Minority-Led Stories

Jazz musician opens sell-out BBQ spot; here’s how he’s spicing up KC’s chorus of flavors

Even with more than 90 barbecue restaurants across the metro, Gerald Dunn still figured there was room for his flavor profile on the Kansas City food scene.  But before opening Dunn Deal BBQ in Grandview, he made a pilgrimage of sorts, stopping in to see legendary Ollie Gates. He reveres the local barbecue pioneer and…

Thai Orchid opening in Northland: How this family business is getting out of its comfort zone with street food focus

A second location for a longtime Johnson County restaurant is expected to honor the origin story of the family business — building on its menu with a new emphasis on casual Thai street food items and small plates. Thai Orchid — a Mission, Kansas, restaurant that has been in the Rojjanasrirat family for 26 years…

As TikTok legal fight plays out, Missouri creators and businesses brace for possible ban

Editor’s note: This story was originally published by Missouri Business Alert, a member of the Kansas City Media Collective, which also includes Startland News, KCUR 89.3, American Public Square, Kansas City PBS/Flatland, and The Kansas City Beacon. Click here to read the original story. Like many others suffering from quarantine-induced boredom, Gabbie Wiggins first hopped on social…

Founders want answers for investors after crowdfunding platform fueling emerging bars, restaurants unexpectedly shutters

News this week that peer-to-peer business lending platform Mainvest would cease operations within a month “came out of left field,” said Jhy Coulter. “We got the email just like everyone else, and it was pretty surprising,” the owner of Orange By: Devoured and Devoured Pizza said, adding that she feels “sad because I felt like…

Make some noise: Massive riverfront development expected to anchor KC as a destination for prosperity

A proposed Berkley Riverfront stadium-side mixed-use development is a game changer for Kansas City, Raven Jemison shared, and it’s is a big reason she chose the role of KC Current president. “Just a soccer club, just a stadium, that’s awesome — obviously, sports is a great platform for economic development — but when you talk…