Local Business

Bright pedicabs are zipping across Kansas City during the World Cup and they're here to stay. Plus: Organizers of a new music venue in Kansas City say it’s a place where the listening comes first. 515 Music Hub was a result of the city's Open Doors program for the World Cup, but wants to keep going after.

EZ Pedicabs will take you from the West Bottoms to 18th and Vine, or from CPKC Stadium to the Plaza — and anywhere in between. Owners want the company’s electric trishaws to become an essential part of getting around Kansas City, long after the World Cup.

515 Music Hub organizers wanted to create a space that prioritizes listening, "as opposed to people talking over musicians as they eat or drink." The new venture is part of a $1.6 million city initiative to fill empty storefronts and entertain international visitors.

While some Kansas City businesses have reported sales slowed significantly during the tournament, others — like barbecue restaurants and local merch shops — have seen extreme demand from visitors. World Cup traffic has been highly dependent on what businesses sell and where they’re located.

To welcome Algerian visitors and make them feel at home in the charming college town, Lawrence restaurant owners offered more halal options, with some pulling pork from their menu. The Algerian team’s presence also gave an opportunity to spotlight Lawrence’s Middle Eastern restaurants.

A giant, brightly-colored tapestry designed to represent all of the countries in the World Cup is hanging in KC House, located in the former Forever 21 building on the Country Club Plaza. The space is intended for international executives, civic leaders and World Cup visitors.

Kansas City has welcomed thousands of visitors as the metro enters its second week of the World Cup. But as international crowds come in, many local shop owners feel they're taking a backseat. Some small businesses say the economic boost is not evenly distributed.

Kansas City G.I.F.T, a nonprofit focused on growing Black entrepreneurship, will distribute a guide in June that features 30 Black-owned businesses. The hope is that the World Cup, predicted to bring in more prospective shoppers than Kansas City has ever seen at once, jumpstarts long-term growth.

More than 100 businesses, artists, makers, food vendors, and community organizations are taking part in Kansas City's "City of Entrepreneurs" marketplace at Union Station, which runs select days through July 12.

The Czech-inspired taproom from Alma Mader will showcase hyper-fresh beers and a greenhouse-style space with expanded non-beer offerings. The vision for a dedicated chicken-and-beer concept grew out of pop-ups between the brewery and chef Keeyoung Kim of Sura Eats and Chingu.

The Iowa-based brewery opened last week on the second floor of the old Macy's in Prairie Village. Along with award-winning brews, popular menu items include a tuna poke bow, and giant Taphouse Bruger.

The event on Wed., May 27, 2026, highlighted partnerships and new plans designed to provide support for small businesses not only during the World Cup, but into the future.