News Stories

Cosentino's Downtown Market, Kansas City, Missouri

Overland Park startup partners with Cosentino’s for time-saving automation in KC grocery stores

As a way to compete and thrive against major retailers like Walmart and Safeway, independent grocers are turning toward software that automates manual tasks — resulting in reduced errors and increased efficiency, John Epperson said. Such software exists because Epperson, co-founder of Overland Park-based Retail Software Solutions Group, saw a gap in the market and…

Sippin' Santa, Julep 2019

Holiday cheers: Christmas pop-up bar back with pandemic twist; festive spirits return Nov. 6

There’s no stealing Christmas for local bar owners as they prepare to unwrap various holiday-themed pop-up experiences — despite a Grinch of a pandemic that’s upended sales for much of the year.  Sippin’ Santa is expected to return to Westport-crafted Julep Cocktail Club as a reimagined, curbside pop-up next month, Keely Edgington told Startland News.  “If…

Jeff Dunn, Redivus Health; photo courtesy of Pipeline

Redivus Health earns ticket to Germany-based accelerator thanks to seeds planted by Plug and Play

Plug and Play promised regional connectivity when the international network of accelerators announced plans for a Topeka-based program, and it’s already paying off for one Kansas City-grown startup — before the Kansas accelerator even launches.  “Don’t ever turn down an opportunity to meet somebody or be introduced to somebody — because you never know where things are…

No Vacancy; photo by Impressive Spaces

‘Cabin fever is real’: No Vacancy books a hometown escape to your own personal hotel

In contrast to its neon name, No Vacancy offers plenty of room for staycationing Kansas Citians at its newly-opened Crossroads hotel — a cozy getaway for pandemic-grounded guests looking to recharge without the risk of travel, said Spencer Sight.  “Cabin fever is real and this place has the ability to transport you elsewhere,” said Sight,…

Alesha Bowman, UnLESHed+

As seen on Troost (and Ellen): Plus-size thrift store owner uses momentum to inspire others 

Alesha Bowman had plans March 15 to celebrate the two-year anniversary of her plus-size thrift store, UnLESHed+, by opening a new storefront on the historic Troost Avenue.  But on March 14, a nationwide pandemic forced Bowman’s plans to be entirely reworked.  “You just have to pivot,” Bowman said, noting that she used Facebook and Instagram…