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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Dawnya Bartsch
GENERAL MANAGER, BUSINESS OPERATIONS
Alex Healey
ART DIRECTOR
Kevin Goodbar
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
Nina Cherry
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
Nicole Kinning
FOOD CRITIC & WRITER
Tyler Shane
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Madison McMillen
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Dominique Parsow
ADVERTISING SALES
Angie Henshaw and Bob Ulmer
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Kelsie Schrader
WEB COORDINATOR
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WRITERS
Nina Cherry, David Hodes, Nicole Kinning, Anne Kniggendorf, Ryan Reed, Ian Ritter, Tyler Shane and Sarah Sipple
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Zach Bauman, Jeremey Theron Kirby, Samantha Levi, Anna Petrow, Ian Simmons, Zach Smith, Paola Tello and Jake Wickersham
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The metro’s golf scene is in full swing, with more than 280 clubs and leagues and roughly 30,000 players 38
Cover Story Fairway City
Swope, Restored
KC’s first public golf course returns to its 1915 roots 47 Par-tee Time Golfers ditch traditional pleats and polos for color and camp 48
Painted Past Ghost signs hiding in plain sight 72
I DON’T PLAY golf. Not really. I’ve taken lessons, made par at the Nelson-Atkins minigolf course and spent time zoning out with a bucket of balls at the driving range—but I’m not one to play a full round.
Still, the game holds a place close to my heart. My grandparents lived on a golf course in Napa Valley, and I spent long afternoons napping in a sunroom overlooking the fairway. There was nothing that felt safer. Sun on my face, a light blanket, the distant chatter of players and the thwack of a club cutting through the air—it was the perfect formula for an afternoon snooze.
For many Kansas Citians, though, the connection to golf runs deeper than that. You see it in the sheer number of people who play. And it can be felt in the culture: leagues that fill up fast, twilight rounds after work and a growing crowd that doesn’t look—or dress—like the country club stereotype.
There’s history to honor, too. Swope Memorial is reopening with a renewed commitment to its original A.W. Tillinghast design, a reminder that Kansas City has long punched above its weight in golf architecture. And then there’s Tom Watson, our own hometown legend, whose career helped define modern golf while never really leaving Kansas City behind. You can read about both in this issue’s golf feature.
But this story isn’t just about legacy. It’s about momentum.
Across the metro, the game is loosening up. Women are building their own leagues. New players are showing up without the intimidation factor. Indoor mini-golf spots and high-tech driving ranges are turning practice into something closer to a night out. We leaned into that shift with a fashion shoot at Tap In at the Greenhouse in Overland Park—an indoor-outdoor venue that already blurs the line between sport and social scene.
In other words, golf here is becoming more Kansas City: unpretentious, a little unexpected and deeply community-driven. And that theme runs through the entire issue. From Guadalupe Centers’ annual Cinco de Mayo bash to a local tintype photographer creating portraits the old-fashioned way, this issue is truly celebrating the places and people that make this city great.
Dawnya Bartsch, editor-in-chief dawnya@kansascitymag.com
Sarah Sipple Writer
Sarah Sipple, who wrote about Sea Capitán and Brown Suga cookies for this issue, is a Kansas City-based food writer and editor who’s hungry for people to know more about KC’s culinary culture. Her work can also be found in The Pitch, KC Options and Time Out.
Samantha Levi Photographer
This issue’s cover photo of the Golf Gals and fashion spread was shot by Samantha Levi. KCbased Levi shoots campaigns for commercial brands, fashion and the arts.
Nicole Kinning
Contributing Editor
Contributing editor Nicole Kinning, who has been managing our Best of Kansas City campaign, wrote about the ghost signs dotting the city’s garment district, a local tintype photographer and KC’s very own Walk of Fame.
Numbers From This Issue
The KC Taco Is Dying
Not surprisingly, a story by Kansas City magazine’s food critic Tyler Shane chronicling how difficult it is to find a genuine KC taco (a corn tortilla filled with beef, pinched shut, fried and dusted with parmesan cheese) elicited lots of comments. Folks were either expressing their desire to find a genuine KC taco or arguing that Shane didn’t look hard enough.
In-A-Tub is the only KC Taco we need.
- Alex Marler
When I was growing up, a friend of my mom’s, an older Italian lady, made these “KC Tacos” and they were incredible! I miss them!
- Stephanie Willerton
Just go to Kansas City, Kansas.
- William Stephen
As long as Rudy’s is around, I’m good.
- Many Lewis.
“I’ve had people say, ‘My mom just died, and I want to remember this moment,’ or they’re about to have surgery and want a photo of themselves before.”
The year the former Seiden’s Furs building was built. Page 75
1915
The year Swope Memorial Golf Course opened. Page 47
1919
The year Guadalupe Centers was founded. Page 26
Shout Out
Thanks to Tap Ins at the Greenhouse for letting us use their greens for our cover and golf fashion shoot.
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As Worlds of Fun changes hands again, a former park manager wonders if Kansas City’s coaster staple will finally reinvest or stay in neutral
By Ian Ritter
(Continued on next page)
COLE LINDBERGH still thinks about Worlds of Fun like a manager.
More than a decade after leaving the park, the former games supervisor—once featured on National Public Radio program This American Life’s “Amusement Park” episode, spotlighting Lindbergh’s outsized enthusiasm for theme parks—still tracks pricing, attendance and industry trends. So when ownership of Kansas City’s amusement park started shifting again, Lindbergh had thoughts.
“Maybe they will recognize that the park needs a major overhaul,” says Lindbergh, now a tech professional and 2024 U.S. Air Guitar Champion. “I would hope they reinvest and get back to the roots of, ‘This is the Kansas City local amusement park.’”
Lindbergh worked at Worlds of Fun from 2001 to 2013, rising from a teenage seasonal employee to manager under Cedar Fair, the company who owned the park at the time. He watched as the company grew by acquiring parks across the country, but rarely reinvested heavily in its Kansas City property, he says.
“The money that the park made went back to shareholders,” he says. “The park never really got to the point where they were going to make large investments.”
Now, another ownership change is putting that dynamic back in play. Worlds of Fun is being acquired by Kansas City-based EPR Properties in a $342 million deal that includes six other parks. A Florida-based company, Enchanted Parks, will operate the properties. The transaction is expected to close by the end of June, shortly after the park opens for its 53rd season on April 25.
The sale also closes the door on a lingering question: whether Worlds of Fun might become a Six Flags park. Six Flags Entertainment Corp., which gained control after merging with Cedar Fair in 2023, is instead selling.
The park has changed hands only once before, from original developer Lamar Hunt’s Mid-America Enterprises to Cedar Fair in 1995. Lindbergh doesn’t expect immediate changes this season but says the second year under new ownership could be more telling.
For now, EPR is signaling continuity. “The parks will continue their regular operating schedules, and all season passes sold will be recognized through the 2026 operating season,” the company said in a statement.
EPR owns more than 300 “experiential” or entertainment-focused properties nationwide, from movie theaters to Topgolf venues.
Author Andrés Martinez says Lamar Hunt’s soccer legacy, the Currents’ stadium and the coming World Cup make it so
By Anne Kniggendorf
ANDRÉS MARTINEZ’S personal and professional lives overlap more than most. Personally, he’s the ultimate fan of both footballs: the NFL variety and the kind that most Americans call soccer. Professionally, he’s the director of Arizona State University’s Great Game Lab, which is all about exploring how sports, media and politics come together worldwide.
Martinez, whose favorite soccer team is England’s Arsenal Football Club (who just happen to have claimed KC’s Swope Soccer Village as their World Cup homebase), throws a whole lot of love Kansas City’s way in his new book, The Great Game: A Tale of Two Footballs and America’s Quest to Conquer Sport.
Ahead of his book talk this month, Kansas City magazine caught up with Martinez to talk about Kansas City’s important role in American soccer.
GO:
Martinez’s book talk is at Kansas City Public Library Plaza Branch (4801 Main St., KCMO) on April 7 at 6 pm. Visit kclibrary.org/events for more information
You moved to the U.S. from Chihuahua, Mexico, when you were 15. Was that difficult? I grew up in a fairly American household in Mexico because my mom was American, and I did not expect to have any wrenching adaptation issues by going to a “foreign country.” Yet, when it came to sport, I felt like I had been dropped on a different planet. [In Mexico], soccer was just in the air and in the water.
I think one of the things that is different about the United States—in addition to having our own football—is there are a lot of sports that are part of our dominant culture. I mean, we have baseball, we have basketball, we have American football, we have hockey. In countries like Mexico, it is 100 percent or maybe 90 percent soccer, right? And you’re connected to not just your community and your country, but it’s understood that this is a global cultural phenomenon.
You quote a journalist from The Guardian as saying that Kansas City is the most unlikely of the 16 North American World Cup host cities. What’s your take? I disagree with that because I think Kansas City does have a strong claim to being the soccer capital of America. There are some other cities that would quibble with that,
Photography by Henry Spencer
but historically, you cannot understate the important role played by Lamar Hunt in bridging the two footballs. I think the fact that Kansas City was chosen is, in part, a tribute to his role.
There are so many ways in which Kansas City plays a prominent role in the soccer world. Kansas City has developed this expertise as a builder and designer of soccer stadiums around the world, not just in the United States. It’s the first city anywhere in the footballing world that has built a purpose-built women’s stadium.
Is it fair to say that we’ve already made a good impression on you as a host city? Yes, yes. And I think visitors are going to be equally wowed.
You see the history of sports beyond the football ties, too. Like the Negro Leagues Museum. One of the things I talk about in the book is, I mean, some of those players going back to the 1920s and ’30s were already practicing this type of sport diplomacy by playing baseball in the Caribbean, Latin America and going on goodwill trips to Japan, even before Major League Baseball was doing that. Kansas City is where this league was established and was already playing an important role in connecting the United States to the rest of the world through sport.
What lasting effect might the World Cup have on our city? I think that’s hard to quantify, but it’s super exciting. The status of having been a World Cup city, much like being an Olympic city, is something that stays with you forever, right? I think forever Kansas City will be branded as more of a global city than it was before.
Also, Messi is going to be in Kansas City playing some of the last matches, presumably, of his storied career. And you’re going to have an entire nation in South America that is going to be fixated on what happens. And among them, there’re going to be 10-year-olds who, 50 years later, are going to have these really strong associations with this city. It’s funny how these emotional connections to geography are created through sport.
Parkville Microbrew Festival brings an afternoon of beer tastings to English Landing Park
By Nina Cherry
SET ALONG SCENIC English Landing Park, Parkville Microbrew Festival has been celebrating the best of KC’s beer scene for more than 20 years.
On April 25, the event returns to the Missouri Riverfront with more than 60 participating breweries and over 200 brews to taste. From hefty stouts to crisp kölsches, the roster includes local favorites like Brewery Emperial, Casual Animal Brewing Company, Free State Beer and Boulevard Brewing Company.
But what sets the event apart is the inclusion of homebrew clubs. This year, approximately five clubs from around the region will sample their creations, giving eager hobbyists a chance to showcase their
craft and gain feedback while attendees expand their palates. “You never know what you’re going to get,” says Kristin Crouse, co-founder and co-chair of Parkville Microbrew Festival. “We have everything from non-alcoholic beers to ciders to sours and IPAs.”
Aside from an abundance of beer, admission includes a commemorative tasting glass and live performances from three local bands: Parkville Alley Cats, Brendan MacNaughton and Accidental Moguls. A makers market will feature handcrafted goods from 10 local artisans, and a variety of food trucks will be on site to make sure you have something tasty to go along with your favorite brew.
Tickets are available for purchase at the gate, if available, but the event has sold out the past five years, so organizers recommend purchasing in advance. Unlike many beer festivals, the event prides itself on welcoming designated drivers to attend without purchasing a ticket.
GO: April 25. 1 pm. English Landing Park. Visit parkvillemicrobrewfest.com for tickets and more information.
“But what makes it so special is English Landing Park,” says Kelly Putnam, community engagement manager of Main Street Parkville Association. “It’s just a beautiful afternoon along the river.”
Comedian Seth Meyers’ career blossomed in the Neth erlands, of all places. While performing with Amsterdam improv troupe Boom Chicago, Meyers workshopped sketches and honed the writing skills that ultimately made an impression on Saturday Night Live In a tenure he held for 13 years, the comic served as SNL’s head writer before succeeding David Letterman as host of NBC’s Late Night talk show. Following the release of his HBO comedy Dad Man Walking, comes to KC for an evening of back-to-back shows. 11. 4 pm & 7:30 pm. The Midland Theatre.
Spring has sprung at Zona Rosa’s family-friendly festival. Enjoy crafts and a petting zoo with bunnies and chicks, and snap a free photo with the Easter Bunny. Plus, browse a lively vendor market and grab a bite at food trucks throughout Central Park. April 4. 11am. Zona Rosa.
By the time jazz guitarist Pat Metheny was 15, the Kansas Citian had already made a name for himself by regularly playing in clubs across the city alongside seasoned musicians. It didn’t take long for Metheny to spread his wings: At 21, he released his breakthrough album, Bright Sized Life, and he’s since gone on to release more than 30 albums and garner 20 Grammy Awards in the past five decades. Known for his fluid jazz fusion style, the guitarist returns to KC for a homecoming performance. April 4. 7:30 pm. Muriel Kauffman Center.
Set in a recording studio in 1976, Tony Award-winning play Stereophonic follows a rising rock band on the precipice of stardom. As they record their sophomore album, tensions run high during the makeor-break moment—and it doesn’t help that the band is romantically intertwined. What begins as a straightforward process stretches into a dramatic year-long affair. April 7–12. Times vary. Muriel Kauffman Theatre.
Best known for her work as a founding member of The Wailin’ Jennys, Ruth Moody’s soaring soprano vocals reawakened traditional folk songs like “Long Time Traveller” and “The Old Churchyard.” But beyond the folk trio, Moody performs as a solo artist. Whether she’s plucking a banjo, strumming a guitar or seated at the piano, the multi-instrumentalist commands the room. Moody’s Folly Theater performance follows the release of Wanderer, her first solo
recording since 2013. April 10. 7:30 pm. Folly Theater.
From a young age, German composer Felix Mendelssohn was captivated by Shakespeare—so much so that he wrote accompaniment for the playwright’s comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream at 17 years old. Although one of his early compositions, the piece’s overture remains one of his best-known works. The Kansas City Symphony performs this Mendelssohn selection, as well as Toshio Hosokawa’s trumpet concerto Im Nebel and Sergei Rachmaninoff’s aptly timed Spring April 10–12. Times vary. Helzberg Hall.
Gov’t Mule with Larkin Poe
This double bill brings an energetic night of blues and rock and roll to Midtown’s Uptown Theater. Formed as an offshoot of The Allman Brothers, power trio and jam band Gov’t Mule began by filling in the gaps between tours and ultimately built a devoted following of its own. Larkin Poe, a Southern roots-rock duo led by sisters Rebecca and Megan Lovell, opens the night with their gravely, down-to-earth style. April 14. 7 pm. Uptown Theater.
Cory Wong
Although guitarist Cory Wong started his career playing at jazz clubs throughout the Twin Cities, the musician rose to popularity a decade ago while holding down rhythm guitar with funk band Vulfpeck. But aside from collaborating with Vulfpeck and artists like Ben Rector and Jon Batiste, the versatile songwriter and producer recently released his own record, Lost in the Wonder. Joined by soul singers Devon Gilfillian and Stephen Day, Wong comes to KC in support of the retro pop-inspired album. April 15. 8:30 pm. The Truman.
18
Terri Lyne Carrington: We Insist!
Trailblazing drummer Terri Lyne Carrington is taking her new band, Social Science, on the road.
At this free celebration of South and Southeast Asian culture, roam various stations throughout the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Activities include live music, dance and storytelling performances, artmaking for all ages, and interactive learning hubs tied to the museum’s expansive collection. April 19. 10 am. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
Carrington has shared the stage with legends from Dizzy Gillespie to Joni Mitchell and also served as the longtime drummer for jazz fusion icon Herbie Hancock. Expect selections from her latest album, Waiting Game. April 18. 7:30 pm. Folly Theater.
Swope Park’s Lakeside Nature Center celebrates Earth Day with an all-ages wildlife event. The morning kicks off with a hike led by a naturalist—where walkers will explore the surrounding gardens, ponds and marshes—followed by puppet shows from the environmentally sustainable StoneLion Puppet Theatre, plus a chance to meet a North American opossum up close. April 19. 10 am. Lakeside Nature Center.
Midwest Game Fest
Card game fanatics, board game lovers and Dungeons & Dragons enthusiasts will convene at Mid-
west Game Fest. Celebrating what the hobby tabletop game convention calls “nerd culture,” expect a jam-packed weekend of gameplay, cosplay costume contests, workshops and more. Plus, browse the marketplace of vendors selling new games, playing cards, attire and more. April 23–26. Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center.
Get your green thumb on at Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens’ annual Spring Plant Sale. With proceeds benefiting the botanical gardens, the sale primarily focuses on pollinator-friendly native varieties to attract butterflies, hummingbirds, bees and more to your backyard oasis. Find your favorite florals, herbs and more. April 24–26. 9 am. Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens.
Michelle Buteau
You may recognize comedian Michelle Buteau as the star of
the heartfelt yet chaotic comedy Babes or from stand-up specials like Welcome to Buteaupia. Relatable and unfiltered, Buteau pokes fun at the very real triumphs and challenges of motherhood, marriage and more on “The Surviving and Thriving Tour.” April 24. 7:30 pm. The Midland Theatre.
The WNBA returns to Kansas City for the first time in more than 20 years as the league approaches its 30th season. In this preseason matchup, the Minnesota Lynx face off against the Nigerian Women’s National Team, also known as D’Tigress. Although KC was ultimately outbid for its own franchise last year, we know the city has a reputation to show up and out for women’s sports. April 27. 7 pm. T-Mobile Center.
KC’s beloved Guadalupe Centers celebrates 100 years of music, dancing and local flavor
By Ryan Reed
FOR THE PAST 100 years, Guadalupe Centers’ Cinco de Mayo Fiesta has packed Westside streets with music, dancing and some of KC’s best food.
This year, on May 1 and 2, the organization is hosting its centennial Cinco de Mayo. Founded in 1919, Guadalupe Centers is one of the longest continuously operating agencies serving Latinos in the United States. It also runs one of the largest charter schools in Kansas City, with more than 1,700 students.
“It’s always nice to have a celebration here on the Westside where we can share our culture,” says Leo Prieto, Guadalupe Centers’ chief community impact officer. The fiesta will have traditional mariachis and folkloric dances but will also include non-Hispanic traditions, such as performances by The Elders, a traditional Irish
music group. “We also want to make it very local and have top bands from around the area that are Latino and non-Latino to bring people into the Westside that maybe haven’t been yet,” Prieto says. Bands will play almost every hour on Saturday.
The two-day fiesta will begin May 1 as a souped-up First Friday from 5 to 9 pm, with DJs, vendors, activities and music. On Saturday, the fiesta will run from noon to 10 pm, with local vendors offering a wide array of food and merchandise. The family-friendly event will have bounce houses, youth-focused activities and a mobile gaming truck with a popular FIFA soccer simulation game.
“All this while you have the best food in Kansas City,” Prieto says. The Guadalupe Centers will be showing off their own kitchen’s culinary skills and selling a range of delicacies. Along with Mexican food, there will be dozens of other cuisines, such as Salvadorian and Caribbean—and even some KC barbecue. “Last year we partnered with Q39 on some barbecue as well,” Prieto says. “We’re just mixing it up and having a good time.
“We’re excited because it’s a combination of not just entertainment, culture and festivities, but really welcoming folks from all over the KC metro area, from Liberty to Olathe to Lee Summit,” Prieto continues. “We are trying to let people know that this is the place to be for their Cinco de Mayo celebrations.”
Along with street parking, there will be some parking available at the Guadalupe Centers’ 1300 Summit St. location. For more information about parking, shuttles services, vendors and event schedules, visit the Guadalupe Centers website at guadalupecenters.org.
Singer-songwriter Malek Azrael’s latest single, “You,” signals a new chapter
By Nina Cherry
GROWING UP IMMERSED in the arts, singer-songwriter Malek Azrael recalls being surrounded by the sounds of Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross and singer-songwriter Monica in his childhood home. But Azrael credits his big sister, a poet, as one of his first idols (in good company with Beyoncé).
“I remember kind of reading her poetry journals—which I shouldn’t have done—but I just thought she was so creative,” Azrael says. “I was the biggest fan of her writing, of her singing. I thought she was one of the coolest people in the world.”
Now an indie rock singer-songwriter performing throughout Kansas City, Azrael is a poet in his own right. Often backed by his band, Malek Azrael and The Vibez, the musician recently dropped an upbeat single, “You.” Joined by bassist Quinn Cosgrove, guitarist and background vocalist Calvin Haverkamp and drummer Josh Luke, the release marks not only a stylistic shift but also an emotional one for Azrael.
“For my new music, I’m taking a leap of faith. I’m praying that people like my music enough to let me try new things.”
Last year, the singer-songwriter auditioned for American Idol, performing for judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan. Although Azrael didn’t make it past the audition, he says that advancing through those preliminary stages gave him a needed confidence boost.
“But more than anything, it [the audition] made me realize I need to break these taboo ideas of creativity and creation—I’ve created the same way for years,” Azrael says. “For my new music, I’m taking a leap of faith. I’m praying that people like my music enough to let me try new things.” Now, working with new producers, he’s focused on shaking off his fears and easing the pressure he puts on himself. He describes the next chapter of his career as “more vulnerable and unapologetic.”
Before Azrael was taking the stage at festivals and clubs, he was a painfully shy kid (which, given his larger-than-life stage presence, I never would’ve guessed). He found his voice at an elementary school talent show, and singing helped draw him out of his shell and surprised his family. “It was the first time my parents ever heard me sing,” Azrael says. “They bawled.”
From there, he became more involved with his church choir, singing solos on Sundays and at weddings and funerals. Still, he remained inspired by his sister’s poetry and felt drawn to create something of his own.
While working with agricultural nonprofit Boys Grow as a teenager, Azrael was connected with musician Enrique Chi. The frontman of band Making Movies, Chi had recently founded Art as Mentorship, a songwriting-focused music nonprofit that proved transformative for Azrael’s career. The emerging artist began attending as many workshops as he could. “I fell in love with it,” he says. Today, Azrael is a mentor for the same program. Beyond working on new music and coaching young musicians, Azrael is gearing up for a Midwest tour this spring. He also has ambitions to release a live album compilation of music he’s performed across the city throughout the past four years. “It’s a love letter to everybody who supported us,” Azrael says.
↓
GO: Malek Azrael and The Vibez with Esso. May 1. 7 pm. Farewell (6515 Stadium Drive, KCMO).
Listen to Malek Azrael and The Vibez’s latest single, “You,” on all streaming platforms.
Midtown shop Populuxe is a mid-century modern treasure trove
By Nina Cherry
VINTAGE COLLECTOR Greg Martinez has long been drawn to retro wares. He was just 15 years old when he started raising his bidder card at estate auctions throughout Topeka. “Other people at the sales started educating me on jewelry, furniture, toys—all kinds of antique stuff,” Martinez says. With more than 30 years of experience under his belt, Martinez now co-owns mid-century modern store Populuxe alongside Ray Cessna. In 2018, the business graduated from antique store booths and First Friday pop-ups to a 9,000-square-foot showroom in Midtown’s Martini
Corner. The store’s name, a portmanteau of popular and luxury, is titled after a mid-century aesthetic defined by stylish chrome accents, pastels and striking geometric shapes.
Step inside Populuxue and you’ll find a meticulously curated collection of period-specific home goods. A starburst wall clock hangs above a low-profile tweed sofa. Colorful barware sits atop a teakwood sideboard with tapered legs. “We also have vintage clothing,” Cessna says. “There’s something for everyone.”
Although Martinez is still known to drop in on the occasional estate sale, the hunt for pieces in superb condition has grown broader over the years. Working with other collectors and shops, the pair sources the majority of their inventory from out of state, driving far and wide to bring their mid-century modern finds to Kansas City.
Shop Populuxe’s showroom in person (3109 Gillham Road, Suite 150, KCMO) or learn more at populuxekc.com.
By Nicole Kinning
BEFORE MEGAN KARSON takes a single photograph, she’s already done hours of work. She’s mixed her own chemistry, prepared a light-sensitive emulsion and cut the metal that will become the finished image. And when the shot is finally made, there’s no reviewing a screen, deleting and trying again. If you blinked, you blinked.
Karson is one of Kansas City’s only tintype photographers, a process that dates to the 1850s. Known as wet plate collodion, it’s one of the earliest photo methods ever developed. It predates film and nearly everything we associate with modern photography. “It’s very involved,” Karson says. “Sometimes it takes all day to make the one picture I want.”
The process requires a portable darkroom, which Karson typically sets up in the back of her car. From there, she coats a piece of metal with a light-sensitive liquid emulsion, loads it into the camera, exposes it to light and then only has a few minutes to develop the image before it’s lost.
No two results are the same. “Even if I made the same picture in the same spot five minutes apart, they would still look different,” Karson says. “It’s completely unique.” During a recent residency in Maine, she spent a full day shooting a single creek (ten images in one session), and each came out differently, influenced by shifting water, changing light and subtle differences in how she poured and developed the chemistry.
Karson has had a lifelong love for film photography, but she never envisioned it as a business. Once she started practicing tintype, though, she found that people didn’t just appreciate the images; they actively sought them out. Clients often come to her during life transitions and milestones. “I’ve had people say, ‘My mom just died, and I want to remember this moment,’” she says. “Or they’re about to have surgery and want a photo of themselves before.”
The tangible nature of tintype is also a big part of why Karson does what she does. It taps into something she feels personally, having grown up in a family where her grandmother and mother kept meticulous photo albums and scrapbooks. “We’ve moved so far away from holding pictures in our hands,” she says. “That feels important to keep alive.”
She splits her time between Kansas City and New Orleans and says the broader community of wet plate photographers is small and tight-knit. There’s a national group of tintype women photographers she’s connected with who communicate regularly, share troubleshooting tips and have meet-ups when they can.
That insularity is what makes Karson protective of her craft. Interest in tintype has grown over the years, especially with the explosion of short-form video on social media. While she loves and welcomes curiosity, she’s clear-eyed about how much learning from a mentor matters. When she herself was learning the art, she drove from KC to California to apprentice with Will Danaway, a photographer who had been working in tintype for decades, spending a full week with him near Yosemite Valley. “If you want to do tintype photography, you should pay someone for their time to teach you,” she says. “It feels respectful to the art.” And for Karson, the respect comes from all angles: the history of the process, the community of talented photographers and the images she creates. In an age when most photos live and die in an iCloud account, she’s committed to making something that lasts. “It’s something that you can keep and hold and share forever,” Karson says. megankarson.com
Photography by Megan Karson
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“Doing evaluations is a new way to help advocate for kids. Sometimes they aren’t able to articulate what’s going on with them exactly. It helps connect the dots for some families when it can already be a confusing time.”
psychologist Kimberly Hinman talks unlocking the teen brain, stress, self-care and more
By Nina Cherry
FOR KIMBERLY HINMAN, a local clinical psychologist with a Ph.D. from Columbia University, stress is more than a feeling. It can be a window into how the brain struggles and adapts—especially for many of her adolescent patients. Hinman specializes in evaluating and advocating for young people navigating ADHD, autism, anxiety, OCD, depression and more.
Hinman is the author of Unlocking the Teenage Brain: Helping Parents Understand and Support Their Teenager, a holistic study of the adolescent brain that includes parenting strategies. She also runs Bloom Testing, a practice in Brookside that focuses on individualized psychological evaluations.
In honor of National Stress Awareness Month, we sat down with Hinman to chat about self-care, parenthood, navigating busy schedules and more.
April is National Stress Awareness Month. What do you think people misunderstand about the word “stress”? When it comes to parents, they may not fully understand what it looks like in kids or how their best intentions can inadvertently contribute to some stressors. Parents often expect stress to look like worry or sadness, but in children it more often shows up as behavior change like avoidance, irritability or shifts in mood, motivation, or independence or physical complaints like headaches, stomachaches or sleep disruption.
What inspired you to not only go into psychology but also to specialize in helping young people? I decided to get my Ph.D. because I love helping people and I really love to write. I come from a family of mental health specialists, so it was something I grew up with. I’ve found that the age of adolescence is one of my favorites to work with because the brain is going through a crazy makeover. But with that comes a lot of unpredictable behaviors, so I found it personally fascinating.
I used to do therapy more so, but now, doing evaluations is a new way to help advocate for kids. Sometimes they aren’t able to articulate what’s going on with them exactly. It helps connect the dots for some families when it can already be a confusing time.
As an expert on the developing brain, what’s something you wish every parent understood about the teenage brain? That it’s doing exactly what it’s supposed to be doing, even if they’re driving you nuts.
The adolescent brain is supposed to be pushing boundaries and trying new things. They’re trying to figure out their place in the world. That’s incredibly important and we want to encourage that and also help strengthen that frontal lobe. New research is now saying it’s not fully developed until the early 30s—we used to think mid-20s. That means parents need to outsource and be the frontal lobe for their kids, helping with planning, self-reflection, monitoring behaviors and risk assessment. All of those things come from the frontal lobe development, whereas the emotion system—which is driving all of the risk-taking behaviors and finding novelty—is fully developed in adolescence.
Self-care has become quite the buzz word and marketing tactic. For you, what does genuine self-care look like? I feel like self-care is geared towards consumerism sometimes—like “buy this thing to take care of yourself.” Yes, that can be helpful, but I think self-care is really about self-reflection, self-understanding and self-discovery. It’s really taking time to understand yourself a bit more and not just going through the motions. Maybe it is going and getting a manicure or buying yourself a special treat. That’s okay sometimes. But don’t look for that quick fix necessarily.
For those juggling busy lives, do you have any exercises you recommend to help get centered? A distraction list. Let’s say that you really need to get this work project done, but there are a million things coming up in your mind that keep pulling your attention away. Then you’re just overwhelmed because nothing’s getting done. Instead of attending to those distractions, have a paper next to you and label it a distraction list. It seems very simple, but write everything down. That frees up that part of your brain that’s multitasking so you can focus on what’s front of you.
Then you give yourself 15 or 20 minutes at some point during the day to go through that list. That helps you compartmentalize, be a bit more present in the moment and not feel like you’re pinging from task to task.
What’s your go-to reset on a tough day? I have a toddler at home, so I’m not doing the best at self-care at the moment—shoutout to all the parents. But exercise is a big one for my husband and I. It’s often walking the dog, getting outside and moving my body. It doesn’t have to be anything strenuous.
By Ryan Reed
IT’S HARD NOT to lean on hyperbole when we discuss the declining state of our local biodiversity.
According to the National Park Service, less than 4 percent of the once 170 million acres of tallgrass prairie remain. Within a single generation, most of this diverse and abundant landscape has been transformed into farms, cities and towns. But making a difference can start with making the right choices when gardening at home. Luckily for us, Kansas City has no shortage of folks like Zach Callaway, founder of KC Native Landscapes, ready to do the work.
“It started as a hobby, but I fell in love with the ecological side of it,” Callaway says. “I was very aware of the kind of ecological collapse we’re going through, so I wanted to have some small way to push back. It’s small, working on one yard at a time, but it’s pushing back.” Callaway founded his landscaping company to do just that, helping locals create beautiful and beneficial landscapes at home that support local pollinators.
Pollinators—like wasps, bees, butterflies, birds and even bats— keep plants thriving, which in turn supports those creatures. This reciprocal cycle helps maintain the interconnected network that keeps the planet alive and breathing. The idea is to cultivate plants that have been here for thousands of years. These are the ones that have co-developed and co-evolved with our local pollinators, a lot of which oftentimes rely on just one or two host plants to exist.
To support a range of pollinators in every season, a garden needs a spectrum of plants that will bloom throughout the year. Diversity is key. Wild columbine is easy to grow, recedes well and comes back year after year. Foxglove beardtongue is a perfect bumblebee plant—the insects climb into the white flowers and collect pollen by buzzing. Purple coneflower, or echinacea, is a top recommendation; butterflies and bees love the four to six weeks of summer blooms, but birds enjoy feeding on them in the fall and winter. Asters serve as a good food source for monarchs and other butterflies during migration. Goldenrod (not to be confused with ragweed) pairs well in the fall and is an ecological powerhouse attracting a wide range of pollinators. Beyond flowers, grasses and sedges provide spreading, fibrous root systems that help maintain the structure and health of the soil. These drought-resistant plants provide shelter for birds and host a variety of larvae.
Callaway suggests shopping at local retailers that specialize in native plants that both support the KC business community and its environment and avoid cultivars—plants that have been bred to be hardier or more colorful but may not attract birds and bugs in the way that works with their shared evolution. Local nonprofit organizations like Grow Native! and Deep Roots are great resources (Deep Roots has a native plant sale coming up at the Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center on April 11, and the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is doing the same April 23–26). Additionally, many area nurseries like CritSite, Sow Wild Natives, City Roots Nursery and Missouri Wildflowers Nursery are ready to help you find just the right plants. Or, if you don’t have time to do it yourself, Callaway is up for the task.
“I know it’s a small thing,” Callaway says, “and there’s larger-scale action needed, but it’s a start and it’s a step in the right direction.”
A GROWING GUIDE
Planting an array of native species helps sustain pollinators throughout the year. Callaway has compiled this handy list of native plants to know, as well as a couple tips for success.
“For all of these plants, ideal planting times are late spring and autumn, once we get cooler temperatures and consistent rain,” Callaway says. “You can plant in early summer but may need to do extra watering to make sure the transplants don’t die out.”
Wild Columbine
Sunlight: Full sun, part shade
Bloom Time: April–May
Attracts: Bees, hummingbirds
Foxglove Beardtongue
Sunlight: Full to part sun
Bloom Time: April–June
Attracts: Bumblebees, hummingbirds
Pennsylvania Sedge
Sunlight: Full to part sun
Bloom Time: May Great for shady groundcover
Grama Grasses
Sunlight: Full to part sun
Bloom Time: June–August
Attracts: Birds
Purple Coneflower
Sunlight: Full to part sun
Bloom Time: June–August
Attracts: Butterflies. Birds eat the seeds in the fall/winter.
Black-eyed Susan
Sunlight: Full to part sun
Bloom Time: June–September
Attracts: Butterflies. Birds eat the seeds in the fall/winter.
Grama Grasses
Sunlight: Full to part sun
Bloom Time: June–August
Attracts: Birds
Goldenrods
Sunlight: Varies by species; there is a goldenrod for every light condition!
Bloom Time: August–October
Attracts: All pollinators (butterflies, bees and wasps)
Asters
Sunlight: Full to part sun, although a few species will tolerate part shade
Bloom Time: September–October
Attracts: All pollinators
What started as an 11-block depot town is now one of the KC metro’s fastest-growing cities
By David Hodes
DRIVE FAR ENOUGH southeast of Kansas City and the landscape softens into rolling hills and cool lakes. It’s easy to see why pioneers stopped here in the mid-1800s, staking modest claims on what would become Lee’s Summit.
Back then, it was little more than an 11-block railroad town hugging the Missouri Pacific line between Kansas City and St. Louis. The “summit” comes from its perch—the highest point along the route. The “Lee”? Likely a typo. Early settler and postmaster Pleasant Lea
is believed to have had his name misspelled on a railcar depot sign, and it stuck. Accident or not, the name endured and so did the town, which now encompasses 66 square miles.
At first glance, Lee’s Summit reads as classic suburbia: calm streets, tidy neighborhoods, nothing urgent. But a closer look tells a different story. Large cranes punctuate the skyline, and earthmovers can be seen along highway interchanges. Growth isn’t coming—it’s already here.
The numbers back it up. From roughly 8,000 residents in 1960 to more than 106,000 today, Lee’s Summit has become one of Missouri’s fastest-growing cities. It’s a balanced mix of young families, longtime residents and a sizable 65-plus crowd. And it’s predicted the population will top 126,000 by 2035.
Retail helped fuel that momentum. Summit Woods Crossing opened in 2000, marking a shift to big-box anchor stores, easy access and dining that kept people closer to home. Summit Fair followed in 2009, with 500,000 square feet of shops and restaurants. Today, Summit Fair has a Main Street feel and is a mix of national names like Lululemon and local draws such as Made in Kansas City.
But the real shift—the one locals feel—is happening downtown.
A $43 million redevelopment has turned the area into a daily destination. Green Street Market, with its indoor-outdoor design, extends farmers market season but also doubles as a community event space with maker fairs, reptile shows and line dancing. The project is being funded with a mixture of voter-approved municipal bonds, Community Improvement District funds, grants and private money.
Steps away, downtown Lee’s Summit leans into its charm. With businesses like Third Street Social, Neighborhood Cafe, wine shops, boutiques and yoga studios, it has the look of the quintessential small-town Main Street made for strolling on a sunny day with coffee in hand.
Then night falls, and downtown flips the script. Jazz at Libations & Company. Martinis at Hand in Glove. Pints at Llewelyn’s. It’s not loud or flashy, but it’s alive.
That sense of community shows up strongest during events, when the streets fill and downtown shifts from laid-back stroll to lively street festival. Downtown Days, the city’s unofficial start to summer, pulls in more than 200 volunteers each year to transform a few blocks into a weekend of rides, music and food that feels bigger than a suburb should reasonably pull off.
In early spring, Shamrock the Block brings a different kind of energy, with families, strollers, and kids darting between bounce houses and candy stations. “It’s gotten bigger every year,” says Julie Cook, a spokesperson for the local business organization Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street. In a recent community podcast, Cook described the event as packed with inflatables, food trucks and live entertainment.
What makes Lee’s Summit interesting is the balance between growth and small-town charm that it’s managing to maintain. And threading through all of it: water. Lee’s Summit is, quietly, a lake town, too. Longview, Lakewood and Lotawana are never far and always shaping daily life. In the summer, the streets and outdoor patios fill with sunburned shoulders and lake-damp hair. It can feel a little like the Ozarks, but just 20 minutes from Kansas City.
Once a rail stop, Lee’s Summit can now definitely be called a permanent stop.
SUMMIT SNAPSHOT
$779 million
The amount earmarked for 27 capital improvement projects over the next four years.
6
31
Public
$321,277
The city’s median home price.
3
High schools ranked among the top 50 in Missouri.
9%
Below the national cost of living for a U.S. city.
Sources: Lee’s Summit Parks and Rec; U.S. News and World Report: Real Estate and Home; U.S. News and World Report: Education; Economic Research Institute: Cost of Living.
By Dawnya Bartsch and Nicole Kinning
SPRING IS HERE, and with it comes one of KC’s longest-running traditions: the Parade of Homes.
Every spring and fall, the Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City opens the doors to hundreds of newly constructed homes across the metro. The free, self-guided tour lets you wander through the area’s latest builds at your own pace, and it’s been a KC institution since 1947.
Running April 25 through May 10, this year’s spring showcase features 317 newly constructed homes across seven counties, built by 96 builders, making it one of the most expansive exhibitions in recent memory. And new this year is an app (on Google Play and Apple Store) that lets you save your favorites and map custom routes between homes.
Homes run the gamut from townhomes and villas to 55-and-over adult communities and single-family homes, with prices ranging from $300,000 to $3 million. All homes are open daily from 11 am to 6 pm, and admission is free.
On the design front, there are some trends worth checking out. Elegant arched doorways are making a comeback after years of clean lines, while bold light fixtures continue to be statement pieces. Richly colored interiors are also edging out the white and grey interiors that dominated the last decade.
Even if you’re not looking to buy, the Parade of Homes is a great time to browse for inspiration. For more info and a full list of homes, visit kcparadeofhomes.com.
No. 68 on the tour
This spacious kitchen in the house at Creekmoor, a Raymore golf course community, has custom cabinetry that perfectly matches the wood floor and a large island illuminated by dramatic chandelier-like lighting. The white quartz countertops and glistening white tile backsplash compliment the natural wood cabinetry, and the dangling, dramatic chandelier-like lightning hanging perfectly above creates a space that wraps everyday function in a sophisticated style.
No. 68 on the tour
What makes this Creekmoor house feel as if you’re on vacation everyday are the oversized windows in the back that overlook the golf course, says Chad Buck of C&M Builders. “The ambience is incredible. You look out over a wide open space that is meticulously maintained,” says Buck, who has been building homes in the Creekmoor development for more than 25 years. “It’s a golf community with a large lake, club house and all the amenities you could want.”
“This year’s spring showcase features 317 newly constructed homes across seven counties, built by 96 builders, making it one of the most expansive exhibitions in recent memory.”
Kansas City has always been a golf town—you just might not realize how deep it runs. The regional governing body, Central Links Golf (formerly the Kansas City Golf Association), supports 284 member clubs and more than 29,000 local golfers, a footprint that spills into at least 50 amateur leagues across the metro each season. Translation: Golf is not a niche sport here.
There’s the legacy, of course—historic courses, country club lore and hometown icon Tom Watson. But there’s also a shift underway, driven by women building their own leagues, players showing up after work instead of at dawn and a style scene that’s loosening golf’s buttoned-up reputation. Then there’s the explosion of playful indoor mini golf entertainment centers and driving ranges, where you can sip an Arnold Palmer or something slightly more stiff while practicing your putt with friends.
Consider this your guide to where KC golf has been and where it’s headed, dressed a little better along the way.
By Dawnya Bartsch, Martin Cizmar, David Hodes and Ryan Reed
One of the greatest golfers of all time, Tom Watson didn’t come from Scotland’s sacred linksland. He came from Kansas City.
By Dawnya Bartsch
BORN IN 1949, Watson turned professional at the age of 22, and within a few years, he was a star. By the late ’70s and early ’80s, he didn’t just compete—he ran the sport. He won eight major championships in his career: one U.S. Open (1982); two Masters at Augusta (1977 & 1981); and five British Open Championships (Carnoustie in 1975, Turnberry in 1977, Muirfield in 1980, Royal Troon in 1982 and Royal Birkdale in 1983). Perhaps it was a childhood of playing in unpredictable Missouri weather, but Watson intuitively knew how to play in the infamous blustery British wind. His rivalry with another golf legend, Jack Nicklaus, hit its apex at the 1977 British Open Championship at Turnberry, the legendary “Duel in the Sun,” where Watson won by one in one of the greatest head-to-head battles golf has ever seen.
For all his global fame, Watson hasn’t strayed far from home. He still lives in the metro, in the Overland Park-Stilwell area, and his commitment to the community runs deep. Watson’s charity work has raised millions for local organizations such as Children’s Mercy. He also started his own nonprofits, First Tee of Greater Kansas City and Watson Links—programs designed to expose local kids, who otherwise might not have the chance, to golf.
When his longtime caddie Bruce Edwards was diagnosed with ALS in 2003, Watson took action becoming one of the sport’s world most visible fundraisers for ALS research. Edwards passed away in 2004.
In retirement, Watson became a golf course designer, including The National Golf Club of Kansas City. He has said when designing a course he always thinks about the player first.
Big Cedar Lodge pairs knockout views with a six-course golf flex
SET IN THE Ozark Mountains overlooking Table Rock Lake, the breathtaking backdrop is a given at Big Cedar Lodge. What sets it apart is everything built around it—especially its six golf courses. The resort just picked up Best Resort and Best Golf Course in Midwest Living’s 2026 Best of the Midwest Awards, a recognition that speaks to both its staying power and its constant evolution. Originally constructed in the early 1920s as a private retreat, it was eventually converted into a guest ranch in 1947. Then, in 1987, Johnny Morris of Bass Pro Shops came along and purchased the property, developing it into a premier wilderness resort.
Accommodations lean into the landscape, from lakeside cabins to glamping setups that feel more curated than rustic. However, golf is where Big Cedar really separates itself. With six courses, including designs by Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Fazio, plus the dramatic new Cliffhangers course, the property offers a depth of play that’s hard to match in the region, making it the perfect weekend golf excursion. To learn more visit, bigcedar.com.
By Martin Cizmar
ONE OF THE most famous golf holes in the world is in Martin City—kinda. Tucked on an eightacre parcel owned by a Martin City cybersecurity company, you’ll find a replica of Golden Bell, the 12th hole at Augusta National Golf Club, home of the Masters. The one-hole Martin City course includes three sand traps, azaleas and a water hazard complete with two fake swans.
Known as one of the trickiest holes anywhere, the original Golden Bell is part of Augusta’s “Amen Corner,” a set of three holes known for their difficulty. Recreating the Golden Bell was Gary Fish’s idea, the founder of said cybersecurity company.
The Martin City hole—like the one in Augusta—is private and exclusive. It sits in an area called Innovation Park, which also has a basketball court, a walking trail and outdoor exercise equipment. The Golden Bell replica took about a year to create, says Fish, who is a golfer. The course itself has artificial grass, but natural grass and prairie grass surround it. It gets played plenty.
“Everyone in cybersecurity clocks in a lot of computer time,” Fish told Kansas City magazine in a previous interview. “I wanted to build a space where people could get out and unwind and get away from their desk. It’s quickly become one of the most popular amenities at our office for employees, clients and visitors.”
By Nina Cherry
MAX LEDOM’S INTRODUCTION to golf didn’t happen on a fairway. He was first drawn to the sport on his Nintendo N64, playing Waialae Country Club with his dad and brother. Although he eventually picked up actual clubs and enjoys playing a round, he doesn’t describe himself as a skilled golfer.
Today, Ledom is the owner of Mulligan’s Country Club. Despite the name, the business isn’t actually a country club: It’s a vintage golf shop stocked with clothing, accessories, clubs and more. Golfers know a mulligan is a do-over, a second chance. Ledom is doing the same with the items in his shop, giving vintage pieces another life.
Ledom’s vision? To bring more personality and flair to country club attire. “Golf is punk,” reads Mulligan’s Instagram bio. He says the sport’s prevailing style hasn’t always looked like a sea of polyester polos and plain quarterzips.
“If you look back in the ’70s and ’80s, golfers had flair,” Ledom says. “We sell stuff that allows you to be yourself out on the green. We’re overstepping this office-outside-of-theoffice aesthetic that’s come about.”
With a love for design, branding and “all things vintage,” Ledom started his business out of necessity. He had been laid off and “was trying to find a side hustle and something to fill the time,” Ledom says. He started hitting estate sales and thrift shops, reselling his finds on eBay. While many fellow resellers focused on clubs or equipment alone, he quickly noticed a gap in the market.
“No one was doing a full golf brand,” Ledom says. “I wanted to make a kind of ‘country club’ for people like me. I’m not your typical golfer. I have tattoos. I wear a different type of fashion.”
Last March, Mulligan’s Country Club opened its doors as a 400-square-foot brickand-mortar. Just a year later, the shop has already expanded. With wood paneling and turfgrass-inspired green walls, the cozy and carefully curated Westwood store feels as if you’ve waltzed right into the ’70s.
On the racks, you’ll find high-waisted trousers, pleated skirts, embroidered visors and cotton sweaters. Ledom, a designer by trade, has also created his own line of apparel, which includes Mulligan’s branded attire like flatbill corduroy ball caps, sweatshirts, bold polos and more. Although the majority of Ledom’s clientele are golfers, he says there are plenty of customers who are simply drawn to the aesthetic.
Beyond the storefront, Ledom is also trying to foster a sense of community. Mulligan’s Country Club recently opened sign-ups for its own laid-back league, a hub for casual and unpretentious golfers like Ledom. They’ll hit the links every other Friday at Royal Meadows Golf Club. “It’s a great way to meet new people, make new friends and have fun,” Ledom says.
Visit Mulligan’s Country Club in person (4759 Rainbow Blvd., Westwood) or learn more at mulliganscountryclub.com.
By Nicole Kinning
KANSAS CITY HAS no shortage of golf leagues. But finding one that actually worked for the average woman was another story.
Marnie Pudenz and Niki Jensen-Denton, the duo behind Golf Gals, met at their full-time jobs at a Kansas City tech company. When Covid hit and golf rose in popularity as a socially distanced pastime, the two discovered they had more in common than their day jobs.
An outing on the course turned into a group text, which turned into something bigger: Golf Gals. “It just snowballed in the best way possible,” Pudenz says.
The idea behind Golf Gals came from a shared frustration. When Pudenz and Jensen-Denton went looking for a women’s league, they found that the options were limited
to mid-morning tee times and midday scrambles that didn’t work for most who work 9-to-5 jobs. So they decided to create the group that they had been searching for.
Today, Golf Gals hosts a range of events across Kansas City, from beginner clinics for women picking up a club for the first time to range days, night holes and social events for seasoned players looking for community. They’ve found strong partners in local courses, including Heart of America, Hodge Park and Adams Pointe.
At its core, the mission of Golf Gals is to make golf less intimidating, more accessible and genuinely fun for women at every skill level.
“We don’t care about your skill level,” Jensen-Denton says. “We want to grow the game of golf, and we want to create a community here in Kansas City. Everybody deserves a chance to be out on the course.” Follow the duo on Instagram @golfgals.kc.
Perfecting their swings at Tap Ins At The Greenhouse, Golf Gal co-founder Marnie Pudenz is wearing a blue suit by Populuxe, and her business partner Niki Jensen-Denton is wearing a cream dress and cardigan by Born Into Money.
Swope Memorial Golf Course is reopening with history in mind
By Ryan Reed
THIS SUMMER, Swope Memorial Golf Course will reopen after a massive 15-month renovation to restore features designed by World Golf Hall of Fame architect A. W. Tillinghast. Many of these features were removed in the early 1990s with an attempt to modernize the course, but the work being done now will make Swope the only public Tillinghast-designed golf course that retains all of its original holes and routing in the United States.
Opened in 1915, Swope Memorial Golf Course was the first public course built in Kansas City. The first KC course, Kenwood Golf Links, was part of the private club built by Scottish immigrants in 1894 between 34th and 26th streets from Gillham to Charlotte. Kenwood Links would eventually relocate to what is now Loose Park. Swope Memorial re-opened in 1934 with a major redesign by Tillinghast. Tillinghast was part of the “Philadelphia School” of architecture which, together, designed more than 300 courses, 27 of which are still listed among the top 100 golf courses worldwide.
Todd Clark of CE Golf Design is leading the renovation with help from Lenexa resident Ron Whitten, a respected expert on historic golf architects. Beyond writing The Golf Course, a book on course architecture, Whitten was an editor for Golf Digest and has worked on his own projects as an architect. The Kansas City Parks Department chose Clark for the renovation in an effort to revitalize the greens, tee boxes, bunker and pathing to a form as close as possible to Tillinghast’s original vision.
Swope Memorial Golf Course has been home to many tournaments and competitions, such as the 1949 Kansas City Open Invitational, the 1953 United Golf Association National Championship and the 2005 USGA Women’s Amateur Public Links Championship.
Golf attire is not what it used to be. It can be as fun as the game if you let it and in the next few pages we’ll prove it. Shot at Tap Ins at the Greenhouse, an indoor/ outdoor venue in Overland Park that leans into golf’s less serious side—you'll see outfits that trade hushed etiquette for high-camp theatrics and turn classic golf style into something bold and even a little cheeky.
By David Hodes
GREATER KANSAS CITY sits in the middle of one of the Midwest’s most surprisingly rich golf landscapes. Within a short drive, players can find everything from historic parkland courses shaded by mature oaks to modern designs sculpted across prairie hills, limestone bluffs and lake-lined developments. Some courses challenge with tournament-level difficulty, demanding precision from tee to green. Others welcome casual rounds, where the emphasis is as much on the company and scenery as it is on the scorecard.
That diversity is what makes the region’s golf scene so popular to many. On any given weekend, a golfer might tee it up at a meticulously manicured course in the morning and chase a sunset round on a relaxed municipal layout by evening. Each course offers its own personality: different terrain, different strategy and different views.
The following guide brings together many of the local and regional courses, private and public, that shape the Kansas City metro golf experience. Whether you’re seeking a challenging test, a hidden gem or simply a beautiful place to spend four hours outdoors, these fairways offer a place to play.
Blue Hills Country Club
777 W. Burning Tree Drive, KCMO 816-942-1683 | bluehillscc.com
Brookridge Golf Club
8223 W. 103rd St., Overland Park 913-648-1600 | brookridgegolfclub.com
Country Club of Leawood 12700 Overbrook Road, Leawood 913-491-3888 | ccleawood.net
Grand Summit Golf & Country Club (semi-private) 15101 Grand Summit Blvd., Grandview 816-331-3978 | grandsummitgolfcc.com
Hallbrook Country Club
11200 Overbrook Road, Leawood 913-345-9292 | hallbrookcc.org
Indian Hills Country Club
6847 Tomahawk Road, Mission Hills 913-362-6200 | ihcckc.com
The Jayhawk Club (formerly Alvamar Golf Club) 1809 Crossgate Drive, Lawrence 785-842-1900 | thejayhawkclub.com
Kansas City Country Club
6200 Indian Lane, Mission Hills 913-236-2100 | kccc.com
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18
18
18
18
18
18 (Jayhawk course)
Brookridge blends a friendly community vibe with meticulously maintained greens and fairways. The course rewards precision while remaining approachable for players of all skill levels. It’s known for its walkable parkland layout and social club atmosphere.
This distinguished private club combines classic design with modern amenities. Smooth fairways and strategic bunkering create an engaging challenge for every golfer. The elegant clubhouse completes the experience, perfect for post-round dining and socializing. The club is known equally for tennis and social amenities.
Grand Summit’s rolling fairways and well-maintained greens provide an enjoyable round that rewards strategic play. The layout blends open holes with water features and subtle elevation changes. After the round, the club’s social spaces offer a relaxed setting for gathering and events.
Hallbrook offers a timeless country club experience with well-kept fairways and challenging greens. Its intimate, member-focused environment fosters a sense of community. One of the most prestigious private clubs in Kansas City, the Tom Fazio-designed course is always in pristine condition.
A classic Midwestern course, Indian Hills is known for its rolling terrain and mature trees. The course demands thoughtful play while remaining approachable for all levels. Elegant dining and clubhouse amenities make it a full-day destination. The course comes together with a historically notable design by A.W. Tillinghast.
The Jayhawk Club offers two championship courses with mature trees and rolling fairways. The private-club setting delivers a refined yet welcoming atmosphere. Its clubhouse and social amenities round out a full lifestyle experience.
18 Founded in 1896, Kansas City Country Club offers meticulously maintained fairways and strategic bunkering. Its private setting ensures a peaceful, focused round. Members enjoy an exclusive clubhouse experience with fine dining and social events.
Lake Quivira Country Club
100 Crescent Blvd., Lake Quivira 913-631-4821 | lakequivira.org
Lakewood Oaks Country Club
651 N.E. St. Andrews Circle, Lee’s Summit 816-373-2505 | lakewoodoakscc.com
Nicklaus Golf Club at LionsGate 14225 Dearborn Ave., Overland Park 913-402-1000 | nicklausgolflg.com
Milburn Country Club
7501 W. 69th St., Overland Park 913-432-0490 | milburn.org
Mission Hills Country Club
5400 Mission Drive, Mission Hills 913-722-5400 | missionhillscc.com
Oakwood Country Club
9800 Grandview Road, KCMO 816-761-5501 | oakwoodcountryclub.org
Shadow Glen Golf Club
26000 Shadow Glen Drive, Olathe 913-764-2299 | shadowglen.org
St. Joseph Country Club 50 Ridgeland Road, Country Club, MO 816-233-0241 | stjosephcountryclub.com
Staley Farms Golf Club (semi-private) 10310 N. Olive Ave., KCMO 816-734-3839 | staleyfarms.com
The Country Club at Loch Lloyd 16750 Country Club Drive, Village of Loch Lloyd 816-322-1022 | lochlloyd.com
The National Golf Club of Kansas City 6700 N. National Drive, Parkville 816-746-0200 | thenationalgolfclub.com
Twin Pines Country Club
3003 E. Mechanic St., Harrisonville 816-774-1724 | twinpinesclub.com
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The defining features of Lake Quivira’s lakeside vistas and lush fairways create a serene backdrop for every round. Golfers encounter a variety of challenges that blend strategy with natural beauty. The clubhouse offers panoramic views and a welcoming social atmosphere.
Lakewood Oaks provides a scenic, tree-lined layout with rolling terrain that keeps every round interesting. It’s perfect for players seeking both challenge and tranquility. The club’s social amenities make it ideal for family-friendly events and gatherings.
Designed by Jack Nicklaus, this course offers a championship-level challenge framed by beautiful landscaping. Every hole is a test of strategy and skill. The club’s luxurious amenities ensure a premium golfing experience.
One of Kansas City’s most historic and highly regarded private golf clubs, Milburn Country Club features a classic 18-hole, par-72 championship golf course designed by William B. Langford. Dating back to 1917, the course has been consistently ranked among the top in the region, hosting qualifiers and major amateur events and appearing in national rankings. The club provides a full suite of upscale amenities, including a recently renovated clubhouse, a 23-acre practice range, tennis courts and a pool.
The Donald Ross-influenced design of Mission Hills creates a storied club offering classic course design paired with manicured greens and strategic hazards. Its elegant surroundings provide a peaceful escape from city life. The clubhouse serves as a hub for social events and fine dining.
Oakwood offers a mature, parkland-style layout perfect for golfers seeking both beauty and strategy. Its fairways and greens are meticulously maintained year-round. The welcoming clubhouse fosters a sense of community for members and guests alike.
18 Shadow Glen is a thoughtfully designed course with rolling fairways and inviting greens. Water and bunker placement provide a strategic test for golfers. The club emphasizes a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere.
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St. Joseph Country Club pairs classic design with scenic hillside views. The tree-lined fairways and strategic greens create a rewarding test for dedicated golfers. Elegant dining and social spaces elevate the overall club experience.
Staley Farms offers a modern layout with wide fairways and challenging greens. Its design encourages both precision and creativity in play. Social spaces and dining facilities make it a popular spot for members and visitors.
The Watson, a Tom Watson-designed course, is a premium course set against the scenic backdrop of Loch Lloyd’s lakes and natural beauty. Every hole offers a blend of challenge and elegance. The clubhouse provides refined dining and a luxurious social setting.
The National offers two championship courses—the National and the Bluffs—with scenic landscapes and demanding challenges. Golfers can enjoy diverse layouts suited to all skill levels. Luxury amenities and clubhouse services create a full-day retreat experience.
Twin Pines provides a friendly, intimate golfing environment with a well-maintained nine-hole layout. Its relaxed pace makes it perfect for families and casual rounds. Social and dining spaces round out a welcoming club experience.
Adams Pointe Golf Club
1601 N.E. R.D. Mize Road, Blue Springs 816-220-3673 | adamspointegolfclub.com
Blue Springs Golf Club
1600 N.W. Circle Drive, Blue Springs 816-229-1194 | greatlifekc.com/blue-springs
Burning Tree Golf Course
25205 W. 103rd St., De Soto 913-301-3000 | greatlife-burningtree.com
Canyon Farms Golf Club
17501 W. 87th St. Parkway, Lenexa 913-529-2235 | canyonfarmsgolfclub.com
Country Creek Golf Club – Hoot’s Hollow
20800 E. 215th St., Pleasant Hill 816-380-4920 | countrycreekgolf.com
Drumm Farm Golf Club
15400 E. 34th St. South, Independence 816-350-9900 | greatlifekc.com/drumm-farm
Dub’s Dread Golf Club
12601 Hollingsworth Road, KCK 913-721-1333 | dubsdreadgolfclub.com
Eagle Bend Golf Course
1250 E. 902 Road, Lawrence 785-748-0600 | lawrenceks.gov/eaglebend
Eagles’ Landing Golf Course
4200 Bong Ave., Belton 816-318-0004 | eagleslandinggolfcourse.com
Excelsior Springs Golf Club
1201 E. Golf Hill Drive, Excelsior Springs 816-630-3731 | excelsiorgolf.com
Fairview Golf Course
3302 Pacific St., St. Joseph 816-271-5350 | stjoemo.info
Falcon Lakes Golf Club
4605 Clubhouse Drive, Basehor, KS 913-724-4653 | falconlakesgolf.com
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Adams Pointe features a diverse layout with a wooded front nine and a more open, links-style back nine. Wetlands, elevation changes and strategic bunkering create a round that rewards both precision and thoughtful shot selection. The clubhouse offers a relaxing retreat for post-round dining and socializing.
Blue Springs Golf Club offers a classic parkland-style layout with tree-lined fairways and gently rolling terrain. The course balances challenge and playability, making it a favorite for both competitive and casual golfers. A friendly clubhouse atmosphere makes it easy to turn a round of golf into a full afternoon outing.
Burning Tree invites golfers into a scenic, wooded setting with a layout that tests skill and strategy. Each hole presents unique challenges framed by natural beauty. Casual dining and a welcoming atmosphere make it a popular choice for families and friends.
Canyon Farms offers a challenging but enjoyable round for golfers seeking variety in layout and scenery. The course winds through natural terrain, with water features adding both beauty and strategy. Members and guests alike enjoy a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere after play.
Hoot’s Hollow at Country Creek delivers a scenic, countryside escape just outside the city. Wide fairways and natural water features create both visual appeal and thoughtful shot-making opportunities. The relaxed, rural setting makes every round feel like a mini getaway.
Drumm Farm delivers a classic Midwestern golf experience with both an 18-hole and nine-hole course. The tree-lined fairways and course design are known for providing both a challenging and fun experience for golfers of all skill levels. The clubhouse provides a social hub for meals and gatherings.
Dub’s Dread is known for its rolling hills, dramatic elevation changes and panoramic views. The course layout rewards precision while offering memorable and challenging holes throughout. Its welcoming clubhouse and event spaces make it a popular gathering spot beyond the fairways.
Eagle Bend features three distinct nine-hole layouts set along the Kansas River. Golfers can mix and match loops for a fresh experience every visit. The natural setting and relaxed pace create a laid-back Lawrence vibe.
Eagles’ Landing features rolling terrain and scenic ponds that add both beauty and strategy to each hole. The course challenges players while remaining approachable for casual rounds. The clubhouse offers a welcoming spot for meals and social events.
Set among mature trees and gentle hills, Excelsior Springs Golf Club offers a timeless, small-town charm. The layout is approachable yet engaging, with greens that keep players focused to the final putt. It’s the kind of course where community and camaraderie are part of the experience.
Fairview offers a traditional municipal layout with wide fairways and approachable greens. The course is welcoming for beginners while still offering subtle challenges. Its friendly, community-focused environment keeps it a local favorite.
Falcon Lakes features wide, links-inspired fairways accented by native grasses and water hazards. The open design allows for creative shot-making while still demanding accuracy. A spacious clubhouse and patio provide sweeping views and a lively social scene.
Falcon Ridge Golf Club
20200 Prairie Star Parkway, Lenexa 913-393-4653 | falconridgegolfclub.com
Falcon Valley Golf Course
9801 Falcon Valley Drive, Lenexa 913-780-5976 | falconvalleygolf.com
Burning Tree Golf Course 25205 W. 103rd St., De Soto 913-301-3000 | greatlife-burningtree.com
Fred Arbanas Golf Club
11100 View High Drive, KCMO 816-761-9445 | makeyourdayhere.com/golf
Gardner Golf Course 15810 S. Gardner Road, Gardner 913-856-8858 | gardnerksgolf.com
Heart of America Golf Course –River Course & Rock Course 7501 Blue River Road, KCMO 816-513-8940 | hoagolfcourse.com
Heritage Park Golf Course 16445 Lackman Road, Olathe 913-829-4653 | jcprd.com/267/Heritage-Park
Hidden Valley Golf Course
800 184th St., P.O. Box 156, Lawson, MO 816-580-3444 | golflawson.com
Hodge Park Golf Course
7000 N.E. Barry Road, KCMO 816-781-4152 | hodgeparkgolf.com
Ironhorse Golf Club
15400 Mission Road, Leawood 913-685-4653 | ironhorsegolf.com
Minor Park Golf Course
11215 Holmes Road, KCMO 816-513-8515 | minorparkgolfcourse.com
Oak Country Golf Club
8800 Scott Drive, De Soto 913-583-3503 | oakcountrygolfcourse.com
Painted Hills Golf Course
7101 Parallel Parkway, KCK 913-334-1111 | paintedhillsgolf.com
Paradise Pointe Golf Complex –
The Outlaw & The Posse 18212 Golf Course Road, Smithville 816-532-4100 | paradisepointegolf.com
Prairie Highlands Golf Club
14695 Inverness St., Olathe 913-856-7235 | prairiehighlands.com
Royal Meadows Golf Club
10501 E. 47th St., KCMO
816-353-1323 | greatlifekc.com/royal-meadows
Shamrock Hills Golf Club
3161 S. Missouri Rte. 291, Lee’s Summit 816-537-6556 | shamrockhills.com
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Falcon Ridge features wide, rolling fairways framed by trees and picturesque water hazards. Its layout offers both challenge and enjoyment for golfers of every level. The clubhouse and pro shop enhance the welcoming community atmosphere.
Falcon Valley blends natural beauty with a thoughtfully designed layout that challenges all levels of play. Water hazards and tree-lined fairways provide both interest and strategy. The course’s friendly atmosphere and clubhouse amenities enhance the overall experience.
Burning Tree invites golfers into a scenic, wooded setting with a layout that tests skill and strategy. Each hole presents unique challenges framed by natural beauty. Casual dining and a welcoming atmosphere make it a popular choice for families and friends.
Fred Arbanas offers a scenic course with wide fairways and strategic greens. Its design balances challenge with fun for golfers of every skill level. The nine-hole par-three course is ideal for a quick round or beginner-friendly practice. The short layout emphasizes accuracy and shot control. Its relaxed, inviting environment is perfect for families and casual golfers. Post-round, the clubhouse is a perfect spot for casual dining and community gatherings.
Gardner Golf Course offers a charming nine-hole layout perfect for beginners or a quick round. Its casual atmosphere makes it a favorite for local players. A simple, well-kept course ensures fun without the pressure.
The River Course offers a scenic journey along the Blue River with tree-lined fairways and classic design elements. Its layout provides a balanced mix of challenge and accessibility. Golfers appreciate both the natural beauty and the relaxed, community-focused atmosphere. The Rock Course brings elevation changes and rugged character to the Heart of America complex. Strategic bunkering and varied terrain keep every round interesting. It’s an engaging layout that appeals to golfers looking for a slightly bolder test.
Heritage Park blends natural beauty with a course that challenges golfers of all abilities. Rolling fairways and well-placed bunkers add strategy to each hole. After play, the clubhouse offers a friendly place to relax and socialize.
18 Hidden Valley offers a serene escape with lush fairways and picturesque holes. Its layout rewards careful shot-making and strategic thinking. Post-round amenities provide a relaxed environment to unwind.
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Hodge Park is a community favorite with a layout that combines challenge and fun. Mature trees and water hazards add scenic interest and strategy. The course encourages casual play with a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
Ironhorse offers a modern, challenging layout with beautiful landscaping and rolling fairways. Its greens demand precision, making every round engaging. The clubhouse provides a comfortable spot for socializing after play.
Minor Park is a friendly, approachable course with a mix of open and wooded holes. Its layout rewards smart play while remaining fun for casual rounds. The course offers a welcoming clubhouse environment for post-round relaxation.
Oak Country features a scenic, tree-lined layout with gentle elevation changes and strategic bunkering. Golfers enjoy a balance of challenge and accessibility. The clubhouse offers a casual retreat for meals and socializing.
Painted Hills provides a scenic round with wide fairways, rolling terrain and inviting greens. Its layout encourages both strategy and creativity in play. The welcoming clubhouse and amenities make it ideal for family and social outings.
The Outlaw course offers wide fairways and a challenging layout perfect for all skill levels. Scenic views and water features add interest to every hole. The Posse is designed for a fun and challenging round with varied terrain and scenic ponds. Its layout rewards strategic thinking and shot-making. A casual clubhouse completes the experience with food and social space.
Prairie Highlands offers expansive views and a thoughtfully designed championship layout. Water features and elevated tees add both beauty and strategy to the round. The polished clubhouse and patio provide a relaxed, resort-style finish to the day.
Royal Meadows blends open fairways with subtle elevation changes and well-protected greens. The layout offers a fair but engaging challenge for golfers of all abilities. Its inviting clubhouse makes it a comfortable place to unwind after a round.
Shamrock Hills features rolling terrain and scenic vistas that make each hole memorable. Strategic water hazards and bunkers reward thoughtful play. The clubhouse and event spaces create a lively social destination beyond the course.
Shawnee Golf and Country Club
6404 Hedge Lane Terrace, Shawnee 913-422-8357 | shawneegolfcc.com
Shiloh Springs Golf Club
14750 Fairway Lane, Platte City, MO 816-270-4653 | greatlifekc.com/shiloh-springs
Shirkey Golf Club
901 Wollard Blvd., Richmond, MO 816-470-2582 | shirkeygolfcourse.com
Shoal Creek Golf Course
8905 N. Shoal Creek Parkway, KCMO 816-407-7242 | shoalcreekgolf.com
Smiley’s Golf Complex
10195 Monticello Terrace, Lenexa 913-782-1323 | smileysgolf.com
St. Andrews Golf Club 11099 W. 135th St., Overland Park 913-890-1650 | golfop.com
Stone Canyon Golf Club 22415 E. 39th St., Blue Springs 816-228-3333 | stonecanyongolfclub.com
Sunflower Hills Golf Course 12200 Riverview Road, Bonner Springs 913-573-8570 | sunflowerhillsgolfcourse.com
Swope Memorial Golf Course
6900 Swope Memorial Drive, KCMO 816-513-8910 | swopememorialgolfcourse.com
Sycamore Ridge Golf Club 21731 Clubhouse Drive, Spring Hill 913-592-5292 | sycamoreridgegolf.com
Sykes/Lady Overland Park Golf Club 12501 Quivira Road, Overland Park 913-890-1600 | golfop.com
Teetering Rocks Golf Course
12040 E. 86th St., KCMO 816-356-1111 | teeteringrocks.com
Tiffany Greens Golf Club
5900 N.W. Tiffany Springs Parkway, KCMO 816-880-9600 | tiffanygreensgolf.com
Tomahawk Hills Golf Course 17501 Midland Drive, Shawnee 913-631-8000 | tomahawkhillsgc.com
Trails West Golf Course
306 Cody Road, Fort Leavenworth 913-651-7176 | leavenworth.armymwr.com
Unity Village Golf Course
1901 N.W. Blue Parkway, Unity Village 816-251-3582 | unityvillage.org
WinterStone Golf Course
17101 E. Kentucky Road, Independence 816-257-5755 | winterstonegolf.com
Wolf Creek Golf Links
18695 S. Lackman Road, Olathe 913-592-4020 | wolfcreekks.com
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Shawnee Golf and Country Club offers several 18-hole layouts to keep it interesting. One is a classic layout with rolling fairways and tree-lined holes. Its strategic bunkering challenges golfers of all abilities. A second configuration provides a slightly different loop of 18 holes, and a third less-used variation of play can be configured, offering challenges for all levels. Club amenities encourage relaxation and social gatherings post-round.
Shiloh Springs combines a peaceful, scenic environment with a fun and engaging layout. Its fairways and greens are well-maintained for enjoyable play. The clubhouse encourages socializing and relaxation after your round.
Shirkey Golf Club delivers a classic small-town golf experience with a welcoming atmosphere. The layout combines open fairways with challenging greens that reward steady play. It’s a relaxed setting where the pace feels easy and familiar.
Shoal Creek offers a beautifully manicured course set within a master-planned community. Water features and tree-lined fairways create a polished, resort-style feel. The elegant clubhouse and patio make it ideal for both casual rounds and special events.
Smiley’s offers a welcoming atmosphere with challenging, well-kept courses. Its design rewards accuracy and strategy, making each round memorable. A casual clubhouse completes the experience for members and guests.
St. Andrews provides a traditional, scenic layout with tree-lined fairways and strategic hazards. Its course balances challenge with approachability for golfers of all levels. The clubhouse offers a casual retreat for dining and post-round socializing.
Stone Canyon blends natural beauty with a course that tests both skill and strategy. Rolling fairways and water hazards make each hole memorable. The clubhouse provides a welcoming space for dining and socializing.
Sunflower Hills features wide fairways and gentle rolling terrain that make for an enjoyable round. Strategic bunkers and water features keep golfers engaged. The clubhouse offers a relaxed setting to unwind and socialize.
Swope Memorial is a historic Kansas City course known for its mature trees and traditional layout. Rolling fairways and strategic bunkering provide a satisfying test of skill. Its rich history and park setting give every round a sense of legacy.
Sycamore Ridge offers dramatic, large elevation changes and scenic prairie views across the countryside. The layout challenges golfers with creative routing and well-placed hazards. A spacious clubhouse provides a comfortable place to gather after play.
This golf club offers a wide range of play with 27 regulation golf holes (South, North and West). All holes have five tee complexes which accommodate any skill level. These courses offer a variety of challenges in a park-like setting with panoramic views and large bentgrass greens.
Teetering Rocks combines wide fairways with striking elevation shifts and water features. The course encourages bold play while rewarding thoughtful strategy. Its laid-back atmosphere makes it a favorite for casual rounds and group outings.
Tiffany Greens is a championship layout designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., featuring expansive fairways, lake-protected greens and strategic bunkering. Built with professional tournament play in mind, the course offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience paired with an upscale clubhouse and dining facilities.
Tomahawk Hills is known for its dramatic elevation changes and sweeping views of the surrounding hills. The challenging layout keeps golfers engaged from tee to green. Its welcoming clubhouse makes it a longtime favorite in Shawnee.
Trails West offers a scenic, military-community course with wide fairways and approachable greens. The layout blends open play with tree-lined stretches for added variety. It’s a relaxed, friendly course that emphasizes enjoyment of the game.
Unity Village features a peaceful nine-hole course surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds. The shorter layout is ideal for a quick round or sharpening short-game skills. Its tranquil setting makes golf here feel like a quiet retreat.
WinterStone offers a championship-caliber layout with rolling hills and dramatic elevation changes. The course challenges players with strategic bunkering and scenic water features. A modern clubhouse and event space round out the experience with style.
Wolf Creek is a scenic course that blends open fairways with wooded challenges. Golfers encounter a mix of strategy and natural beauty at every hole. The clubhouse offers a casual, welcoming atmosphere for post-round relaxation.
Each year, the top 5% of attorneys in the Kansas City metro are recognized as Super Lawyers®. The patented selection process is based on a rating service of outstanding lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The attorneys are chosen in a wide variety of legal practice areas and some of the area’s best are profiled in the following pages.
Since 1992, Mark & Burkhead has passionately represented blue-collar workers. The firm focuses on workers’ compensation cases and personal injury litigation, including auto accidents; slip, trip and fall cases; and products liability.
Senior partner Keith Mark is the son of a union electrician, and his grandfathers were a union carpenter and a union autoworker. He is cut from the same cloth as the clients he serves. “I’ve always had a wrong-side-of-the-track chip on my shoulder and love fighting for the blue-collar workers,” says Keith. Co-founding partner Leah Burkhead comes from a family of union pipefitters and is proud of her blue-collar roots, as well. “I’ve been honored to represent and work for so many hardworking people over the last 35-plus years,” says Leah. Zach Mark practices civil litigation and leads the personal injury law division. Jacob Mark has made a name for himself by bringing that same tenacity and dedication to workers’ compensation. Anna Mark has excelled in workers’ compensation, securing favorable awards for her clients through her fierce representation. Mark & Burkhead takes great distinction in having all members of the firm recognized as Super Lawyers honorees.
The firm is proud to have led the monumental legislative changes to the Kansas Workers’ Compensation Act in 2024. Set in motion by Keith’s triumphs at the Kansas Court of Appeals in the Pardo v. UPS and Weaver v. Unified Government cases, these victories led to the most significant increase in workers’ compensation benefits since its inception. While other firms stopped taking Kansas workers’ compensation cases because of the reduced benefits, the firm not only continued to represent injured workers, they helped fix the law. Mark & Burkhead’s commitment remains steadfast to keep working hard for working folks.
Michael C. Duma is a Kansas City native and accomplished Kansas criminal defense attorney leading Duma Law Offices in Olathe, Kansas. For over ten years, Duma has defended clients across Johnson County and the Kansas City Metro on crimes ranging from DUI and drug charges to the most serious felony offenses in State and Federal court.
Before building his defense practice, Duma began his legal career as a prosecutor in Wyandotte County, where he gained firsthand experience in courtroom litigation and the appellate process—insight he now uses to challenge the government’s evidence, protect constitutional rights, and guide clients through high-stakes decisions.
In private practice, Duma has consistently been recognized as a leader in his field of criminal defense. Since 2015, he has been selected as a Super Lawyer by Thompson Reuters and a Top 100 Lawyer by The National Trial Lawyers Association. He is also frequently sought by local media to provide perspective on notable cases and legal developments, as well as volunteers his time by providing ongoing legal education for other Kansas attorneys—reflecting a commitment to both rigorous advocacy for individual clients, and a broader understanding of how the law shapes the community.
Duma is known for his intense trial preparation, strategic motion practice, and his calm, assertive demeanor from investigation through verdict. He believes the greatest calling of a criminal defense attorney is to fight for someone that is wrongly accused, be with them through the process of being prosecuted, and walk out of the courtroom with them when a verdict of not guilty is returned.
CHRISTOPHER D. DANDURAND, STEPHEN M. GORNY
For almost 40 years, attorneys Steve Gorny and Chris Dandurand have dedicated themselves to the principle that it’s just and proper to hold responsible parties accountable for injuries they cause and have represented victims with astounding results. Steve and Chris have been instrumental in recovering over $100 million combined dollars, including numerous multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements, with some of the largest single recoveries in Missouri and the nation.
Steve Gorny is the founding member of Gorny Dandurand. He graduated magna cum laude from the Washburn University School of Law in 1994. Throughout his career, Steve’s trial work has brought about unprecedented results. In 2021, Steve and Chris represented a young boy severely injured at a daycare and secured a verdict on his behalf in excess of $41,000,000, which is believed to be the largest single-plaintiff verdict in the history of Kansas. He has been selected to the prestigious Best Lawyers in America, Missouri and Kansas Super Lawyers, the National Trial Lawyers Association Top 100 Trial Lawyer, as well as a Top 25 Medical Malpractice Trial Lawyer
Chris Dandurand graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri – Columbia School of Law in 2011. After law school, Chris served as a law clerk to the Honorable Patricia Breckenridge, Judge for the Supreme Court of Missouri. In 2025, Chris secured in excess of $10,000,000 for clients by way of jury trials, arbitration, and settlement. He has been selected to Super Lawyers and serves as a Governor on The Missouri Bar Board of Governors.
The firm believes every injured person is entitled to high-quality legal representation regardless of their financial ability, and their firm’s contingency fee arrangement makes such representation possible.
Grant L. Davis is a founding partner of DBJ: Davis, Bethune & Jones and one of the nation’s most accomplished trial lawyers. Over the course of his career, Davis has secured dozens of multi-million-dollar jury verdicts—including a historic $2.2 billion verdict—while building a national reputation for relentless advocacy and courtroom excellence. The DBJ team brings decades of courtroom experience, strategic firepower, and relentless determination to every case they pursue.
Davis currently serves as one of the lead trial lawyers for the upcoming Bellwether trials of the Camp Lejeune litigation, where Marines and their families were exposed to toxic drinking water that caused cancer and other devastating illnesses. He is also currently appointed as the lead plaintiffs' counsel in a major Amtrak derailment case that killed four passengers and seriously injured more than 150 others.
Throughout his career, Davis has represented many deserving clients seeking justice. He chose plaintiffs’ law because it allows him to stand up for individuals harmed by powerful corporations and other wrongdoers. Many clients come to him during the most difficult moments of their lives and helping them obtain accountability and justice gives meaning to his practice.
Davis’s trial experience spans a wide range of complex cases, including defective products, helicopter crashes, business fraud, trucking cases, pharmaceutical litigation, and many others. Known for meticulous preparation and relentless advocacy, he devotes himself to every detail of a case—tracking down leads, interviewing witnesses, and uncovering the evidence needed to achieve the best possible result. At Davis Bethune & Jones, the philosophy is simple: the firm does not just take cases—it takes causes it believes in and goes toe-to-toe with powerful opponents to deliver justice for its clients.
Roth began his career practicing civil defense litigation. He represented some of the largest insurance companies, corporations, and trucking companies. He honed his skills as an attorney and gained insight into how these entities operate and perceive those that have been injured. Roth also knows the pursuit of compensation through the claim, lawsuit, and trial process, as seen through the eyes of these big companies.
Now, Jason’s practice is dedicated almost exclusively to representing individuals who have been injured or experienced other catastrophic loss and damage because of someone’s negligence. He represents people involved in motor vehicle collisions, trucking accidents, nursing home and other professional malpractice, product liability suits, slip and fall accidents, and other general liability matters. He has been named as a Super Lawyer for the past 15 years and is recognized as a Top 100 Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers Association.
Whether it is a multiple-felon or a first-time offender, Davies understands that being accused of a criminal act can have life-altering consequences, and care must be taken on each case to ensure the best possible outcome. He has experience handling high profile cases that receive national media attention and combats the negative spillovers that the media can have on a client and that case.
Brandan has received the highest possible rating by Martindale-Hubbell for Criminal Defense: AV Preeminent. Lawyers receiving this AV Rating have reached the heights of professional excellence. Mr. Davies’ trial experience has also earned him recognition as a Top 100 Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers Association. Other accolades include Super Lawyer for more than a decade and acceptance into the American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys in 2015 as an executive member.
As founder of Henderson Legal Defense, LLC, Courtney Henderson doesn’t just handle cases; he champions clients. Focusing on criminal defense, he has extensive experience in DUI, drug offenses, and felony cases. Throughout his career, he has successfully represented clients in complex litigation from homicide and securities fraud, to misdemeanors, DUI, and traffic matters in various district and municipal courts.
Henderson’s focus is to deliver vigorous representation and a strong defense, but he also brings the human element to his practice. He understands that behind every legal matter is a life. Among his accolades are being named a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by The National Trial Lawyers, recognition as a Missouri and Kansas Super Lawyer for more than a decade, and selection as one of the Nation’s Top Attorneys by The National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
Super Lawyers® selects attorneys using a patented multiphase selection process. Peer nominations and evaluations are combined with independent research. Each candidate is evaluated on twelve indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. Selections are made on an annual, state-by-state basis. The objective is to create a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of outstanding attorneys that can be used as a resource for attorneys and consumers searching for legal counsel. Since Super Lawyers® is intended to be used as an aid in selecting a lawyer, they limit the lawyer ratings to those who can be hired and retained by the public.
Search for an attorney by practice area and location on the Super Lawyers® website.
The nominations were made, the finalists were chosen and now the winners will be named. Stay tuned for the June issue to learn who the winners are and help us celebrate those that make this city great! You can also visit the website for a complete list of winners.
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Peck’s Department Store
1044 Main St.
“The operation that became Peck’s Department Store in 1914 opened as Doggett and Orrison in 1868,” according to We Were Hanging by a Thread. The dry goods store, which sold clothing and textiles, would later evolve into Peck’s and play a vital role in one of the city’s greatest entrepreneurial stories.
“Nell [Donnelly] started in her basement and got an order for 16 dresses from Peck’s department store in 1916,” according to Jackson and Brownfield. “Reportedly, she delivered the dresses, and they sold out in three days. Then, they gave her an order for 300 dresses.” Peck’s orders effectively launched her business, which grew into the Donnelly Garment Company and its iconic Nelly Don dress line: women’s clothing that finally ditched the shapeless, potato-sack style for something wearable and attractive.
In February, the Kansas City Business Journal reported that the former Peck’s Department Store building is the subject of a proposal to convert the ground level into a restaurant and commercial space, with 74 loft apartments planned on the remaining floors.
KC’s fading “ghost signs” are remnants of a garment empire that once dressed the world
By Nicole Kinning Photography by Jake Wickersham
LONG BEFORE digital ads or the splashy billboards along I-70, companies often turned their largest assets—their buildings—into eye-catching promotional platforms.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, building signage was one of the most successful advertising tools a company had. A company’s name might have been painted across the side of a brick building for potential consumers to spot from half a mile away, mounted as a large sign or carved directly into its facade, permanently marking the building’s identity.
Nowhere in Kansas City was this more visible than in the garment industry, particularly in the Garment and Crossroads Districts. The Garment District—the stretch of warehouses and storefronts on Broadway Boulevard—was a thriving fashion manufacturing hub in the early- to mid-1900s. “The rapidly growing garment district, or wholesale district, soon became the largest wholesale distribution center in the world,” wrote David Jackson and Ann Brownfield in We Were Hanging by a Thread, a book on the district’s history. “The principal items sold were clothing, dry goods, shoes, pharmaceuticals, home furnishings, paper products, millinery, caps and wholesale printing services.”
Some of these ads have stood the test of time, whether painted, pressed or etched into brick and stone. These remnants are known as “ghost signs.” “Various people love the history and like to preserve the remnants of beloved businesses and buildings,” says Lisa Shockley, curator of collections at the Museum of Kansas City, noting that some of the city’s most iconic signs endure because people have chosen to protect them. Here are five of them and the stories their walls continue to tell decades later.
Seiden’s Furs
10th Street and Broadway Boulevard
This two-story brick building that dates back to 1874 became home to Seiden’s Furs in 1935 and operated as such for more than 70 years. A 1980 architectural survey noted that the building is the oldest existing structure in Kansas City’s Central Business District.
The building’s iconic vertical sign nearly disappeared for good after a partial roof collapse in 2021 threatened demolition. A few years later, developer Chris Sally of Iconic Development stepped in to save the building, earning a 2025 Historic Kansas City Preservation Award for the effort.
The space has remained vacant, but not for long: It is slated to become Loretta Jean’s Restaurant and Bar, set to open this fall. “The objective is to preserve the history of the building as much as it is to put a restaurant in there,” chef Rick Mullins told Kansas City magazine in March. “It’s going to be loaded with artifacts and things unique to Kansas City.”
This six-story building once housed Boss Manufacturing Company, a maker of work gloves and industrial wear that helped define the garment industry’s identity in its heyday. The bold “The Boss” lettering is still visible on its exterior and is a textbook painted advertisement, designed to be read from half a block away. Above the front door, an awning bears “Boss Manufacturing Co.” engraved in stone.
By the mid-20th century, Folgers Coffee purchased the building and established a roasting plant, which operated until 2012, according to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Today, the building is Roaster’s Block Apartments—the branding a wink to its industrial past.
1828 Walnut St.
Emery, Bird, Thayer Warehouse 1601 Walnut St.
Painted across the brick of this six-story building is one of downtown’s most recognizable ghost signs: “Emery, Bird, Thayer Co.” The massive structure was erected in 1899, according to the Kansas City Public Library, as a warehouse for the Emery, Bird, Thayer department store, located several blocks from the company’s flagship store on Petticoat Lane. According to KC Loft Central, goods were stored here and distributed between the warehouse district and the busy retail corridor downtown.
The department store itself closed in 1968, but the warehouse survived and was later converted into residential lofts, now known as EBT Lofts. The sign remains visible today in part because it has been periodically repainted over the years. “Sunlight fades and kills color,” Shockley says. “To keep [the ghost signs] alive, they have to be repainted, like someone does for the old Emery, Bird, Thayer warehouse that hasn’t been used as that since 1968. If no one has a reason to maintain them—and isn’t motivated to paint over them—they slowly fade to oblivion.”
Completed in 1921 and named for Irish immigrant Thomas Corrigan, who helped establish Kansas City’s first streetcar, this 10-story building cycled through a few tenants: the Gateway Station Post Office, the Donnelly Garment Company and the Veterans Administration, among others. “Thos. Corrigan Building” is still etched above the front entrance, permanently marking the building’s namesake (Thos. is short for Thomas).
According to guided tour app Clio, from 1935 until 1947, the Donnelly Garment Company operated here during a pivotal time in its growth, eventually employing more than 1,000 people and becoming one of the largest dress manufacturers in the world.
Renovated in 2015 as Corrigan Station, the building now houses ground-floor retail and upper-floor offices. The KC Streetcar stops just outside—a reminder of the building’s ties to the city’s original public transit.
By Sarah Sipple
FOR MANY, simply the thought of fresh-baked cookies conjures up memories of childhood kitchens, complete with a sweet fragrance and a smile. For Ebony Paul, the warm family feeling is not so much a memory as it is a part of her business plan.
She opened the bakery, Brown Suga, in Olathe after picking up baking during the Covid pandemic. While Ebony intended to keep it a hobby, her mom, Reba Paul, thought her cookies were good enough to build a business around and started selling them. Now, Reba is Brown Suga’s community and events coordinator, and they’ve since
Photography by Anna Petrow
opened a second store in Leawood’s Park Place and purchased a cookie trailer for events. Mom knew best.
While Ebony’s family helps keep the business running, it’s other Kansas City families that keep the cookies in demand. Families pop in for a celebratory bite, dates stop in after dinner for an informal sweet, and many birthday orders fill the calendar for those who prefer cookies over cake.
Ebony knows that a good cookie can make just about anything a little sweeter: “A woman once came in right before closing after having a hard day with her son. She just needed a little pick-me-up. Sometimes people don’t need a big celebration—they just need something sweet at the end of a long day.” (1066 W. Santa Fe St., Olathe, and 11529 Ash St., Leawood).
Why have you been hearing about KC Burgers all of the sudden? Here’s a hint: It’s not because of the burgers.
By Tyler Shane
Photography by Anna Petrow
YOU’VE SPENT any time doomscrolling lately, it’s possible you’ve come across a video talking about the restaurant KC Burgers. The restaurant has been open for the past six years but has recently been trending. Why? Well, there’s good news and bad news. The bad news is you cannot get the best burger in all of KC at KC Burgers. You can’t even get the second-best burger at KC Burger, or the third, or fourth. In fact, just go ahead and skip the burger at KC Burgers. Because the good news is you’re much better off ordering the goat curry, lamb leg or sambusa, all hailing from the well-spiced Somalian practices of Mohamed Awo and his parents.
Yes, in an ironic twist, KC Burgers is, in fact, a fast-casual Somali restaurant—with hilariously excellent search engine optimization. Awo, who bought the restaurant from his parents in August of last year, laughs when I ask about it. “It’s a marketing genius idea that they had,” he says, recalling his parent’s decision to name the restaurant after the quintessential American dish. His parents, who are from Somalia (Awo was born in Kenya), opened the restaurant in 2019 just east of Gates and PeachTree Cafeteria off 12th Street and Brooklyn Avenue. There’s no sugarcoating it. The front windows are lined with bars, and there’s an unmistakable crack in one of them from a bullet. The undercover Somali spot usually flows in and out with a mix of East African natives, women wearing hijabs and those coming in from Jum’ah, their Friday midday prayer—that is until recently.
“I don’t know what I did,” says 31-year-old Awo.
“People just started making TikTok videos of us.”
Feel free to skip the burger here, although Awo and his team are happy to customize one to your liking with sauteed onions, jalapenos and more. It’s what sits below and to the right of those American favorites that you’ll actually want to enjoy.
The videos circulating online refer to KC Burgers as a hidden gem. In all my time as a food writer, I’ve found possibly no other restaurant more deserving of that overused phrase. It is, after all, a restaurant hiding in plain sight, and there’s something wonderfully incongruous about walking into a restaurant advertising burgers and stumbling upon one of KC’s few Somali restaurants.
Awo had never considered working in a restaurant before his mom asked him to take over the family business, but entrepreneurship is in his blood. He says his dad, Bahasan Said, is a “big icon” throughout KC’s Somali community, having owned a grocery store and another restaurant before opening KC Burgers. It’s obvious Awo is a people person, and his congenial disposition comes in handy when customers come in confused, which they often do nowadays.
The restaurant’s outside sign, which reads “KC Burgers: African Middle Eastern Food,” is flanked by pictures of highly stylized burgers, towering with frilly lettuce, a shiny beef patty and a domed sesame seed bun. Inside the restaurant, similar pictures accompany the American menu items—chicken tenders and a grilled chicken sandwich, for example—as if they were plucked straight from a Burger King drive-thru board. Feel free to skip the burger here, though Awo and his team are happy to customize one to your liking with sauteed onions, jalapenos and more. It’s what sits below and to the right of those American favorites that you’ll actually want to enjoy.
Any of the sukhar, or suqaar, dishes—chopped lamb or beef sauteed with vegetables and various spices—are popular KC Burger hits, and the kabob is recognizable to most non-East Africans. Almost everything is served with a thin green salsa (which is great with the meats) and rice. Awo can only tell me that the rice, fluffy and imbued with earthy aromas, is spiced with whole cinnamon sticks. Stewy meat or maybe even a whole lamb leg is often served on a bed of the fluffy rice. The amount of food served for one meal is copious.
Unsurprisingly, there were many things on the menu that I didn’t recognize, like the “KK with chicken,” which is a mound of chopped chapati, or flatbread, stewed with chicken, onions, green peppers and beans. Think of chapati as a Somali tortilla, but more dense and a little sweeter. Traditionally, Somalis eat it with every dish, and at KC Burgers you’ll also find the flatbread used for wraps. Then there’s the “four person sport” or “five person sport” menu items. Awo says
a “sport” dish is common at any Somali restaurant and is a variety plate where you can order two meats with rice and pasta. It’s large, and because Somalis typically eat with their hands, you’re meant to dig into it. (There is plastic silverware available, however).
Some traditional Somali dishes, like pasta, are influenced by Italy’s colonization of Somalia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. One of my friends referred to KC Burgers’ pasta, which is spaghetti noodles tossed with tomato paste and ramped up with spices, as a “ketchup pasta”—and he loved it. Meanwhile there is the option to order a “federation,” which just refers to a half-and-half mix of rice and pasta. Its name is from the Italian word meaning “union.”
A few items are not on the menu but available upon request, such as bananas. Bananas accompany many meals in Somalia and are eaten in bites with sukhars, rice, tilapia, and more. “Even with the pasta?” I ask. “Even with the pasta,” says Awo, who goes on to explain that any Somali who comes into his restaurant will just know to ask for a banana with their meal.
Even beyond the burger, most everything at KC Burgers can be customized to your liking. If you don’t like the sticky red barbecue-like sauce on the chicken, you can ask for it without. If you’d rather substitute fries for rice in your meal, you shouldn’t, but you can.
With all this new attention to his restaurant, Awo says he’s enjoying the new clientele and is always willing to help customers with any questions they might have. He wants to elevate his space with some new decor. He’s proud of the new tiling behind the counter and the custom stickers he created for the restaurant’s house-made mango and strawberry smoothies. Eventually, he wants to build a “hall of fame” wall with the famous people who have visited his restaurant, like the Somali TikToker Saber Aidarus (@saberoh_ ) and Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice. Rice has been into the restaurant several times and now parks in front of the restaurant instead of the side parking lot, something only a familiar customer would do, Awo says.
Unlike most trends, it seems unlikely that KC Burgers will “fizzle out.” The restaurant already has a solid customer base as one of the three Somali restaurants in KC (Yasmeen Cafe and the restaurant inside the Somali Mall at Independence Avenue and Olive Street are the other two), so whether TikTokers are hyping it up or not, it doesn’t look like it will be going anywhere soon.
By Sarah Sipple
AS CONSUMERS DRINK LESS and care more about the spirits they do choose to drink, agave is officially in. Todd Schulte, known for hot spots Earl’s Premier and Bacaro Primo, is leaning in at his newest restaurant, South Plaza’s Sea Capitán.
“There’s no doubt that tequila is hot right now,” Schulte says. “We’ve seen a lot of guests visit and ask: ‘What tequila should I try? I’m kind of new to this whole agave thing.’ We’ve seen folks calling less for the old standards and gravitating toward some super interesting, lesser-known producers.”
Sea Capitán (5070 Main St., KCMO) opened last summer with coastal Mexican fare, then recently added an expertly curated agave spirits menu. Schulte and co-owner Cory Dannehl turned to Hugo Gonzales, a nationally recognized agave educator, for honing a new section of the menu and educating the staff.
“With Hugo’s guidance and education, we get a glimpse behind the scenes,” Schulte says. “He’s brought in master distillers whose families have been making mezcal for generations. Providing our guests with the perfect little handcrafted vessel, a wedge of fruit and Sal de Chapulin to accompany a sip of mezcal is great, but it’s way more exciting to tell folks about the person who crafted it and then show them the artwork hanging on the wall they gifted us on their last visit to Sea Capitán.” Margaritas and palomas are still on the ready, but for those who want to expand their palate, the crew is ready with a detailed agave menu. The staff is ready to provide informed guidance, whether your refined taste is seeking something rare or you’re an agave newbie thirsty to learn.
Chef Mitch Fetterling talks working in Michelin Star restaurants, his new role at Scratch and his perfect day in KC
By Tyler Shane
WHEN NEWS BROKE that Bar Medici, an Italian small-plate hotspot, was closing last September, locals expressed their sorrow in comment sections across the social media stratosphere. The shuttering of the Crossroads restaurant was worthy of lamenting, but many seemed most concerned that chef Mitch Fetterling’s stellar crab bisque pasta would no longer be available for consumption. But there is good news: Fetterling is bringing his talents to a new kitchen, and pasta is definitely on the menu.
I reviewed Bar Medici, one of several bar restaurants under the Exit Strategy hospitality group, last year and fawned over much of Fetterling’s work. He had crafted a menu that was full of innovative dishes, such as tuna watermelon crudo and mushroom donuts, but still recognizable enough with handmade pastas and meatball appetizers. I praised the crab
bisque pasta as nearly perfect, even noting it as “one of the best seafood pastas I’ve had in KC,” so needless to say, I found myself relating to the aforementioned despondent commenters.
Fetterling, a North KC native, cut his teeth at the Plaza’s Fogo de Chão and Room 39 before taking an internship at a restaurant in Copenhagen, which launched him into the fine dining sphere. He went on to work at the since-closed top-rated Westport restaurant Bluestem, then, most impressively, worked several years at the two-Michelin-starred Saison in San Francisco. What’s it like working in such a high pressure environment? “Intense,” Fetterling says, but also rewarding, if only for the ingredients he was able to work with, which he says are unlike anything found in most restaurants around the world. They are highend, high-quality and high-priced. At Saison, most cooking methods were rooted in traditional Japanese culinary techniques, whether that’s fish preservation or vegetable fermentation, he says. Fetterling continues to use many of these methods in his cooking styles today.
Now, Fetterling is helming the kitchen at Scratch, a restaurant that recently made a splash when it announced it would be taking over the space that formerly housed the beloved Story restaurant in Prairie Village. Fetterling plans to “refine” Scratch’s menu, he says.
“I like to make things that people are going to recognize,” Fetterling says. “I don’t want them to look at a menu and think ‘I don’t know what that is.’ So my plan is to prepare things that are familiar to people but also slowly introduce new things into the menu so they can have that experience.”
Rise & Shine
I would go to Hi Hat Coffee in Westwood. The drink I get there is called a Bam Bam. It’s a double shot of espresso with some cream and honey in it.
Produce Run
I love going to the Overland Park Farmers Market every week. I signed up for a CSA box from Happy Hollow Farm there, so I’ll pick that up and then shop around.
Deli Stop
I just absolutely love Italian Sausage Co. Anything on their menu is great, and I’m really excited about them coming to the City Market. I’m definitely getting a sub or a cold cut.
Take, for example, the winter menu item of espresso pasta, which includes flakes of brown espresso and whole wheat pasta filled with sweet potato mascarpone. At a recent wine dinner, Fetterling incorporated a “raw” course with offerings you’d find in an omakase-style restaurant, like a hamachi crudo and fermented Asian pears with shiso and sesame puff rice.
“We don’t want to be the special occasion restaurant where you only come once a year,” Fetterling says. “We want to be the type of restaurant where you can also come in for lunch once a week. We’re trying to bridge the gap between fine dining and a more approachable style of service.”
As for that crab pasta, Fetterling says it’s not his priority to make it for Scratch’s menu anytime soon. But he’s excited to offer other delightfully polished and delicious dishes, like his lunchtime katsu sandwich, which comes with a fried chicken cutlet topped with gochujang sauce and slaw with miso ginger vinaigrette.
By Tyler Shane
Since opening in the West Bottoms in 2020, Chef J BBQ has steadily earned recognition as one of the best in KC. Now, owners Justin Easterwood and Terra Whipple are heading north, opening a second location (1900 Clay St., NKC) this summer.
The 5,400-squarefoot restaurant with a 4,000-square-foot patio will seat roughly 300 and feature an open smokehouse, five custom offset pits and a bread and pastry program. Unlike the original “sell-out model,” Easterwood says the new spot will offer lunch and dinner seven days a week, with expanded menu items, desserts and “a more elevated restaurant experience” while maintaining its focus on live-fire cooking.
Seiden’s Furs operated out of its downtown space at 10th and Broadway for 75 years before closing in 2006. The building then sat vacant for nearly two decades and was even slated for demolition in 2021 until Chris Sally of Iconic Preservation stepped in to save the structure.
This fall, the space is getting new life: Chef Rick Mullins and bar and hospitality veteran Candice Moore are opening Loretta Jean’s Restaurant & Bar in the historic space. The restaurant will focus on “New Midwestern” cuisine built around seasonal ingredients from local farmers. Inside, the design will blend contemporary touches with original elements such as the fur vault, vintage posters and the building’s iconic fox sign, preserving the space’s history while giving it new life.
Diana Condori, 2026 James Beard Foundation nominee for Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service, is expanding her tiki pop-up, Condor’s Cove, with an Airstream mobile bar. Outfitted with draft systems and an eight-person lounge, the bar will travel to festivals and host other bartenders’ pop-ups. As Condori pursues her rumpunched dreams, she’ll be easing out of her role at Fern Bar.
Kansas City is soon getting its first standalone Mexican-sushi restaurant with the opening of Kculichi Sushi (542 Southwest Blvd., KCK). Originally a Mexican-sushi food truck, Kculichi is known for rolls that are often fried or baked and topped with melted cheese, beef, bacon and chipotle or serrano peppers. This fusion cuisine known as Sinaloan sushi originates from the Sinaloa region of Mexico. The permanent 3,300-square-foot space will seat about 30 tables and represents a major step from pop-ups to a full brick-and-mortar concept.
After five decades on Southwest Boulevard, Ponak’s Mexican Restaurant & Bar (2856 Southwest Blvd., KCMO) has been sold to its longtime general manager, Spencer Shaw, marking a new chapter for the Kansas City institution. Shaw plans to preserve the identity, recipes, atmosphere and margaritas that have made Ponak’s a beloved spot since it opened in 1975 while also introducing a new catering concept to expand its reach in the KC market. The sale includes the full restaurant and outdoor patio, and regulars shouldn’t expect much change under the familiar stewardship.
On a Crossroads block once known
as Film Row, bronze stars embedded in the sidewalk celebrate Kansas Citians who went on to become Hollywood legends
By Nicole Kinning
IF YOU’VE EVER walked the stretch of 18th Street between Wyandotte and Baltimore in the Crossroads on a bustling First Friday, you’ve likely noticed dozens of opendoor art galleries, street musicians and sidewalk sales. But you might have missed what’s lying just underfoot.
Embedded in the sidewalk along this block—cast in bronze and set into concrete designed to look like a strip of film—are the names of some of the most celebrated figures in Hollywood history. And they’re not just any names; they’re people who called Kansas City home long before they became legends. They’re part of what eventually became known as KC’s Film Row district. This district was a regional distribution center for major motion pictures at the time and one of roughly 35 similar districts dotting the country. It’s where physical reels of film were received, catalogued and circulated to theaters across multi-state territories before same-day shipping and streaming was a thing.
Filmmaker Butch Rigby, the founder of both Screenland Armour Theatre and KC’s own “walk of fame,” bought his first building on the row, the old Commonwealth Theaters headquarters (215 W. 18th St., KCMO), back in the ’90s. “I was out here buying my first building in 1994, before there was a Crossroads,” he says. “I was one of the original guys in the Crossroads.”
Kansas City’s movie district covered Missouri, Kansas and parts of Oklahoma and Nebraska. Studios including MGM, Columbia, Paramount, Universal, Warner Bros., 20th Century Fox and United Artists all had a presence here. “Film rows were unique because they often had Art Deco-influenced architecture that was so prevalent with the studio system back in the 1930s,” Rigby says. “They were also fireproof because, until the early ’50s, film was made on nitrate, which was highly flammable. So the buildings were concentrated in one area, designed so that if there was a fire, it would be contained within a largely fireproof district.”
Kansas City’s Film Row is considered one of the last in the country to have kept its buildings largely intact, and most of their exteriors look just as they did 60 or 70 years ago, even though the spaces inside now house offices, apartments and other businesses. In 1999, Rigby and collaborator John Schiff applied for a KC150 celebration grant, and the stars were born. “We came up with this idea that we would have a Walk of Stars in Kansas City featuring Kansas Citians who went on to Hollywood,” Rigby says. They commissioned bronze stars from Leawood-based Livers Bronze and set them into a sidewalk panel designed to look like a filmstrip. The inaugural honorees were all Kansas Citians: Walt Disney, Jean Harlow, Joan Crawford, William Powell and Robert Altman.
Rigby would like to see the Walk of Stars grow, with more stars and clearer way-finding signage. For him, the bronze names embedded in the sidewalk are reminders that Kansas City once played a vital role in how movies reached the rest of the country. “Nobody goes to Rome to see the strip malls outside of town,” he says. “The thing that makes our city unique is its history, the stories that can be told by the people who worked in these districts.”
Photography by Ian Simmons
