Local Business

One of Kansas City’s pickup soccer hot-spots is right around the corner from the upcoming FIFA Fan Festival. Players and employees at The Soccer Lot hope fans from around the world might pop in for a competitive but laid-back match.

In early April, the Kansas City Council passed an ordinance removing a 75-year-old rule that required businesses to provide a certain number of parking spots. Some residents and visitors say the change will exacerbate an already frustrating parking situation.

What began as an unexpected opportunity from family in 2018 has grown into a team of roughly 30 employees. Mr D's Donut Shop now has plans to open new locations in Overland Park and Kansas City, Missouri.

Relentless rainfall has flooded Kansas City neighborhoods east of I-435 near the 23rd Street exit, as meteorologists note a historically high amount of storms and warnings this year. Several businesses have had to close indefinitely, as they wait for the city to respond and drain the water.

A special program is bringing empty Kansas City storefronts back to life by placing entrepreneurs in prime downtown spaces to show off for an influx of international visitors. City leaders hope the program leads to long-term opportunities for small businesses and building owners.

Mass Street Plant Company is set for a soft opening May 2 in the Lawrence space that formerly belonged to plant shop Jungle House. The original Kansas City location opened in 2022.

Creators of the iconic Kansas City brand will sell T-shirts, hoodies and other locally-branded accessories. A soft launch of the pop-up store at the Overland Park, Kansas, mall will take place in May.

Council unanimously passed an ordinance Thursday that requires food trucks to operate no less than 300 feet from the nearest restaurant, a sixfold increase. Violations would be punishable by fines of up to $500 or jail time — and food truck operators say the restrictions could force them out of business.

Businesses and brand sponsors can apply now to take part in the activation, a short walk from where the FIFA Fan Festival is planned. “The marketplace will transform Union Station into a high-energy retail and cultural destination," organizers said.

Slow Rise owners Jessica and Jeff Dunkel developed a cult following at the Lawrence and Overland Park farmers markets. Eventually Jessica quit her day job, but when they finally opened a local brick-and-mortar, they could only afford to start with one day a week.

Just over three months before the World Cup descends on Kansas City this June, small businesses are preparing to make the most of 650,000 expected visitors. That means updating menus and websites to accommodate international travelers, and getting staff trained for the expected crowds.

After a high school teacher told Maci Shaw she would be the best entrepreneur, the 19-year-old listened. Now, she sells her thrifted finds on Depop, Poshmark, Instagram and at popup events around Kansas City.