Live jazz. Swimwear. Handcrafted cupcakes. See 19 new storefronts coming to Kansas City
Even before the World Cup arrives in Kansas City, 19 new storefronts that were once empty no longer will be.
A jazz experience and a swimwear store. An art studio, a home decor store, a Cuban cafe, a bakery and a frozen daiquiri spot on wheels.
These are among businesses that, beginning June 1, will fill what currently are empty storefronts in Kansas City’s downtown and neighboring districts that include the Crossroads, 18th & Vine, the River Market, Midtown and Westport, as part of a city initiative.
KC fills empty storefronts
In June 2025, one year prior to the start of the World Cup, Kansas City announced the launch of “Open Doors!” a program, in collaboration with the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, meant to serve two purposes: to bolster opportunities for small businesses and artists helping to create pop-ups in empty storefront that, come the World Cup, might otherwise mar the city’s streetscape.
The city council voted 12-1, with one abstention, to put $1.4 million toward what was then called the Small Business Storefront Vacancy Revitalization Program. Part of the money would be used to help subsidize the build out of storefronts and to help partially subsidize rents.
The pop-ups are expected to last at least three months, or more, depending on their success.
“We want to present a vibrant city with small business,” Wes Rogers, 2nd District Councilman, said at that time. “We want restaurants. We want retail. We want walkable spaces. You don’t want a bunch of empty storefronts and windows busted out. If we can create some spaces where people go to different parts of the city, visiting our city and seeing artists and creators making stuff, then I do think that’s a win. That’s worthwhile.”
Applications for the program opened on October 14.
List of businesses opening under program
On Tuesday, the city revealed the businesses and their addresses. They are:
- KC Jazz Alive, 515 Southwest Blvd, Suite 1: A live jazz and music experience celebrating Kansas City’s cultural roots.
- Music Across Borders, 515 Southwest Blvd., Suite 2: A cultural music platform connecting global sounds and communities through immersive programming.
- Precious Frivolities, 1712 Main St.: A retail experience bringing together artists, designers, and curated vintage retailers.
- Hella Good Deeds, 913 East 5th St.: A purpose-driven concept blending retail with community impact and storytelling.
- Birdies, 1800 Baltimore Ave.: A boutique retail experience rooted in art, fashion, and creative expression.
- JVB Swim, 3907A Main St.: A swimwear brand offering contemporary designs centered on confidence and identity.
- Studio Cheeks, 2004 Grand Blvd.: A visual art studio emphasizing playful and expressive design.
- Raw Art LLC, 3004 Troost Ave.: An art-focused concept centered on painting, creativity, and immersive artistic experiences.
- Megh Knappenberger Art, 108 Missouri Ave.: A showcase original works and curated creative products.
- Bubbles + Goo, 510 Delaware St., Suite 1: A bath and body brand offering playful, handcrafted self-care products.
- Cut + Sew Productions KC, 510 Delaware St., Suite 2: A fashion and textile studio specializing in custom garments and sewn goods.
- Boxx Décor Co., 1710–1712 East 18th St.: A home décor experience offering curated, ready-to-style interior pieces.
- Grind LLC, 1708 East 18th St.: A coffee and culture brand rooted in community.
- El Café Cubano, 414 East 12th St. (1st Floor Rotunda): A Cuban café.
- National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP KC), 201 Westport Road: A community collaborative highlighting culture, entrepreneurship, and shared space.
- Cupcakin, 1512 East 18th St., A local bakery known for its handcrafted cupcakes and flavors.
- Safi Fresh, 1512 East 18th St. (collaborative space): A fresh food and catering concept.
- Madrina Vegana Taqueria, 1881 Main St.: A plant-based taqueria offering vegan interpretations of traditional dishes.
- Brain Freeze Mobile Daiquiri, 408 East 31st St.: A mobile beverage concept delivering frozen cocktails.
“Kansas City is a city of makers, creators, and entrepreneurs,” Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas said in a written statement accompanying the list.
“We’re lowering barriers, providing real resources, and making sure our businesses are positioned to thrive. By linking businesses to storefronts across the city, we’re turning global attention into real, lasting economic opportunity for the people who call Kansas City home.”
This story was originally published May 6, 2026 at 1:13 PM.
CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story misstated the number of World Cup volunteers in Kansas City. The correct number is 3,500.
