Local Business

Whether you're shopping for yourself or looking for gifts, find everything you need for correspondence and other print-based hobbies at Kansas City's local stationery shops.

The shopping season between Thanksgiving and Christmas can be a big boost to local businesses. In a year marred by a rash of property crimes against small shops, cafes, and restaurants, Kansas City business owners have extra cause to hope shoppers spend their money in town.

Thanksgiving is the busiest time of year for Kansas City butchers. If you're looking for the right meat to go on your table this holiday season, the city's locally-owned butcher shops can be your guide.

The family-run establishment began as a food truck in 2021 and just celebrated its one year anniversary at its brick-and-mortar location at 1196 Douglas Street. The restaurant specializes in traditional homestyle dishes from the state of Guerrero, Mexico.

A new handgun on the market aims to reduce incidents of unauthorized firearms use. Free State Firearms, LLC, a Kansas company, is using RFID technology in a 9mm pistol to ensure only an authorized user is able to fire the weapon.

Just a few years ago, Tiki Taco was a humble spot on 39th Street with a few seats and a walk-up window, specializing Southern California-style tacos and burritos. Now it has shops on Troost and in Overland Park, too, and several more in the works.

A cancer diagnosis is life-changing, and even with the most supportive family and friends a personalized approach is needed. Gilda's Club Kansas City and the Balm Box company help cancer survivors and their loved ones with meaningful resources and gifts.

The Vinyl Underground at 7th Heaven has played a central role in Kansas City's music and counterculture scene for 50 years. But now owner Jan Fichman is retiring, leaving longtime customers to reflect on what the record store has meant to them.

The Kansas City Defender organized the celebration from Oct. 1-14 to bring awareness to Black-owned restaurants, with the hope of helping their long-term sustainability. “We are in a crisis for Black restaurants right now," says founder Ryan Sorrell.

Famous for its triple-decker pork tenderloin sandwich, the Kansas City restaurant closed unexpectedly this spring when its planned renovation hit roadblocks with contractors and the city. Jinna Soulivong says she didn't expect to see so much community support — or a line down the block when they reopened.

Mildred's, Donutolgy and Teocali were among the dozens of Kansas City small businesses hit by property crimes in the last few months. The owners said they were frustrated by how long it took to get authorities to respond.

The Kansas City region is something of a vinyl lover’s paradise. Whether you're just getting started with record collecting, or a seasoned crate-digger, here are the top shops for both new and used albums.