News Stories
KC’s FairWave Collective acquires legacy North Carolina coffee brand, deepening ties to Triangle region
A Kansas City-based, private equity-backed network of specialty coffee companies — notably including Messenger and The Roasterie coffees — added another brand to its ranks: a 31-year-old, brick-and-mortar mainstay in Chapel Hill and Durham, North Carolina. FairWave Collective announced the acquisition Monday, adding Joe Van Gogh Coffee to its growing collective of 14 coffee, tea,…
Photos: Newsmakers scoop awards at Startups to Watch celebration, teasing action ahead
The preview is complete; next comes the headline-grabbing startup activity, said Tommy Felts, voicing anticipation for the year ahead — months that promise Kansas City companies making good on their efforts to scale innovation throughout the region. An awards reception Tuesday evening served as the culmination of Startland News’ rollout for its Kansas City Startups to…
How two, decades-apart military pairings landed a 130-year-old Greek liqueur brand in KC stores
Just one sip of this cinnamon clove-infused Greek liqueur and Glen Shilland was won over. But he wasn’t just enjoying Zamoura; he was immediately envisioning an import business so others in the U.S. could enjoy it too. Produced in Patras, Greece, since 1895, Zamoura is made with a secret family recipe and all-natural ingredients. “It…
Caffeinated by design: Why coffee is critical infrastructure at Topeka’s new innovation hub
Sparrow Coffee Co. roasts second home inside Link Innovation Labs as space prioritizes local small businesses alongside startups TOPEKA — When a hotly-anticipated innovation hub opens its doors Feb. 9 in downtown Topeka, visitors might notice the scent of freshly brewed coffee before they even catch sight of the startup space’s state-of-the art high-tech labs….
Innovation hub sets opening for critical wet labs, space for startups, small biz entrepreneurs
TOKEKA — Furniture deliveries are rolling in, the bright, bold green exterior sign is up, and Topeka’s new hub for science, startups, and collaboration is nearly ready to open its doors. After years of planning and prep, the hotly-anticipated Link Innovation Labs project is entering the final stretch of construction, setting the stage for a…
