News & Issues
Stories from around the Kansas City Metro area on a variety of topics.
Guy Fieri Opens Roadhouse-Style Restaurant at KC Live!
Food Network celebrity Guy Fieri’s new restaurant at the Power & Light District has opened, just in time to serve up tacos and cocktails to fans attending the Big 12 Men’s Basketball Tournament in mid-March. “Guy Fieri’s Dive & Taco Joint” is being designed to resemble an American roadhouse joint, according to a press release….
Embassy Suites Project Underway in Former Federal Reserve Building
By Kevin Collison The redevelopment of the historic Kansas City Federal Reserve building into a 301-room Embassy Suites by Hilton hotel is finally on after a decade of false starts with completion expected in May 2020. The project, which is restoring one of downtown’s last remaining landmark buildings, has a new entity coordinating its construction…
‘I Just Care. They Become Family.’
A Kansas City-area special education teacher wants to find a way for students with disabilities to find jobs once they graduate. She introduced us to a former student of hers who did and shares why it matters.
Update: Waiter! There Is A Bug In My Pizza
Update: After this story was published on Jan. 16, Kansas Citians wrote to us asking if the restaurant on Independence Avenue was somehow connected to the one they knew on Metcalf Avenue in Overland Park, Kansas. The answer is yes, the two were linked, according to longtime Pitch writer Charles Ferruzza. Members of the Kansas City…
Chef Michael Smith’s Farina Brings ‘Love on the Plate’ to Crossroads
By Jill Wendholt Silva The beggar’s purse is back. If you missed the first incarnation of the chive-tied crepe bundle filled with caviar and crème, head to the Tuesday opening of Farina for James Beard award-winning chef Michael Smith’s nod to this iconic ‘80s dish. That is if you can grab a table anytime soon…
Orangetheory Fitness Opening Soon in Crossroads
By Kevin Collison Orangetheory Fitness, the Florida-based exercise chain, is opening its 11th franchise in Metro KC in the Crossroads’s space formerly occupied by The Sundry at 1706 Baltimore. Rebecca Boresow, co-owner of the fitness center, said she and her partner Darrin McDonald believe downtown is ready for the franchise’s individualized, heart-rate based exercise program….
Proposed Pedestrian/Bicycle Span to Downtown Riverfront Well-Received
By Kevin Collison The latest design for a proposed bicycle/pedestrian bridge to Berkley Riverfront Park was warmly received last week but people will have to chill a little longer to learn how the project could be financed. Port KC hosted the public meeting on the ped/bike span, part of the larger plan to use the…
Baramee Thai Bistro Brings Heat to Crossroads
By Kevin Collison Crossroads diners beware, here’s an insider warning to the new Baramee Thai Bistro that just opened in the former Pizzabella space at 1810 Baltimore: don’t order your first dish hot. “I recommend starting mild,” said co-owner Douglas Hoffman. “For 90 percent of the people, medium is good for them.” He looked over…
Keystone Innovation District Concept Taking Shape, Big Civic Endeavor at 18th and Troost
By Kevin Collison The Keystone Innovation District proposal took its first concrete step recently when backers signed a predevelopment agreement for the planned site of the $90 million-plus endeavor at 18th and Troost. A development entity established by J.E. Dunn Construction reached the agreement with the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority, which owns the block…
Finding Equitable Access to Education and the Workforce
A mother whose son has autism filed a federal civil rights complaint against a Kansas City school district. This is why and what she plans to do for other kids with disabilities.