocolate and gourmet caramel apples to the business’ menu.
“If you’re a caramel apple fan, you have to try our Snickers caramel apple,” he told awards luncheon host Rick Bracken when asked what he should try.
Tasked with answering what he would go back and tell himself on Day 1 of starting his business, Collins said his best advice would be just to enjoy the ride.
“I will say I spent so much time trying to get there, wherever there is, and I would say the first six years or so didn’t really enjoy it,” he explained. “I was just head-down trying to do the thing. And I would say just try to find those small moments to enjoy along the way. It will pay off.”
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