Local

Four developments reshaping Kansas City’s new business landscape

Stories by Kansas City Star journalists, with AI summarization

The curated articles explore developments in Kansas City's business scene, revealing growth across various sectors. Common themes include the revival of local businesses, the emergence of new dining spots, and seasonal events attracting different audiences.

One article highlights free museum days and local events, drawing crowds to Johnson County. Another story covers the reopening of a beloved breakfast restaurant, signaling change under new ownership. Additionally, a new craft cocktail bar aims to offer 'depth through simplicity,' focusing on specialty drinks and a welcoming atmosphere. Meanwhile, famous haunted houses in the West Bottoms return, offering spooky experiences to mark the Halloween season. These narratives show Kansas City steadily evolving, with diverse opportunities in food, entertainment, and culture.

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Casie Lacey of Osawatomie and her kids, Anna, Adam and Aden, get a feels for ’60s fabrics with the help of some swatches at the new fashion exhibit at the Johnson County Museum. By Beth Lipoff

NO. 1: FREE MUSEUM DAYS, CAR SHOWS AND BBQ COOK-OFFS ARE COMING TO JOHNSON COUNTY

As the fall weather finally kicks in, you can join barbecue cook-offs, attend car shows, go to the museum for free and more during September in Johnson County. | Published September 10, 2025 | Read Full Story by Debra Skodack

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The Beast, one of Full Moon Productions’ three attractions in the West Bottoms, was voted best haunted house in the nation in 2019 and was named among five legendary haunted houses in 2023 by America Haunts. By Dominick Williams

NO. 2: SOME OF KANSAS CITY’S MOST FAMOUS HAUNTED HOUSES ARE OPENING IN THE WEST BOTTOMS

Halloween is more than a month and a half away, but the season of ghosts and horrors is upon us. | Published September 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by Dan Kelly

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The Lenexa City Center area has several restaurants, including a project dubbed “restaurant row.” By Roy Inman©

NO. 3: NEW JOHNSON COUNTY CRAFT COCKTAIL BAR OPENING. ‘DEPTH THROUGH SIMPLICITY’

A new craft cocktail bar is on its way to Johnson County, taking over a former tea shop. | Published September 9, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jenna Thompson

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Happy Gillis at 549 Gillis St., seen on Monday, May 6, 2024, in Kansas City. By Emily Curiel

NO. 4: BELOVED KANSAS CITY BREAKFAST RESTAURANT WILL RETURN — BUT WITH SOME CHANGES

Longtime Kansas City breakfast and brunch restaurant Happy Gillis will reopen after a months-long hiatus — though customers can expect some changeschange. | Published September 9, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jenna Thompson

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.