Made in KC

Shop small: Five gifts you didn’t know you needed at the just-opened Made in KC Lenexa

Editor’s note: Startland News explored Made in KC’s new marketplace at Lenexa City Center in Johnson County as part of the newsroom’s five-part holiday gift guide that highlights locally owned shops and the makers within them. The items identified here were curated by Kendall Kloster, manager at Made in KC Lenexa, and Startland News. Featured…

Lightwell building overlooking the outdoor seating of Jason's Deli, incoming home of Strang Chef Collective at Lightwell

More downtown eats: Chef-driven food hall joining Made in KC on Lightwell’s ground floor

Nearly two years after details of a chef collective at Lightwell were first teased, developers today announced the popular urban Johnson County food experience Strang Hall will indeed open a second location in downtown Kansas City. “Like the original Strang Hall in downtown Overland Park, the concept will be a casual, modern space designed for…

Carlos Mortera, Poio

Brands from Poio to Made in KC booked for new airport; $1.5B expected through the gate over 15 years

Local and minority-owned vendors selected to operate shops in Kansas City’s new airport terminal are more than up to the task, said Carlos Mortera, emphasizing the power of adding flavor to the highly anticipated project. “Most airports aren’t filled with local businesses,” noted Mortera, founder of Poio Mexican Barbeque. “We in Kansas City, I feel…

Arvelisha Woods and India Monique, Mattie’s Foods

A Bible parable helped connect vegan foods to Made in KC cafes; here’s how two sisters planted the seed

Now served at Made in KC cafes across the metro — from the brand’s popular marketplaces to the new Outta the Blue oasis and downtown trolley cafe — vegan goods from Mattie’s Foods arrive on plates thanks to growing hunger for more healthy options, as well as the wholesome ingredients of a community-built business. Between…

Brian Roberts, The Black Pantry, and Kearra Johnson, Studio LO; Thank You Black America

Thank you, Black America! Juneteenth pop-up rallies power of KC’s Black creatives

A celebration of Black America — and the critical work it’s done to begin breaking systemic cycles nationwide — is expected to launch soon in Kansas City, promising to shine a light on Black-owned businesses and creators, Kearra Johnson said.  “As young, Black entrepreneurs in the city, we’ve been looking for ways to get our brands…