KCMag_Oct2025

OUR MISSION

We love Kansas City like family. We know what makes it great, we know how it struggles, and we know its secrets. Through great storytelling, photography and design, we help our readers celebrate our city’s triumphs, tend to its faults and revel in the things that make it unique.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Dawnya Bartsch

GENERAL MANAGER, BUSINESS OPERATIONS

Alex Healey

ART DIRECTOR

Kevin Goodbar

FOOD EDITOR

Tyler Shane

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Nina Cherry

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Alex Kerr

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

Dominique Parsow

ADVERTISING SALES

Angie Henshaw and Bob Ulmer

COPY EDITOR

Kelsie Schrader

Prairie Village 3975 W 83rd St, 66208 Leawood 13420 Roe Ave, 66209

Overland Park 7575 W 150th St, 66223 6904 W 135th St, 66223

WEB COORDINATOR

Madison Russell

DESIGN INTERN

Andrew Mason

WRITERS

Nina Cherry, Tierney Flavin, Shauna Gilden, Nicole Kinning, John Martellaro, Ryan Reed, Tyler Shane, Emily Standlee and Hampton Stevens

PHOTOGRAPHERS, ILLUSTRATORS AND GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Zach Bauman, Amber Deery, Afsoneh Khorram, Mathius Kuhl, Samantha Levi, John Martellaro, Gio McGlothan, Anna Petrow, Dana Smith, Dana P. Smith and Clayton Steward

SUBSCRIPTIONS kansascitymag.com/subscribe or call (913) 469-6700 Scan here to subscribe to our newsletter and magazine.

Kansas City magazine is published monthly by KC Publishing, LLC. No part of this publication can be reprinted or reproduced without the publisher’s permission. Kansas City magazine assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials. Kansas City magazine adheres to American Society of Magazine Editors guidelines, which requires a clear distinction between editorial content and paid advertising or marketing messages.

INQUIRIES

KC Publishing, LLC 605 W. 47th St., Suite 200 Kansas City, MO 64112 (913) 469-6700

SPEND YOUR DAY THE KANSAS CITY WAY

Cuisine for every taste, entertainment for all ages, and unique finds at one-of-a-kind shops—nowhere else compares. For a completely Kansas City experience, it has to be Crown Center.

2450 GRAND BLVD. | KANSAS CITY, MO 64108

this month on kansascity mag.com

only online

Prime Time

It’s show time for 1587 Prime, the steakhouse created by Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and hospitality group Noble 33. Located within The Loews Hotel (1500 Baltimore Ave., KCMO), the restaurant opened mid-September to much fanfare. Kansas City magazine food critic Tyler Shane was able to get a sneak peak. Scan here to read her impressions of the much-anticipated restaurant and see if you should try to snag a reservation. For the full story, scan here.

The 2025 market season will take place at Matt Ross Community Center, 8101 Marty Street, while the Clock Tower Landing Improvement Project is under construction.

SATURDAYS: OPEN THRU DEC. 6 8:00 A.M. TO NOON

Trucktopia

THERE’S SOMETHING MAGICAL about food trucks. I think it’s their impermanence. They can appear and disappear on a whim. Even the trucks with schedules and permanent stops and spots have the potential to not actually show up. After all, that’s why these mobile food joints have wheels—they can be noncommittal.

But when the brightly colored trucks and trailers do show up, it’s an instant party, and that’s magical. Food trucks here aren’t just quick eats; they are part carnival, part kitchen and part neighborhood block party—on wheels. They pop up both where you least expect them and also exactly where you do. You’ll spot them outside breweries, at First Fridays in the Crossroads and parked at community events where the BBQ smoke mingles with the sound of live music.

Learning all about the metro’s food truck world for this month’s cover feature was a delight. Whether they sell the best midnight snack, morning muffin or exotic new food combination, such as Mexican-style sushi, each truck and chef on the go seems to offer up something unique.

And if I learned anything from reading the stories in this feature, it’s that the people behind the wheels have put their heart and soul into their roving businesses. Some view it as the first step to a permanent location. Others see it as a way to travel far and wide, giving them the ability to introduce their unique fusion dishes to people who might not otherwise have a chance to taste kimchi fries. Once considered a novelty, food trucks are now a canvas for some of the most inventive, approachable and boundary-pushing cuisine in the city.

Here’s hoping one of these rolling restaurants—with their bold paint jobs and big flavors—comes to a street near you.

Dawnya Bartsch, Editor-In-Chief dawnya@kansascitymag.com

Contributors

Zach Bauman is a commercial and editorial photographer based in Kansas City with more than a decade of experience. For this issue’s feature on food trucks, Bauman traversed the city, chasing down these mobile kitchens wherever they might be. A longtime contributor to the magazine, his work has also been featured in Bon Appétit, Food & Wine and Outside magazines.

Tyler Shane Food editor and dining critic

Tyler Shane has been Kansas City magazine’s food writer-inresidence for nearly three years. Along with shaping this issue’s food truck cover feature, she sought out and tried almost every food truck in town.

For this issue, Boston-based artist Dana Smith created a darling illustration using a picture of Tyler Shane’s oneyear-old son to accompany Shane’s personal essay. Smith, whose work has appeared in publications such as The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, creates narratives that often explore contemporary life through a nostalgic lens.

Zach Bauman Photographer

Dana Smith Illustrator

Matthew R. Galliano, DPM, FACFAS

Are You Suffering From Foot, Ankle or Heel Pain?

Typically, if you’re suffering from foot, ankle or heel pain, it’s a sign of an injury, arthritis or overuse. Board-certified foot and ankle surgeon, Dr. Matthew Galliano, Podiatrist, provides care for all aspects of foot and ankle problems. He has a keen interest in heel pain, helping to pioneer minimally invasive endoscopic procedures for chronic plantar fasciitis for more than twenty years. Additionally, Dr. Galliano specializes in care of a variety of foot and ankle conditions, ranging from newborns to elderly conditions, including bunion correction to complex foot and ankle injuries, as well as reconstructive foot and ankle surgery. He is focused on the preservation and restoration of the form, function, and mechanics of the human foot and ankle. Don’t suffer from pain that can impair your quality of life when an expert can improve it!

OVERLAND PARK: 10701 Nall Ave, Suite 200

LEE’S SUMMIT: 2737 NE McBaine Dr., Suite A

913-381-5225 ❘ www.kcbj.com

Photo by Mark Lozano

Bar Medici’s Makeover

An online post about the big changes coming to Bar Medici (1800 Walnut St., KCMO) gained lots of traction, with many (mostly) positive comments and KC magazine Instagram followers sharing it more than 1,500 times. Soon to be known as Jade Jaguar, the Crossroads’ hangout is shedding its name and its sleek, upscale image for a Mexico City-inspired vibe.

I can’t wait. And I love the name. Great Choice.

–Angela Moyer

Good because their decorating was boring.

–Morgan Brown

Can the spicy spaghetti stay on the menu?

–A. Long

Bittersweet news. Bar Medici is wonderful. Best of luck with the new concept.

–Mary Beth Harnisch

Mexican martinis please.

–Amy Scarborough

“Chefs really get the

bartenders get the Instagram post—then there’s us.”

–

Kevin Mouhot,

Westport Cafe’s general manager

Numbers From This Issue

2018

The year Jenny Steineger decided to become a lavender farmer. Page 15

1,500

The number of acres at Timber Hills Lake Ranch. Page 18

1955

The year the Bomb Pop was created right here in KC. Page 49

Shout Out

A big thank you to Amiel Green II, who generously posed for us as a food truck customer for this month’s cover shoot. Green also occasionally works as a stand-in body double for Patrick Mahomes on shoots and certain TV spots.

Behind the Scenes Photographer Samantha Levi setting the stage for the October cover shoot.

Lavender Fields Forever

JENNY STEINEGER was crafting lavender-filled eye pillows with sex trafficking victims when she had an epiphany. It was 2018, and she was volunteering at Veronica’s Voice, a nonprofit dedicated to ending prostitution by providing

A KCK lavender farm grew from a desire to help sex trafficking victims

By Tierney Flavin

transitional housing and other programs. Jenny returned home that evening, sat down with her husband, Joe Steineger, and said, “I want to be a lavender farmer.”

(Continued on next page)

(Continued from page 15)

And so began Lavender Hill Farm. On a hill in KCK, across the street from Joe’s childhood home, the couple now grow and harvest around 1,500 lavender plants with the help of their youngest son, Ben Steineger. The crops are used to create various organic lavender products, which they sell at the City Market’s farmers market three Saturdays a month. A portion of all proceeds is donated to Veronica’s Voice.

Jenny says that she never intended to take their products to farmers’markets. But now, she loves “meeting every kind of person” and “seeing repeat customers” on Saturdays. Joe greets every visitor of the Lavender Hill Farm booth with a light mist of their hydrosol spray.

At its inception, the Steinegers received help from women at Veronica’s Voice during harvest. After picking lavender, they would enjoy burgers and hot dogs, grilled on a firepit at the top of the hill, covered by trees. Jenny and Joe built a gateway to the shaded area at the back of their farm using spare wood. Above the arch lies a sign which reads “Hope Garden.”

“They’re special ladies,” Joe says. “Once they feel love from a stranger and find out how there are good people out there, then they come out here. There’s nothing like the sun on your back, the good Lord over your head, and you start to feel better.”

Jenny says that when she made her decision to become a lavender farmer, it seemed unplanned, but now, it feels like fate.

In July 2024, Veronica’s Voice merged with ReHope, a similar organization out of Harrisonville, MO. The distance has lessened the “day-to-day” interactions between Lavender Hill Farm and the women supported by the nonprofit. The pair wrote on their website that “joining the effort to shine light on this crisis was the core reason Lavender Hill Farm was born,” and they continue to support the fight on sex trafficking in the area. But with the women living farther away now, if the farm needs extra hands, the Steinegers hire men from Welcome House—a sober-living halfway house.

“Lavender is perfect,” says Ben, who is currently studying herbalism at PrairieWise Herbal School. “Spiritually, that plant is really good for people in recovery, because it’s all about rebirth, tranquility and

To learn more about Lavender Hill Farm, visit lavenderhillkck.com; for Veronica’s Voice, visit veronicasvoice.wixsite.com; and for ReHope, visit rehope.org.

“Lavender is perfect. Spiritually, that plant is really good for people in recovery, because it’s all about rebirth, tranquility and peace.”

peace. It’s really interesting when you think about all the plants that [Jenny] could have chosen that [she] picked lavender, and then the farm ended up being a place of people in recovery. I don’t think it’s accidental.”

The Steinegers say they especially cherish seeing Ben’s involvement in the farm. Ben currently rents Joe’s childhood home across the street and monitors the crops daily. Ben says he became fascinated with herbalism through his work on the farm—it’s what inspired him to enroll in the herbal school. He recently started his own company, Cicada Creek Herbs. Toward the bottom of the hill, beneath the lavender bushes, Ben has planted approximately 400 herbs.

Lavender Hill Farm is truly a family business. Aside from seasonal help by members of Welcome House, Jenny, Joe and Ben run the farm and create their products independently. Joe grew up in the farming industry but lost his farm in the 1980s due to the farming crisis.

In addition to Joe’s farming experience, the Steinegers credit the United States Lavender Growers Association with teaching them the ins and outs of lavender growing. The association promises to teach the trade so long as each farmer promises to teach others when they inquire about the growing process.

As for their products, Jenny and Joe sell myriad options, with each recipe researched and crafted in their home without the use of chemicals. Joe says that hearing stories from repeat customers teaches them something new every day about the uses and benefits of their lavender-based products.

Jenny and Joe will celebrate their 51st wedding anniversary in October. Joe says the farm has been their “biggest blessing.” Despite the grueling summer sun and the challenges that come with a midwest winter, Joe says he never worries about what the next day will bring because every morning, he and Jenny enjoy a cup of coffee and “work out a solution.” Even on the hottest days, with the Steinegers taking cool refuge in the Hope Garden, they say that they admire the “beauty” of the farm that they created together.

“We spent 40 years out in the working world, and her lavender idea got us back in the dirt,” Joe says. “I feel like our marriage and our lives have been totally blessed all these years, but to be back in the dirt with Jenny being the ramrod of the farm is really neat.”

Timber Hills Lake Ranch

An outdoor enthusiast’s rural playground

By Dawnya Bartsch

TUCKED AWAY IN the woodlands of Bourbon County, Kansas, lies a place where the outdoors aren’t just a backdrop—they’re the main attraction. About an hour and half south of Kansas City, Timber Hills Lake Ranch is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, with log cabins, private lakes for fishing and acres of land with deer and turkeys for hunting.

“We’ve built Timber Hills Lake Ranch to be more than just a hunting lodge,” says owner Joe Bisogno, who is best known as the founder of Mr. Goodscents. “It’s a place where people can reconnect with nature, test their skills and make memories that last a lifetime.”

Bisogno first conceived of his ranch retreat when he couldn’t find an adequate place to enjoy the outdoors with his children. The ranch now stretches across 1,500 acres of forests, fields and lakes, including rustic cabins and an event space. At first, Bisogno thought he would make his personal paradise a members-only venue. However, he feels so strongly that children and families need to enjoy the outdoors that he decided to go a different route and made the ranch open to all.

The ranch hosts elk, buffalo and turkey hunts, as well as upland game bird excursions for pheasant and quail. Experienced guides and trained dogs make the hunts accessible even for first-timers.

Anglers can also keep themselves busy at the ranch’s 40-acre private lake and a series of stocked farm ponds. The waters are stocked with bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish, and—seasonally—even trout. For families renting cabins on the property, fishing is included. For day-trippers, a modest fee opens the lake to casting lines from dawn until dusk.

There are also trails for hiking and ATV tours that will take you past historic stone walls from the Civil War era and remnants of early homesteads. Shooting enthusiasts have access to skeet ranges and pistol courses while water lovers can swim from the sandy beach during the summer or take a kayak out on the lake.

There are six private cabins that are outfitted with a small kitchen and can sleep up to four adults. For larger groups, there is a main lodge with an industrial kitchen and large space suitable for weddings, reunions and corporate retreats.

Even though the ranch’s original mission was to be a place for people to experience the outdoors, Bisogno, being continuously curious and ever optimistic, is using the ranch’s resources to learn and discover. He has been working with associates on animal tick prevention and other areas of wildlife biology. To learn more, visit timberhillslake.com.

Celebrating the Supernatural

Dark

Forest

offers

an eerie, immersive

experience at Powell Gardens

By Nina Cherry

THIS OCTOBER, take a night hike through Powell Gardens at Dark Forest. A collaboration with performance art group Quixotic, the immersive after-hours installation transforms the woods into a surreal celebration of the supernatural.

“A lot of times when we think of spooky things, we think of haunted houses,” says Laina Burdette, marketing specialist for Powell Gardens. “Those are great, but being outdoors with the stars and moon above and hearing the wind through the trees—that really adds this element you can’t get anywhere else.”

Returning for its fourth year, the one-mile multimedia walk winds through the forest and is animated with live music, ethereal lighting and performers in extravagant costumes. According to Burdette, the botanical garden serves as more than just a backdrop. “The wooded landscape becomes a character in itself,” she says. “It’s magical. It’s eerie, but not spooky or gory.”

Before hitting the trail, visitors can reserve a spot at Fire Feast—an outdoor dinner cooked over an open flame—and explore the seasonally rotating garden gallery. Burdette says the Halloween-inspired display currently features “poisonous plants, creepy crawlers and carnivorous species.”

To cap the evening off, occultists and curious wanderers can enjoy perusing the Mystic Faire. The fair brings together an entertaining mix of local artists selling their wares, along with oddities such as taxidermy displays, tattoo artists and piercers. ↓

GO: Dark Forest. October 17–November 1. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Powell Gardens. Visit powellgardens.org for tickets and more information.

Photography by Powell Gardens

oct

Fred Armisen: Comedy for Musicians But Everyone Is Welcome

Although you may recognize comedian Fred Armisen from the sketch comedy series Portlandia or his 11-season run on Saturday Night Live, he’s equally accomplished as a musician. A drummer and guitarist, Armisen began his career in punk band Trenchmouth, has filled in for the B-52s and spent a decade leading the Late Night Show with Seth Myers’ house band. Two worlds collide on his tour “Comedy for Musicians But Everyone Is Welcome” as he blends anecdotes and music from his storied career. October 17. 7 pm. The Midland Theatre.

3 & 4

Chappell Roan

The Midwest Princess stays true to her title: KC is one of just three stops (in good company with New York City and Los Angeles) on her Visions of Damsels & Other Dangerous Things pop-up tour. Returning to her home state of Missouri, the pop star’s show follows the release of her long-awaited single, “The Subway.” Her last KC performance was in April 2024, just weeks before her meteoric rise. Best of luck getting your hands on the coveted tickets. October 3 & 4. 6:30 pm. National WWI Museum and Memorial.

Pete Escovedo and His Orchestra

Latin jazz legend Pete Escovedo marks his 90th birthday with a celebratory tour alongside his orchestra for a powerful start to the Folly Theater’s 44th Jazz Series. The percussionist has toured and recorded with a laundry list of artists like Carlos Santana, Prince and Herbie Hancock. Expect a vibrant fusion of smooth jazz and salsa. October 4. 7:30 pm. Folly Theater.

10 & 11

Heartland Book Festival

Regional and national literary voices gather for this two-day festival. Friday night features Pulitzer Prize winner Percival Everett in the Northland, followed by a downtown celebration at the Kansas City Public Library on Saturday, headlined by Taylor Jenkins Reid. The bestselling author of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo presents her latest novel, Atmosphere, alongside KC’s own best-selling author Adib Khorram. October 10 & 11. Times vary. Mid-Continent Public Library Woodneath Library Center & Central Branch, Kansas City Public Library.

10–12

Copland’s Appalachian Spring

Spanning from Americana to French impressionism, the

Kansas City Symphony presents an evening of contrast (though both masterworks were originally composed for ballets). The program opens with Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring, a Pulitzer Prize-winning score with folksy melodies. Maurice Ravel’s lush and romantic Daphnis et Chloê nearly an hour-long magnum opus—closes out the evening. October 10–12. Times vary. Helzberg Hall.

11

Waldo Fall Fest

A day of family fun ensues as Waldo Fall Fest returns for its 33rd year. The neighborhood’s autumn event includes pop-up shops featuring small businesses, food trucks like Taco Cacao and El Café Cubano, a live DJ and ample kids’ activities. October 11. 10 am. Gregory Boulevard & Wornall Road.

11

Kansas City Jazz Orchestra: British Invasion

At British Invasion, rock and roll from across the pond meets big band jazz. Backed by the 18-piece Kansas City Jazz Orchestra, the program includes fresh arrangements of hits from English bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who and more. October 11. 7 pm. Yardley Hall.

14–Nov 2

Dracula

Celebrate Halloween with a provocative and chilling take on Bram Stoker’s classic Gothic novel. This stage adaptation was written by KC’s own Vanessa Severo (in collaboration with Joanie Schultz), who stars as the gender-bent protagonist Van Helsing. With top-notch special effects, it’s a must-see for horror fans and thrill seekers alike. October 14–November 2. Times vary. Copaken Stage.

18

Family Fun Day

Power and Light transforms into a fall festival at the inaugural Family

Sugar Skull

This bilingual children’s musical brings Día de los Muertos to life. With traditional music and dance from Mexico, the story follows 12-year-old Vita Flores. Initially a skeptic of her family’s party planning, she changes her tune when a candy skeleton comes to life. Although the production is fun for all ages, it’s catered to ages 5 to 9. October 25. 11 am. & 2 pm. Starlight Theatre.

Fun Day. With live entertainment and hands-on activities, highlights include Science City’s mobile lab, an interactive performance with Drum Safari and meet and greets with Sesame Street’s Elmo. Entry to the street party is free, with VIP upgrades available. October 18. 10 am. Power and Light District.

30

Steve Hofstetter

Youtube-viral comic and podcaster Steve Hofstetter comes to KC for a night of laughs. Known for his frank, observational style, Hofstetter’s Zona Rosa performance

follows the release of Kill the Butterflies—a documentary and comedy special that takes a vulnerable look into how he (and other comedians) navigate mental health. October 30. 7pm. Funny Bone Comedy Club.

After Dark

Old stories, new takes and the collaborative magic of theater

By Ryan Reed

ALTHOUGH VANESSA SEVERO fell in love with theater as a teen living in Germany, she’s called Kansas City home for more than 20 years and is fully immersed in the city’s theater scene. The Southeast Missouri State University graduate is well-versed in the world of theater and has worked as a choreographer, writer, actor and director. Severo is probably best known for Frida…A Self Portrait, which she wrote and performed with her longtime collaborator and creative partner, Joanie Schultz, as director. This October, Severo and Schultz teamed up again to perform their retelling of Dracula, examining the role of women in Bram Stoker’s classic. Produced by KCRep, the play looks at the secrets we all keep and recasts the original male lead, Van Helsing (played by Severo), as a woman who is thirsting for knowledge in the male-dominated 1900s and forced to hide her gender. Their adaptation was well-received at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park last winter and is sure to be a perfectly chilling Halloween experience.

How did you choose KC as your base of operations? I didn’t plan on staying here. I came originally to help out my mother, but there was a huge theater scene, so I started working. There was a lot of gritty theater happening at the time, very Chicago-like. The Fishtank Theatre was doing plays in the window. The Living Room was booming, and the Kansas City Actors Theatre was doing these classics. There was a broad spectrum, and I just kept working. I met my husband and I got this house, and now I have a 13-year old daughter. So it’s just good. It’s a small town with big-city ideas, and I like that.

Joanie Schultz is the co-director of Dracula with you, and you have done a lot of work together. How did you two decide on Dracula? Joanie was my director for Frida, and she was the associate artistic director at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. We were talking to the artistic director, Blake Robeson, about shows for the next season. The idea of Dracula came up and he said, “I don’t want to put on a Dracula because the adaptations are just so old right now.” And then I got really bold and I said: “I’ll write one. I’ll print you a Dracula.” Joanie and I collaborate so beautifully together. We were like, “Let’s take on Dracula,” you know? Blake greenlit it and we did it. We went to a writer’s retreat in Colorado and started talking. What if we go through the female point of view and what it’s like for these women to experience the world of Dracula? And then it just took a whole different shift because we were looking through a different lens. We finished Dracula and performed it at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park this January and February, which I was like, is that even going to sell? And it sure as heck did. Like, people showed up in capes.

How do you think a live theater performance is different from watching a movie? I think that when you go to see something live, you’re actually having a conversation. [You’re having an] experience and catharsis together, which I don’t think you get from a screen. There is something real about sharing energy in a space and to see how other people are reacting to something that is either moving or funny or even triggering. It gives us an awareness of where we are in our society and in our culture, and I think by looking at a screen you don’t fully get that.

Theater is a big collaboration. What do you get out of creating an experience for an audience with such a multifaceted group of people? I don’t think anything can be created by one person alone. It’s always a collaborative effort. All those people together lift the ideas higher than one person could. Everybody has each other’s back, so there’s this wonderful excitement that if something does go awry, somebody else covers and it’s just like, good save. It’s truly a team effort.

Dracula October 14–November 2. Times vary. Copaken Stage.

Taking Flight

A video series spotlighting local bands started off in a chicken coop

By Nina Cherry

FLEW THE COOP Sessions, a nonprofit video series profiling local bands, is a love letter of sorts to independent, below-the-radar artists. The brainchild of co-founders Cody Boston and Mitchell Hewlett, the project started off filming intimate concerts inside a chicken coop turned recording studio (hence the name) in Lawrence. In total, 65 sessions were filmed in that humble chicken coop. But when the pandemic hit, the team had to find filming locations that allowed for social distancing. The series, akin to NPR’s Tiny Desk concerts, has since transitioned to a pop-up format, filming in recording studios, music venues and unlikely locales like Lake of the Ozark’s Bridal Cave and the Westside’s Seven Swans Creperie. Live recordings are then dropped on Flew The Coop’s Youtube and Instagram accounts.

Photography by Mathius Kuhl

SCAN TO LISTEN TO KANSAS CITY MAGAZINE’S AUTUMN VIBES PLAYLIST

Kansas City’s hand-picked fall soundtrack features recent releases from local artists along with touring bands stopping through town this season

“We want to highlight unique spaces and businesses in and around the KC area, including places you might never see a band play,” Boston says of the project, which was launched in 2019. “We’re constantly adding venues to the roster.”

Beyond spotlighting artists, Boston—a video journalist—sees the nonprofit as a way to document the region’s musical landscape. Spanning anything and everything from folk to jazz fusion to death metal, the live sessions are also a perfect starting point for newcomers to KC’s scene. There’s something for everyone.

“This is a series by and for musicians,” Boston says. “We’re looking to support artists and their work and be a place where music lovers in general can find local music that they love.”

Although Hewlett, an audio engineer by trade, stepped away from the project in 2021, due to his heavy touring schedule working with acts like The Greeting Committee, Boston has carried on. And despite the changes and growth, Flew the Coop remains a community-centric, grassroots operation. Boston does a lot with a little, heading the operation with plenty of help from videographers, photographers and editors. Many of them are musicians themselves.

“It’s largely been a volunteer effort from people who want to see the local music scene thriving in KC,” Boston says. “My approach to it is that as long as it’s still fun, I’m still going to do it. It’s still fun.”

When it comes to narrowing down the growing list of interested bands, curating a diverse and eclectic range of music is at the forefront. Boston also says he searches for artists who are committed to their craft and are actively performing around town. Occasionally, the series features a touring act as well: National acts expand viewership, and in turn, help the local community, Boston says. “We want an audience that will raise all boats.”

After a brief summer hiatus, Flew the Coop is back to its every-other-week release schedule this fall. This month’s releases include returning artist Jass, recording a fresh jazz project at All Keyed Up Piano Shop, followed by Columbia-based surf rock band Highway Demon, filmed at Groovin’ High Studio.

Looking ahead, Boston has ambitions to expand into public-facing events. Plans are underway for Flew the Coop Session’s first multi-stage festival next fall.

“We want to show to a broader music industry that Kansas City isn’t simply flyover country,” Boston says. Look for new Flew The Coop Sessions releases on Youtube and Instagram @flewthecoopsessions.

Yes to Tayvis

A local candle company launches a Taylor Swift and Travis Kelceinspired collection

By Nina Cherry

WHILE KANSAS CITY— and much of the world—was buzzing over the news of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement, Jess Priemer was already one step ahead. The founder of local candle company KCMOCO had been quietly and anticipatorily preparing a “Tayvis” collection weeks before the announcement. Call it intuition.

Crafted with a mixture of soy, coconut and beeswax, all of KCMOCO’s long-burning signature scents are inspired by the ambiance

THE

CANDLE COLLECTION

1 Arrowhead Drive: a mixture of barbeque smoke, cool air and victory

The Plaza: a luxury-inspired blend of fine linen and cashmere

Briarcliff: a blackberry bramble-scented homage to the Northland’s forested region

JoCo: a take on the area’s new construction with mahogany, cedar and vanilla

and history of KC neighborhoods. City Market, for instance, combines lemon, ginger and saffron to evoke the aroma of spice shops, while 18th and Vine—a smooth, smoky blend of whiskey, tobacco and rose—calls to mind a late-night jazz club.

When crafting KCMOCO’s Tayvis collection, Priemer stuck with the same place-based inspiration.

“Instead of trying to come up with one scent that encapsulated the romance, I decided to take it back to the areas [that this romance] happened in,” Priemer says. “It’s just crazy that Kansas City has been the backdrop of this story.”

Shop KCMOCO’s Tayvis collection in person at Shop Local KC (6245 Brookside Plaza & 2450 Grand St., Ste. 209), or online at kcmococandles.com.

The Kelce-Swift-inspired collection features four locale fragrances (which can be purchased as a set or separately) that Priemer describes as “integral to the Tavyis story.”

Mahjong Mania

This 19th-century Chinese game is making a comeback across the country and here in KC

By Alex Zoellner

WHILE TEACHING A CLASS , Katie Duffy, founder of the KC Mahjong Club, watched one of her students carefully study her tiles before jumping up to blurt out a triumphant cry of “Mahjong!” The woman then did a little celebratory dance around the table as the rest of the players erupted in laughter, their loss quickly forgotten.

The word that echoed through the room—Mahjong—is also the name of the game, and the laughter that followed captures its true draw: friendship and connection.

“I lived in Kansas City almost 40 years, and it’s very easy to become isolated in your small world,” says Duffy. “This has opened a whole new world for me.”

The game originated in 19th-century China before arriving in the United States in the 1920s, where it became a popular pastime for wealthy women. Now experiencing a resurgence across the country,

Mahjong groups, parties, open play nights and classes have become a frequent sight in KC.

The most widely played version in KC is American Mahjong, which requires four players and a set of 144 tiles marked with Chinese characters and symbols. Players take turns drawing and discarding tiles to build a 14-tile hand of matching pairs and sets. To win, a player’s hand must match one of the National Mah Jonngg League’s cards, which list all permissible winning combinations and change each year. The first player to complete a winning hand yells out “Mahjong!’”to signal their victory.

The game shares similarities with rummy-style games like Rummikub, Gin Rummy and Canasta, but strategy is only part of the appeal. What keeps players coming back to the table is the social experience.

“I really think why Mahjong is so popular boils down to community, fellowship and meeting new people,” Duffy says. “I just think it’s a way for people to connect in a fun, organized way.”

WHERE TO PLAY

Check out these open play sessions and lessons

Kansas City Riichi Mahjong Club Meets every Thursday from 6–9 pm at Cardboard Corner Cafe inside Lenexa Public Market. kcriichi.com.

That social element has fueled the growth of KC’s Mahjong community, luring players who are looking to make new friends, reconnect with old ones or simply pick up a hobby. The game is proving to have a multi-generational draw, with most classes attracting young adults through retirees. Duffy recently taught her youngest student, a 9-year-old.

Johnson County Parks and Recreation Offers introductory classes for those over 50 on the first Monday of each month from 10 am–12 pm. jcprd.com.

Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City Hosts Mahjong lessons for those over 55 on Wednesdays at 12:30 pm. thejkc.org.

KC Mahjong Club at Olive Tree Hosts “Learn to Play” sessions the second Tuesday of the month and “Guided Play” the last Tuesday of the month, both from 6–8 pm. mahjongclubkc.com.

KC Mahjong at Blair and Blythe Offers “Moonlight Mahjong” the first Tuesday of the month from 6–8 pm. mahjongclubkc.com.

The Bam Bam Room

The metro’s first Mahjong only club. Open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm. thebambamroomkc.com.

Other factors that may have contributed to the game’s recent popularity include the accessibility of online Mahjong and its cameo in films like Crazy Rich Asians Understanding the strategy and lingo of Mahjong takes time, which has created a steady demand for teachers.

Duffy has become one of the city’s leading instructors since her start in 2020. She partners with local businesses such as Olive Tree and Blair and Blythe to host group lessons and open play while also organizing private group sessions for those who want to learn with friends.

But she is far from the only one. Other local teachers run classes in community centers, cafes, small businesses and from their homes, and groups organize social games that bring together both longtime friends and newcomers.

“I hear of people wanting to learn, so there are new teachers all the time,” Duffy says. “I’m just one of many in town, and it always amazes me that there are new people wanting to play.”

With a simple online search, everyone can find their place to play. And with so many options available, Mahjong’s resurgence in KC shows no signs of slowing.

The Many Sides of Author Adib Khorram

It’s pretty exciting you were chosen to interview Taylor Jenkins Reid. How did that come about? Her new book, Atmosphere, isn’t a love story, but I think there’s a queer love story in it. Both of our works explore queerness in the modern world, and it seemed like a good partnership. Also, if I do say so myself, I am very charming, and I was a theater kid in high school, so I have very little shame.

Why did you start writing adult fiction? In January of 2020, I told myself it was going to be my year of dating and putting myself out there. And so, of course, we decided to have a pandemic instead. I couldn’t date, and I was really depressed and lonely, so I started reading a lot of romance novels. I think I read like 60 of them in two months, and it reminded me of what a fun, thriving, exciting genre it is.

In the last five to 10 years, contemporary romance has broadened so much in the kind of stories it includes and the types of people that are allowed to be heroes, and I wanted to try my hand at my own kind of love story about queer, Brown people, about the Iranian diaspora and about Kansas City.

A local author discusses his books, his favorite KC wine bar and his upcoming conversation with novelist Taylor Jenkins Reid at the Heartland Book Festival

By Anne Kniggendorf

ADIB KHORRAM’S two most recent publications are diabolically opposed, but in a good way. Bijan Always Wins is an award-winning picture book about a child Khorram says has a “tenuous grip on reality.” I’ll Have What He’s Having is a very sex-forward adult romance.

The author, who lives in Kansas City and grew up in Gladstone, Missouri, rose to literary fame for a novel in yet another category: young adult. Darius the Great Is Not Okay is about a teenager who visits Iran for the first time; Khorram is Iranian-American.

Khorram set two of his books in Kansas City, seizing an opportunity to show off places like Loose Park and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. And this month, Kansas City has a chance to show off the wide-ranging Khorram a little, too.

He’ll be at the third annual Heartland Book Festival at the Kansas City Public Library on October 11 in conversation with bestselling novelist Taylor Jenkins Reid, whose most notable works include Daisy Jones and The Six and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. He’ll also read Bijan Always Wins, one of Missouri’s 2025 picks for Great Reads from Great Places, a national initiative organized by the Library of Congress Center for the Book. For a complete list of events and to RSVP, visit heartlandbookfest.org.

How did you decide what local spots to fictionalize? Generally, if it was a well-known public landmark, I was quite content to use its regular name. And if it was a business, I sort of shaved the serial number off. A lot of the action in I’ll Have What He’s Having happens at a wine bar at 15th and Walnut, Aspire, which just happens to be the exact same location as my favorite wine bar, Tannin.

Readers of I’ll Have What He’s Having will want to know where to find the best fries in town. That would be at Tannin Wine Bar & Kitchen.

When you order them, do you call them pommes frites? I do say pommes frites. Or if I’m feeling spicy, I’ll just say frites.

Your website gives Star Trek a lot of attention. Do we need to do that here? I love Star Trek. I’ve been watching it since I was eight years old. I think the vision it presents of the future is an important one and one worth striving for. Growing up, one of my most important role models was Captain Jean-Luc Picard, who was moral and empathetic and thoughtful and led by example, never by shouting. It also taught me from an early age that it was okay to be bald. I’m very bald.

Photography by Afsoneh Khorram

CRYSTAL CLEAR

A local craftsman with decades of stained glass expertise shares how his traditional process creates art that’s both practical and stunning

By Nicole Kinning Photography by Ian Simmons

JAMIE JONES JOKES that when he started cutting glass at 12 years old, the glass cut him more than he cut it. Today, those same hands that struggled with a makeshift carbide steel cutter now create stunning works of art across Kansas City.

Jones’ business, The Leaded Glass Studio, found its start in 1979 when Watson Memorial Methodist Church in Independence Square was being demolished. “They called my dad up at work when they were getting ready to tear down the chapel and said, ‘Hey, if you want any stained glass windows out of here, you better come get it now,’” Jones says.

That salvaged church window glass turned into what would become a lifelong passion for the family. “Next thing you know, [my parents were] kind of piddling around with stained glass, trying to figure out how to do it themselves.”

Despite flourishing technology, Jones maintains an analog approach to the craft: He still sketches by hand, even after studying computer-aided design in college. “We are so efficient already at doing it by hand that we’d have to stop and try to relearn a whole new system,” he says. “I can just draw it in, you know, 20 minutes, as opposed to trying to figure out how I’m going to make it right on a CAD system.”

WHEN JAN BENTLEY needed stained art glass for her historic bungalow, she simply sent Jones stained glass art photos that called to her. The result was a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired design that found a home in her dining room, featuring a geometric design and small jewel pieces that Jones added in strategic places to make the art more three-dimensional.

The second project that Jones did in Bentley’s home was an organic floral design in greens that perfectly matched her kitchen. “They are both unique, masterfully handmade and organic,” Bentley says. “They are perfect additions to a craftsman-style bungalow.”

Much of Jones’ residential work centers on beveled glass—a technique using thicker plate glass with polished, angled edges. “It gives a nice sparkle, still lets the majority of the light come in, but it does give you a degree of privacy so you don’t have people living in fish bowls,” he says.

“THEY ARE BOTH UNIQUE, MASTERFULLY HANDMADE AND ORGANIC. THEY ARE PERFECT ADDITIONS TO A CRAFTSMAN-STYLE BUNGALOW.”

“THE ITALIAN LOOK IS THROUGHOUT OUR HOUSE. [THE STAINED GLASS WINDOW] IS NOT ONLY TIED IN THE BATHROOM WITH THE REST OF THE HOUSE, BUT IT’S ALSO A FOCAL POINT.”

FOR MELONY BERGEN, trusting Jones’ expertise with glass selection proved to be the right decision. Her European-inspired bathroom window features cathedral-like arched motifs, red and amber accents and a mix of textured and clear glass that creates privacy while flooding the space with natural light.

“We love world travel, and so the Italian look is throughout our house,” Bergen says. “[The stained glass window] is not only tied in the bathroom with the rest of the house, but it’s also a focal point.”

Beyond residential work, Jones continues the tradition that started with those salvaged church windows, working with churches across the metro.

“The Catholics have been very good for us,” he says with a smile. “Not in just maintaining existing glass, but also if they are expanding and putting in another parish or a new building or whatever, then we’ve had some very nice jobs.”

THIRD STREET SOCIAL ,

thirdstreetsocial.com

Considered a house favorite at Third Street Social, the Chicken Pot Pie is a perfect savory blend for this time of year. The white wine braised chicken is perfectly combined with peas, carrots and poultry seasonings all under the house-made pastry covering. The temperatures are cooling, but the warmth of this made-from-scratch comfort food delivers a hearty and satisfying experience.

GREEN DIRT ON OAK ,

oak.greendirtfarm.com

OPHELIA'S , opheliasrestaurant.com

Ophelia's has been serving up nostalgia for more than 25 years. Their latest fall menu is giving a twist on a classic BLT. With fresh tomatoes being out of season, Chef Robert Stearns utilizes a grape tomato marmalade that is the perfect combination of a sweet, tangy and subtly spiced topping. It’s served on toasted wheat with thick cut bacon and leafy greens.

RED DOOR WOODFIRED GRILL , reddoorgrill.com

Red Door Woodfired Grill is this year’s Best of KC winner for best restaurant, and their fall menu continues to deliver. The woodfired sirloin uses their ‘smoky trinity’ secret blend of pecan, oak, and hickory to add that savory flavor Red Door is known for. It’s paired with roasted rosemary Yukon gold potatoes and cauliflower, all smothered in cremini mushrooms, garlic butter cream, kale, aged blue cheese and chimichurri.

Green Dirt Farm brings the flavors from Buttonwood Farms directly to your plate. The Half Chicken is a seasonal favorite roasted to perfection. It sits on a bed of sweet corn and béarnaise sauce and perfectly paired with johnny cakes, a savory side dish with crispy edges and a soft, fluffy center. Family-style dining invites you to gather, connect, and share this seasonal favorite.

GREEN DIRT ON OAK

LEFT TO R IG HT: Ice Water”, “No Ice”, Fig Jam Old Fashioned and Gingerberry.

FLAVORS Fall

FLAVORS , Fall

THIRD STREET SOCIAL

OPHELIA'S

Fall FLAVORS SROVALF

, TOP LEFT: Chicken Pot Pie from Third Street Social TOP RIGHT: Buttonwood Farms Half Chicken from Green Dirt on Oak BO TTOM LEFT: Ophelia’s BLT from Ophelia's BOTTOM RIGHT: Sirloin Steak from Red Door Woodfired Grill

Curb Your Appetite

from global bites to late-night fixes, get to know

Kansas City’s food truck scene

and the passionate people behind the wheel

BY RYAN REED, TYLER SHANE, EMILY STANDLEE AND HAMPTON STEVENS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ZACH BAUMAN, SAMANTHA LEVI AND IAN SIMMONS

No Passport Required

Kansas City’s streets are alive with the smells of sizzling street tacos, fragrant curry and crepes hot off the griddle. These food trucks aren’t just slinging snacks; they’re serving up bold, regionally rooted and internationally inspired fare around town.

See our picks for the can’t-miss food truck dishes, served up curbside, that will take your taste buds on a journey far beyond state lines.

By Tyler Shane

Thompson Bros Cubanos Cubano

thompsonbroscubanos.com

“YOU CAN’T FAKE food,” says Clint Thompson, owner and operator of Thompson Bros Cubanos, Kansas City’s first food truck dedicated entirely to the iconic sandwich. The Tampa native grew up on Cubanos and started making them during Covid. When fellow Florida transplants told him his version tasted just like home, he knew he was onto something.

For Thompson and many others, the secret to an authentic Cubano starts with the bread. Thompson sources his from La Segunda Bakery, a century-old institution in Tampa’s Ybor City neighborhood, known for its chewy spring wheat loaves that are essential to the sandwich’s signature flavor and texture. From there, Thompson builds each sandwich with all the essential elements—ham, Swiss cheese, garlicky mojo pork and sour pickles—and panini-presses it until there’s barely an air pocket left. The result is a sandwich with unparalleled tang and a delightful crunch. Thompson adds his own twist on it, however, with a swipe of honey butter on the bread for a sweet, melty finish.

At Thompson Bros Cubanos, a Cubano comes with saffron rice and beans, but Thompson doesn’t stop there. There’s the Barbecuban, layered with smoked brisket, onion straws and barbecue sauce, and the Breakfast Cubano, stacked with fried eggs, ham, bacon, Swiss cheese and a dollop of guava jelly.

Although Thompson is also a barber by trade, he dove into the food truck business three years ago and quickly learned it’s “a lot harder than it looks.” But lately, he’s found his groove—and a growing local following. You can now spot his truck at festivals and breweries around town. This winter, he’ll be slinging sandwiches at Bartle Hall Convention Center.♦

Irvzilla's Hawaiian Grill

Hawaiian Plate Lunch

irvzilla.com

IRVIN DER GREW UP in restaurants, most notably his mother’s well-known Chinese restaurant Tao Tao in KCK, where Der also worked as a chef for more than 20 years. Still, he describes buying his first 18-foot food trailer five years ago as “super scary.”

“It was a learning curve,” Der says of the first few years of his mobile food business Irvzilla’s Hawaiian Grill. Der’s food truck serves Hawaiian fare with a Chinese twist.

When Der opened his food truck in 2022, there was a dearth of Asian or Pacific Islander food trucks serving the metro. Hawaiian Bros had just entered KC’s market, but GOCHEW and the pho-slinging Dragon Wagon had yet to arrive. Der saw an opportunity and teamed up with his Hawaiian-born partner to launch Irvzilla.

Irvzilla is known for its Hawaiian plate lunches. Its best seller is the grilled teriyaki chicken served alongside fresh rice and a creamy dill mac salad. As the menu expanded, Der fused Hawaiian flavors with dishes inspired by his time at Tao Tao, adding chicken katsu, shrimp plates, teriyaki meatballs and his signature spring rolls.

Today, Der owns five trucks all together, including the Hawaiian-inspired Da Poke Wagon, and has become something of a food truck elder. He’s called “the Mayor” by others in the food truck game and frequently buys, sells and helps others launch mobile food businesses. Later this month, he’s even teaching a seminar for aspiring food truckers. He attends all sorts of events and festivals around town, but you can almost always find him in the Crossroads during First Fridays.

“Food trucking isn’t easy,” Der says. “I’ll start work at eight in the morning and sometimes not get home until past eight at night. But I try to teach and mentor other food truckers because if I can help create a community of other food truckers that can make their own way and grow, I think I can leave something behind that way. And, hey, it’s fun.”♦

Slightly Sauced

KC FOOD TRUCKS FOR THE INEBRIATED LATE-NIGHT MUNCHERS

By Tyler Shane

Southwest Boulevard

Pepe’s Tacos

The mysterious Pepe’s Tacos has no online presence, so it’s impossible to truly predict where they will be, but more likely than not, you’ll find them parked in front of Don’s Market and Liquors on Southwest Boulevard. Pepe’s is one of the most consistent late-night food trucks to be enjoyed after hitting one of the local bars on the Boulevard. It’s not just convenient; it’s delicious. Go for the carne asada if you want something simple, or grab some hearty birria if you need something to soak up the booze. 3000 Southwest Blvd., KCMO

Kculichi Sushi

It’s not often you find Mexican flavors packed into a sushi roll, but this truck serves just that. Kculichi is the ultimate in fusion cuisine, delivering fresh-cut rows of sushi doused with the spices and sauces of the sea-bordering state of Sinaloa, Mexico, in each to-go box. As a bonus, it’s open until midnight Friday through Sunday.

3014 Southwest Blvd., KCMO, @kculichi_sushi

truck yeah!

no Passport required

Julita’s

JULITA’S IS ONE of the few soul food trucks serving the Kansas City metro. Chef Julita Latimer’s signature fried chicken is served pan-fried and paired with classic sides like mac and cheese, but we suggest getting it tossed in smoky, spicy maple syrup and served in a waffle cone for a savory treat like no other. Head to Julita’s website to learn where they will be next.♦

YOUR GUIDE TO ANNUAL FESTIVALS

FUELED BY FOOD TRUCKS

By Emily Standlee

One of the best parts of any good festival experience is the small, joyful act of wandering among the food trucks, waiting to see what locally made delicacy catches one’s eye (or nose). The most difficult part? Choosing what to order. And if the universe tilts in your favor, flavors from a not-yet-tried part of the world might be just around the corner. Here, we’ve highlighted 10 can’t-miss yearly fests—complete with food trucks—to add to your calendar. Although the month and locale stay the same year-to-year, exact dates change.

→

Boulevardia | Crown Center

This June marked 10 years of Boulevardia, and as usual, the party stretched down Grand Boulevard, threading through a makers market and past fancy cocktail stands, live music stages and, of course, plenty of food. Although food trucks have always been a major part of this particular fest, it’s the diversity among them that really sets it off. Craving Vietnamese street food? Dragon Wagon had pho this year. Festival favorite Smoke ‘n’ Seoul rolled in with Korean fried chicken and pork belly tacos. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Grand Boulevard and Pershing Road, KCMO, boulevardia.com.

Miranda’s Mexican Food Truck

Tacos

De Canasta

THERE ARE LOTS of things you can grab at Miranda’s, like chicken flautas, tortas, even the lesser-seen masa and bean dish of huaraches. But it's the tacos de canasta, stuffed with stewy pork shoulder and smothered with a zesty red sauce, that keep customers consistently lined up outside the truck’s window. You can find Miranda’s along Southwest Boulevard throughout the week (3029 Southwest Blvd., KCMO) or on Facebook @mirandas-mexican-food-truck.♦

Slightly Sauced

Westport

Grit N Gravy

Usually sitting at 75th and Troost, Grit N Gravy comes to Westport every weekend. Burgers, wings and Philly cheesesteaks are on the menu (and all mouthwatering), but the best part is you can add their delightful savory gravy to any dish. grittingravy.com

Jerusalem Cafe

Possibly one of Westport’s most longstanding late-night food trucks, Jerusalem Cafe’s gyros are the perfect refresher after having one too many. The Middle Eastern food truck sets up shop every Friday and Saturday (usually in front of The Patio, but that can change) and stays open until 1 am for the night owls and dancing queens. jerusalemkc. com, @jerusalem_kc

→ Fiesta Hispana | West Bottoms

Dreamed up to honor Kansas Citians hailing from all parts of Latin America—from Puerto Rico to Colombia—Fiesta Hispana is a colorful educational celebration that attracts more than 40,000 people every September. It’s as much about the history of these cultures as it is about the food here, and that’s what makes it so memorable. This year’s event featured a bustling vendor area and food court, plus an entire section devoted to food trucks, with popular spots like Sugar Skull Grill and Taqueria La India on the roster. 1701 American Royal Court, KCMO, kcfiestahispana.com.

→ First Fridays | Crossroads

In a world of First Fridays, the one in KC’s Crossroads neighborhood stands out for its art—and its food trucks, most of which congregate near the old red brick KC Star building at 18th and McGee streets. This is how you introduce your out-of-town friends and fam to KC; after all, we’re a city of artists and foodies, so you might as well show it all off in this highly walkable part of town, alleyways included. It’s a chance to pop into galleries and also treat yourself to a leisurely al fresco dining experience. Crossroads around Southwest Boulevard and Baltimore avenues, KCMO, kccrossroads.org.

→ Food Truck Frenzy | 18th & Vine

As if you needed another reason to visit 18th & Vine, Kansas City’s historic jazz and blues district home to excellent Black-owned businesses of all kinds, the Food Truck Frenzy Festival gives you another. Each September, the neighborhood hosts the festival, bringing together vendors to not only feed the community but also compete for best desserts, drinks, meals and a “best overall” award, all with a chance to win cash prizes. Think of it as a close-up glimpse into KC’s culinary future. Perhaps you’ll be one of the first to try a dish here that will end up at a brick and mortar in the months to come. 2000 Vine St., KCMO, kcjazzdistrict.org.

Slightly Sauced (cont.)

18th & Vine

KC Que

You might stumble upon KC Que sitting outside Vine Street Brewery. The barbecue truck serves ribs, burnt ends, beef brisket and pulled pork familystyle or by the pound. kc-que.com, @kc_cue

Julita’s

Julita’s soul food pops up every now and then in KC’s Jazz District and serves delights such as chicken and waffles, shrimp po’ boys, gumbo and collard greens. Chef Julita Latimer’s fried chicken is her signature, but the shrimp po’ boy and baked mac are equally delicious. julitaskc.com, @julitaskc

Deez Nachos

You may have tried Deez Nachos’ late-night eats and game day treats when they had a booth at the Crossroads food hall Parlor, but the family-owned restaurant also owns a food truck. Sure, you can grab some loaded nachos, and you won’t be disappointed, but I recommend snagging some creamy bechamelbased mac and cheese or zesty wings if you really want to indulge.

@deeznachoskc

no Passport required

Ragusa’s Italian Cafe Italian Crepes

and Cannolis

ragusaskc.com

SOFT, SWEET ITALIAN crepes are Ragusa’s signature item, but you’ll find their menu is filled with other Italian delights and specials. One day the special might be a homey lasagna made from scratch, and the next day the special could be imported cannolis and homemade tiramisu. This Italian cafe on wheels doesn’t stick to a regular location, but you can book them for your next event by checking out their website. ♦

truck yeah! (cont.)

→ Food Truck Frenzy | Lenexa, KS

Only in (or near) Kansas City could there be two food festivals sharing the same name. Lenexa’s Food Truck Frenzy takes over both the city’s Old Town region and its civic campus in September. Guests can do more than just sample fare from some of the area’s best food trucks; they can also bike through the historic part of town and stop by the Public Market for drinks. From Taste of Aloha to The Mad Greek Traveling Taverna, this event is a hard one to beat. Old Town Lenexa and Lenexa civic campus, KS, lenexa.com.

→ Garment District Grooves Concert Series | Garment District

On the third Wednesday from May through October, this hidden pocket park shines with live music and a rotating food truck for each date. (Just look for the giant red button near Eighth and Bank streets; it’ll point you in the right direction.) Although not as large as other fests on this list, this series is still worth mentioning because let’s be honest: How often do you get to listen to jazzy tunes, try new food and enjoy the fresh air, all on your lunch break? Check out the KC Parks and Recreation website for dates, bands and names of trucks. Eighth and Bank streets, KCMO, kcparks.org.

→ Kansas City’s Lawn Party | Southmoreland

Name a more iconic lawn in Kansas City. Each summer, the swath of green grass outside the Nelson-Atkins Museum comes alive for a festival of epic proportions. Grab a blanket and your shades, and post up beneath one of the shuttlecocks to take in the day with food from local food trucks, music from some of KC’s hottest bands and yard games. This family-friendly event is free and takes place in July. Your museum admission includes entry to the lawn party, so why not spend some time exploring its holdings before cutting up on the lawn with friends? 4525 Oak St., KCMO, nelson-atkins.org.

Amruta Vilas

Masala Dosa

amrutavilaskc.com

POSTED UP AT the Flash Petro gas station in Olathe is Amruta Vilas, a truck serving a blend of South Indian and Chinese flavors (16610 W. 135th St., Olathe). This means you can snag pani puri, chicken fried rice, green chili-stuffed mirchi and more until midnight every day of the week. A blend of South Indian and authentic Chinese flavors, Amruta serves dishes that “celebrate the rich culinary heritage of India while also embracing the zest of Chinese flavors,” they say. ♦

Slightly Sauced

(cont.)

River Market

Disco Burger

Posted outside the Varsity Club, the River Market’s only cocktail lounge, is Disco Burger, and it serves one of the best smash burgers in the city. It’s worth visiting even if you don’t plan on imbibing beforehand. You can snag a classic burger, decadent ice cream sundae or an elite Sonoran-style hot dog until 10 pm throughout the work week and until 11 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. 319 Delaware St., KCMO, @disco.burger

→ Meadowbrook Park Festival | Prairie Village

In its third year, the Meadowbrook Park Festival in Prairie Village combines live music, children’s activities, the chance to peruse lots of art from local makers and, naturally, a mess of food trucks just waiting to be discovered. You’ll get the chance to try the Pretzelly Truck (Kansas’ first-ever soft-pretzel food truck), Ai Tasty Delights (whose waffles—and more—on a stick have gleaned a large following) and others. Best of all, when attending this June fest, you’re supporting a good cause: Johnson County Parks and Recreation’s public art program. 9101 Nall Ave., Prairie Village, farfallaeventco.com.

→ Taste of Kansas City | Ivanhoe Southwest

The Taste of Kansas City food festival is now in its third year, and it’s only gotten better with time. Taking place just east of The Paseo at Harris Park, it offers a diverse selection of vendors, walking paths, lots of shade trees, tents and food trucks. From fresh-squeezed lemonade and generous portions of soul food to tacos al pastor, this one brings variety and a truly welcoming atmosphere. Also on deck are creatives selling their wares. The party usually kicks off around Labor Day weekend, beginning at noon. 4029 Wayne Ave., KCMO, thetasteofkc.com.

→ WeekEnder | Crown Center

The WeekEnder series at Crown Center Square is exactly what it sounds like: the perfect top-off to the weekday hustle. It’s also an opportunity to get outside with friends, family or a first date in summertime, as these casual Friday nights include live music from local bands, dinner from one of the lined-up food trucks and a free showing of a classic movie like Twister or Clueless. Even better, you can bring in blankets, lawn chairs and glass-free booze or NA bevies. WeekEnder runs each July and August starting at 6 pm. And guess what? Parking is free, too. 2405 Grand Blvd. Ste. 200, KCMO, crowncenter.com/weekender.

Babushka’s Kitchen

IT’S NOT EASY to find crispy chicken kiev in KC—or any other kind of Slavic food for that matter—but Babushka’s Kitchen aims to change that. Pull up to the food truck, often stationed in Lee’s Summit’s in an At Home parking lot (601 Route 291, Lee's Summit, MO), and you can snag borscht, pork kebabs and even perogies on the go. ♦

By Emily Standlee

Part of the magic of a food truck is its rarity—whether that’s rolling into a food festival, popping up in a certain neighborhood or spontaneously parking near a brewery or favorite late-night bar. But that’s just it: Food trucks, while exciting, can be difficult to find. And what if you fall in love with a specific one and can’t locate it again? Luckily, in Kansas City, we have the power to track down trucks of all sorts using kcstreetfood.com With its “who’s open” tool, you can search the website by day or week and

even filter results based on distance. It gives live updates on where food trucks are parked, along with precise time windows so you know exactly when to go. It’s a good way to not only stay in the loop but also discover new trucks and unique dishes around town. What’s more, the site’s interactive map makes it easy to see all the trucks parked around your favorite area. Because let’s face it, knowing there will be good food at the function is half the reason for going.

Chasing the Ice Cream Truck

A nostalgic look at the sweet sound of summer—and the Kansas City invention that made it even cooler

By Hampton Stevens

iT’S LIKE A DREAM. You’re playing with your friends, running around someone’s backyard on a perfect summer day. The sun gives life. The grass is soft. Suddenly, you hear a sound. The synthesized chimes of "The Entertainer," perhaps, or "Pop Goes The Weasel" come wafting through the warm, thick air. Sheer joy strikes. A Pavlovian reaction. The ice cream man cometh.

They are, after all, the first food truck. Way back in the 1920s, long before we bought bespoke shawarma or Korean barbeque from restaurants on wheels, Harry Burt of Youngstown, Ohio, was among the first to sell ice cream from a truck.

The story goes that Burt’s daughter, Ruth, thought the then-new (and problematically named) Eskimo Pie was too messy. Burt’s son suggested using a wooden stick as a handle. Genius. Suddenly, kids could eat ice cream without getting sticky fingers. Burt, seeing opportunity, outfitted 12 street vending trucks with rudimentary freezers to sell the new confection. Soon to be known as the Good Humor Bar, sold by the Good Humor Man, the business would become iconic for drivers in crisp, all-white uniforms.

Those earliest trucks, however, were not like the ones we see today. They were modified Ford Model Ts, more like pickups with bed-mounted refrigeration units. To make a sale, the driver had to step out of the cab and walk to the back of the truck.

The ice cream truck as we know it—the converted step van selling from a side window—owes much of its popularity to Mister Softee. Founded in 1956 by the Conway brothers in Philadelphia, Mister Softee also gave us the music box

jingle as a way to announce the trucks’ presence. (Good Humor famously used bells.) Their famed jingle even figured as plot point in an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Curb Your Enthusiasm isn’t the only example of ice cream trucks in pop culture. "Ice Cream Man," a double entendre-filled blues tune written by John Brim in 1953, was famously recorded by Van Halen on their debut record. In Nice Dreams, the 1981 Cheech and Chong film, the boys sell more than just ice cream from a van.

While the ice cream truck has its place in our childhoods and pop culture, our own City of Fountains was pivotal in creating one of the most iconic treats to ever be served from an ice cream truck: the red, white and blue Bomb Pop. Born right here in Kansas City, the Bomb Pop was created in 1955 by a pair of local inventors at the Merritt Foods plant during the height of the Cold War. It was more than just a frozen treat. It was patriotic branding on a stick.

Today, ice cream trucks are rare, probably because suburbs don’t have the population density to support them. Air conditioning hurts, too. People now stay inside when it’s hot. And grocery stores carry the Creamsicles and Choco Tacos that were once available only on the street.

But grocery stores don’t have magic. Ice cream trucks are not just Pavlovian, but Proustian, too; the sound, colors and taste create an indelible sensory memory. To see one is to recall those moments of childhood purity and innocence—a time when the biggest problem in your life was dropping a Bomb Pop or having chocolate on your

The Anatomy of a Food Truck

From fryer to fender, see what makes it roll

By Tyler Shane

With equipment costs ranging from $20,000 to $100,000 and the truck itself costing anywhere from $50,000 to $150,000, building out a food truck is no small feat. Then there’s insurance, of course. Deez Nachos food truck owner Dwight Tiller let us step inside his fully loaded kitchen on wheels, giving us a driver’s view of how much these moveable restaurants cost and how these entrepreneurs make the most of their limited space.

Sandwich counter: $1,500

Flat-top grill: $630

Fryers: $1,000

Floor mats: $65 each

Prep table: $200

Sink: $100

Generator (Not pictured): $2,000

Threecompartment sink: $350

Refrigrerator: $1,300

A Roving Kitchen

From pop-up to permanent-ish, how one determined mobile chef’s vision came to fruition

By Ryan Reed

ansas City has a history of turning food trucks into brick-and-mortar restaurants. Port Fonda, TC’s Fully Loaded, Mattie’s Foods and Pigwich are just a few of the beloved eateries that started off with humble mobile beginnings. Restaurants are hard to pull off, and going the food truck route is definitely less risky. GOCHEW Burger and Sandwich, founded and operated by Joohae “Chewy” Yoon, is a perfect example. →

Yoon came to the United States as a South Korean exchange student in 2012 and never looked back. She started her professional life in health care but always enjoyed cooking and sharing the food of her childhood with friends and the community through various Korean organizations. Wanting to expand on that desire and looking for ways to venture into the food business, Yoon discovered the Ennovation Center, a nonprofit business incubator in Independence with a commercial kitchen available for people with ideas but not many resources, like Yoon. With the guidance of its executive director Danielle DuPree, Yoon was able to create her first pop-up, GOCHEW.

“[DuPree] was such a great help navigating what’s available, what kind of food permit licenses I needed to apply for and what I could do to start,” Yoon says. “It was like a test market.”

Yoon served Korean and American fast casual eats like smash burgers and dumplings at her first pop-up, and it was a wild success. She sold out of everything.

“Thinking back, maybe I needed that confidence to get to the next step,” Yoon says. “ I felt really taken care of by the community. It gave me an immense sense of belonging.”

But Yoon could already anticipate the challenges of the pop-up format. “It was very difficult to bring all the food from the shared kitchen to the pop-up without it going soggy,” she says. So, she set her sights on moving past the one-off pop-up and going mobile.

Yoon attended a food truck workshop at Mid-Continent Public Library, where veteran “food truckers” shared an abundance of learned lessons from their collective experiences. Hearing nightmares about food trucks unable to operate because of mechanical issues, Yoon decided to start with a trailer. “I used painter’s tape in my basement to lay out a trailer size and see where the fryer was gonna go, and then I found a company called Custom Trailer Pros in Overland Park,” Yoon says. “Then I went ahead and ordered my first food trailer. That was three years ago.”

After a few years working out of a trailer, Yoon was ready to upgrade. Although a trailer is very reliable, with fewer mechanical worries than a truck, parking it at

events was always troublesome. Plus, Yoon wanted the opportunity to expand GOCHEW into other Midwest markets. So when she saw the chance to buy a truck, she took it. “I got what used to be a school bus that somebody had converted into a food truck,” she says. “I feel like it is a great choice. It’s more expensive to fix, but I feel like it’s worth it.”

Yoon has spent the past year pulling up to festivals and city events serving up a genre she calls “Korean American fast food.” Her barbecue pork sandwich, for example, is drizzled with a gochujang-infused creamy sauce, and french fries are doused with various Korean-inspired sauces and sprinkled with green onions.

About a year ago, Yoon started searching for a more permanent place to park her bus turned food mobile. “I got in touch with City Hall in Raytown when I found a property that fit our criteria,” she says. “They were so welcoming and they wanted us there. It felt great.”

Along with a concrete pad to park her truck, Yoon’s lot includes a small building where customers can enjoy their food, if they so choose, or purchase some Korean snacks and GOCHEW merch (the truck’s logo of an anime character with a burger makes for a great T-shirt graphic). Having a permanent location also allows GOCHEW to have consistent weekly hours.

Raytown might be an unexpected spot for Yoon’s black and yellow anime-decorated Korean food truck, but she’s happy to be building a bridge between Midwest palates and her Korean culture, especially with her bulgogi smash burgers. “I enjoy all the burgers—Red Robin, Five Guys, everything,” she says. “I just couldn’t find that bulgogi flavor [in KC], so I decided to make the sauces, and with the burger came fries and everything else.”

Now that Yoon has a solid location, she doesn’t want to stay put. Instead, she wants to expand and bring her unique flavors to places that may not otherwise experience Korean food. “I want to hit some more rural areas,” Yoon says. “I want to go to Buckner, Lexington, Odessa, all the places that I used to serve as a home health therapist. I think people will start enjoying the differences that they were a little bit skeptical about. The difference is good.”♦

“It’s like velvet smashed with fruit or whipped with chocolate—cold, creamy, smooth and gloriously tart. Gelato is one of the best things in the world on a hot, late-summer day.”

cream and eggs of its dessert brethren ice cream or French custard. It’s like velvet smashed with fruit or whipped with chocolate—cold, creamy, smooth and gloriously tart. Gelato is one of the best things in the world on a hot, late-summer day. I had been pregnant and, many times, miserable, all summer. Truthfully, as excited as I was to be a mom, I was also scared. Something had shifted in me while on the brink of this new chapter of my life. If I was going to take on one of the biggest responsibilities that a human being can take on, I was going to combat that pressure by living unapologetically. Wild adventures, like bungee jumping out of an airplane, may not have been on the table while pregnant, but

cravings and Contractions

The food truck gelato that put me into labor

By Tyler Shane

iWASN’T CRAVING gelato on September 21st of last year. I was nine months pregnant, and my husband and I had just satisfied my hormonal need for salt and beef at the Snack Shack on Johnson Drive, a glorious greasy spoon that serves up smash burgers, onion rings and towering swirls of soft serve ice cream—a childhood favorite of mine. Ice cream, and its many varieties, was my stand-in drug of choice during that nine-month stretch of sobriety. But my belly, round and tight as a drum, was feeling particularly hefty and strained that day. I was having contractions. I just didn’t know it yet.

As we stepped out of Snack Shack and onto Beverly Lane, a massive food truck with a chalkboard sign reading “Gelato” sat parked in front of a brewery.

Gelato might be one of my favorite desserts of all time—lemon gelato, specifically. Its icy-smooth texture makes me happily forgo the

eating gelato, when it appeared almost like a mirage ever so fatefully in front of me, was.

My husband, with his body, mind and hormones relatively unchanged over the past nine months, was in no position to tell me no when we spied the gelato purveyor. We ran across the street to the truck, Andiamo Gelato, which I would later find out was run by a local Italian couple. I ordered two flavors: lemon pie and chocolate hazelnut. My husband ordered none.

More for me.

Both heaping scoops were perfect. The last time I had gelato this good, my husband and I were in Italy, where he proposed on the edge of a cliffside city in Cinque Terre, atop ancient ruins where you could see the sea and beyond.

Andiamo’s gelatos, each topped with a thin wafer cracker, appropriately reminiscent of the ones I had taken at communion many times before, were each sublime. My husband teased me for ordering two flavors, but the way the bright lemon zest and deeply roasted hazelnut tasted sent my spirits soaring. My belly was tight. I was full and happy.

Several hours later, I sat in my usual spot on the couch, one golden retriever curled at my side, the other being coddled by my husband. Suddenly, I felt what can only be described as a water balloon bursting in my womb. My baby boy was on his way.

After laboring for 12 hours, a healthy, chubby baby boy was born. Almost a year later, his cheeks are as plump and round as those two scoops of gelato that I like to believe gave him the final impetus to come into this world.

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Making It Real How baseball authenticates memory

By StevensHampton

PHOTOGRAPHY

Eric Winebrenner is an MLB authenticator who works the Royals games at Kauffman Stadium.

I got Salvy sweat on me …

We were in the bowels of Kauffman Stadium on an absolutely blistering Sunday afternoon. The Royals had just beaten the White Sox 6-2 to complete a series sweep. In a room packed with equipment, merchandise and coat racks overstuffed with blue and white uniforms, Eric Winebrenner, an authenticator for Major League Baseball, was carefully putting stickers on game-used gear.

Tall, with close-cropped silver hair and a trim goatee, Winebrenner wore khakis, blue sneakers and a white polo. He held up the jersey Bobby Witt Jr. had just played in, replete with dirt from a slide into second. He knew it was Bobby’s because he had watched the player take it off in the locker room just moments before.

Winebrenner showed me more stuff: game-used balls, bats and cleats. The latter two were in wild colors and themes as a part of baseball’s Players’ Weekend, an

annual event where Major League Baseball celebrates the players’ personalities and charitable causes through custom gear. Winebrenner then showed me Salvy’s No. 13 jersey. It was completely soaked with sweat.

Almost instinctively, I put my hand on it. Then, rubbing my thumb and forefinger together, I felt the wisps of moisture on my skin. A second later I wondered, why on earth did I do that?

Sure, Salvador Perez is a legend. He’s one of the greatest baseball players of his era, arguably of all-time, and by all accounts an absolutely delightful human being. But that doesn’t explain why I’d want to touch his bodily fluids.

The answer speaks to why Winebrenner’s job exists in the first place. Sports memorabilia is ultimately about connection—not just to the players or games we love, but to ourselves. Yes, we buy souvenirs because we want a connection to baseball. Ultimately, though, it’s about connection to our own past—to the memories that make us who we are—and baseball provides those connections in ways that feel increasingly rare.

In his ninth season as an authenticator, Winebrenner is calm, confident and unfailingly kind. He speaks with the measured poise of a man who has dealt with the nastier side of life. Appropriately so. Winebrenner is retired from the KCPD.

Retired cops are the norm, says Michael Posner, vice president of authentication and trading cards for the MLB. Speaking via Zoom, Posner says that MLB’s authentication program almost exclusively hires current or former law enforcement.

“What we’re doing is really evidence collection,” Posner says.

At a basic level, he says, the program uses the same processes and philosophy as law enforcement and the courts: meticulous recordkeeping and carefully maintaining a chain of custody. Which makes sense. MLB’s program, the most comprehensive memorabilia collection system of any sports league, originally came into existence as a means of fighting fraud.

The impetus came in the 1990s. The great Tony Gwynn walked into the Padres’ official gift shop and saw a bunch of items for sale that he had supposedly autographed. Gwynn explained that, no, he’d never laid eyes on the stuff. The FBI’s San Diego field office was alerted, and Gwynn ended up participating in a probe of forged autographs and fake sports memorabilia known as “Operation Bullpen.” Ultimately, more than 50 people were convicted.

Baseball realized it needed a better way to authenticate memorabilia than the old “trust me, bro” method. Today, they have one. Two guys like Winebrenner are at every Spring Training and regular season game, with more manning big events like the All-Star Game and playoff games. For Players’ Weekend at Kauffman, there were three—Winebrenner, Mike Perne and Dan Mairet. In all, MLB uses more than 200 official authenticators to verify the gear they sell, give to players or donate to various halls of fame, including the Royals’ Hall of Fame, which Posner calls “one of the finest in the league.”

Typically, the authenticator’s day starts with a list of potentially historic moments to look for. On that hot August afternoon at Kauffman, for instance, Winebrenner’s list noted that Witt Jr. was sitting at 99 homers. The 100th would be a big deal.

Step two is for the authenticators to station themselves near the dugouts, documenting what happens to every single game-used ball—who throws it, who hits it, who fields it. Everything. It’s a lot to track, especially since the balls don’t stay in play very long.

“They’re trading balls out every three or four pitches,” Winebrenner says, “So we’re always watching the ball.”

As soon as one comes off the field, they’ll get it from the ballboy and affix a small silver sticker. On that sticker is a tamper-proof hologram and a unique letter code. That code is matched in a database where the authenticator has carefully chronicled the use of the ball in question. The stickers, not incidentally, also create a way for fans to look up a given item on the internet and get the details of how it was used.

Posner explains: “Say you get a ball that was hit by Jac Caglianone for a double. You’ll be able to look that ball up and it will say who the pitcher was, who the hitter was, the inning that it was pitched in. You can see how many pitches were thrown with that baseball, how hard they were thrown.”

It goes on. You can find the exit velocity and the launch angle, too. It’s just … cool.

It’s also popular. “To date,” Posner says, “we’re over 11 million unique items in our database. There’s about half a million to 600,000 done a year now.”

And it’s not only baseballs. Witness those sweaty jerseys.

“Baseball is tremendous at creating stuff,” Winebrenner says. “There’s bats, and they break bats, so there’s more bats. There’s helmets. There’s jerseys, and there’s pants. There’s cleats. Just the multitude of stuff that’s available for authentication is kind of overwhelming.”

Some of it, to be sure, is delightfully goofy. Going into the gig, Winebrenner knew he would be authenticating a lot of baseballs. “But I didn’t know I was going to do fountain water,” he says. “I didn’t know I was going to do infield dirt.”

Posner agrees. Asked about the weirdest thing MLB has ever authenticated, he ponders, then smiles. “We authenticated corn stalks from the game in Iowa, from the Field of Dreams game in Dyersville. And some of them ended up in trading cards—a very limited edition trading card. We even sold a couple of ears of corn at auction just for fun. And the fans loved it.”

Weirdly, for all the corn stalks and fountain water, MLB usually can’t authenticate something that fans and players want most of all: home run balls.

“Once it leaves the field of play, we can’t, because we have to be able to maintain chain of custody,” Winebrenner explains.

That doesn’t mean, however, that MLB can’t commemorate the event. Take Witt Jr.’s aforementioned 100th homer, which he hit a few days later, blasting one 448 feet to center—way outside the authenticator’s purview. “Even though we can’t authenticate the home run ball itself, we can do the bases on the field,” Posner says. “We can do cleats and the bat and batting gloves.” They might even do dirt from the batter’s box.

The point, Posner says, is to create something fans can touch and hold that connects them with the experience.

“It’s a fantastic byproduct of the program,” Posner says. “You can take your kid to their first game, get a ball that was used on the field and forever be able to tell the story. You can put it on your mantle and you can always go back to it, time and again, through that hologram.”

And that’s the essence of it. That’s why people pay serious cash for used batting gloves and stinky shoes. That’s what compelled me to put a hand on Salvy’s sweaty shirt.

Sure, part of it is just wanting to touch greatness. Perez is awesome, and being close to that is cool. Yes,

part of it is financial. Memorabilia is big business, and tons of collectors are just in it for the money.

In its essence, though, memorabilia is about memories—hence the name. It’s a way to connect to our past, helping us to better understand who we are and who we will become. Best of all, it’s tangible.

These balls, caps and cleats aren’t like the pictures we take on a cellphone and never see again. They aren’t like social media posts that are forgotten almost as soon as they’re made. These are actual, physical objects that live in our homes. They can be touched. That matters.

In a world of glowing screens, artificial intelligence and digitalized everything, we need that concrete, physical reality. We long for it. We crave it. Even if the stuff is dirty and soaked with sweat. Or maybe especially if the stuff is dirty and soaked with sweat.

Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., April 5, 2025 vs. Baltimore

This listing of the metro’s top dentists is excerpted from the national 2025 topDentists™ list. The KC list is based on thousands of detailed evaluations of dentists and professionals by their peers. A listing cannot be purchased. All dentists that appear on this list have been voted in by their peers. The complete database is available at usatopdentists.com. For more information, call (706) 364-0853; write PO Box 970, Augusta, GA 30903; email help@usatopdentists.com or visit usatopdentists.com.

Selection Process

“If your friend needed a dentist, who would you refer them to?”

This is the question thousands of dentists were asked to determine who the Top Dentists should be. Dentists and specialists were asked to take into consideration years of experience, continuing education, bedside manner, use of new techniques and technologies and, of course, physical results.

The online poll was listed with the American Dental Association, as well as local dental societies, thus allowing virtually every dentist the opportunity to participate. Dentists were also given the opportunity to nominate other dentists that they felt should be included in the list. Respondents were asked to put aside any personal bias or political motivations and use only their knowledge of their peers’ work when evaluating the other nominees.

Voters were asked to individually evaluate the practitioners on their ballot whose work they are familiar with. Once the balloting was completed, the scores were compiled and averaged. The numerical average required for inclusion varies depending on the average for all the nominees within the specialty and the geographic area. Borderline cases were given careful consideration by the editors of the topDentists organization. Voting characteristics and comments were taken into consideration while making decisions.

Once the decisions were finalized, the included dentists were checked against state dental boards for disciplinary actions to make sure they have an active license and are in good standing.

There are many fine dentists, of course, who are not included in this list. It is intended as a sampling of the great body of talent in the field of dentistry in the United States. A dentist’s inclusion on the topDentists list is based on the subjective judgments of his or her fellow dentists. While it is true that the lists may at times disproportionately reward visibility or popularity, we remain confident that the polling methodology largely corrects for any biases and that these lists continue to represent the most reliable, accurate and useful list of dentists available anywhere.

Disclaimer

This list is excerpted from the 2024 topDentists™ list, which includes listings for nearly 200 dentists and specialists in the Kansas City metro area. For more information, call 706364-0853; or write PO Box 970, Augusta, GA 30903; or visit usatopdentists.com. topDentists has used its best efforts in assembling material for this list but does not warrant that the information contained herein is complete or accurate and does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident or any other cause. Copyright 2011-2024 by topDentists, LLC, Augusta, GA. All rights reserved. This list, or parts thereof, must not be reproduced in any form without permission. No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without permission of topDentists. No fees may be charged, directly or indirectly, for the use of the information in this list without permission.

Endodontics

Anthony Altomare Leawood Commons

Endodontics

11409 Ash Street, Suite A Leawood, KS 66211 (913) 491-5552

www.leawood endodontics.com

Robert H. Altomare Leawood Commons

Endodontics

11409 Ash Street, Suite A Leawood, KS 66211 (913) 491-5552 www.leawood endodontics.com

Christopher G. Budig

Apex Endodontics 13364 Metcalf Avenue Overland Park, KS 66213 (913) 851-2739 www.drbudig.com

Jeffrey R. Burroughs Burroughs Endodontics 5525 West 119th Street, Suite 215 Overland Park, KS 66209 (913) 258-5696 www.burroughsendo.com

Adam S. Colombo Village Endodontics 7301 Mission Road, Suite 317, Building A Prairie Village, KS 66208 (913) 236-7668 www.village-endo.com

Kevin P. Cunningham 11900 West 87th Street Parkway, Suite 160 Lenexa, KS 66215 (913) 599-0888 www.cunninghamendo.com

Kate Edwards Creekwood Endodontics Park Hill

5400 North Oak Trafficway, Suite 201 Kansas City, MO 64118 (816) 452-0900 www.creekwood endodontics.com

Kenneth J. Frick University of MissouriKansas City School of Dentistry 650 East 25th Street, Room 1107 Kansas City, MO 64108 (816) 235-2749 www.dentistry.umkc.edu

Steven P. Gish

Leawood Commons Endodontics 11409 Ash Street, Suite A Leawood, KS 66211 (913) 491-5552 www.leawood endodontics.com

Mark A. Holman

Cornerstone Endodontics 4601 West 109th Street, Suite 250

Overland Park, KS 66211 (913) 498-3636

www.cornerstone endodontics.com

Joon W. Kim

Cornerstone Endodontics 4601 West 109th Street, Suite 250

Overland Park, KS 66211 (913) 498-3636

www.cornerstone endodontics.com

Tae S. Kong

University Park Endodontics 11201 Nall Avenue, Suite 130 Leawood, KS 66211 (913) 491-0056 www.kcroot.com

James E. Moore

KC Endodontics 3700 West 83rd Street, Suite 106 Prairie Village, KS 66208 (913) 642-3636 www.kcendodontics.com

Barton W. Putnam Olathe Endodontics 16093 West 135th Street, Suite A Olathe, KS 66062 (913) 829-0060 www.olatheendo.com

J. Mike Randall

Cornerstone Endodontics 4601 West 109th Street, Suite 250 Overland Park, KS 66211 (913) 498-3636 www.cornerstone endodontics.com

Brenton A. Reavley

Briarcliff Endodontics 4137 North Mulberry Drive Kansas City, MO 64116 (816) 326-8204 www.briarcliffendo.com

Alexander W. Stamos Endodontic Care 4731 South Cochise Drive, Suite 221 Independence, MO 64055 (816) 478-8895 www.davidestamosdds.com

Daniel G. Stamos Creekwood Endodontics 5400 North Oak Trafficway, Suite 201 Kansas City, MO 64118 (816) 452-0900 www.creekwood endodontics.com

David E. Stamos Endodontic Care

4731 South Cochise Drive, Suite 221 Independence, MO 64055 (816) 478-8895 www.davidestamosdds.com

Amy Vermeer

Cornerstone Endodontics 4601 West 109th Street, Suite 250 Overland Park, KS 66211 (913) 498-3636 www.cornerstone endodontics.com

Sara H. Wilhite 1218 Northeast Windsor Drive Lee’s Summit, MO 64086 (816) 554-7668 www.cornerstone endodontics.com

General Dentistry

Nancy L. Addy S&G Family Dentistry 11313 Ash Street Leawood, KS 66211 (913) 945-1612 www.sandgfamily dentistry.com

Ryan Bland North Oak Family Dental Care 9241 North Oak Trafficway Kansas City, MO 64155 (816) 436-2525 www.northoakfamily dentalcare.com

Chad A. Bowles

Bowles Dental Center 6811 West 121st Street Overland Park, KS 66209 (913) 491-6663 www.bowlesdental center.com

Bernard G. Bruns

Tremont Dental 5501 Northwest 62nd Terrace, Suite 101 Kansas City, MO 64151 (816) 741-6960 www.tremontdental.com

Holli D. Careswell Careswell Anderson Dental 300 Southeast Second Street, Suite 200 Lee’s Summit, MO 64063 (816) 524-6300

Jason R. Ciminieri Ciminieri Dental 11111 Nall Avenue, Suite 109 Leawood, KS 66211 (913) 491-4900 www.ciminieridental.com

CCONGRESSMAN EMANUEL Cleaver introduced a dental health bill that’s aimed at encouraging public water systems to keep infusing their water with fluoride.

The bill was recently introduced by Cleaver and backed by a handful of other democratic congressmen and women across the nation. It encourages states to use current peer-reviewed information to make the best health policy decisions for their states.

“Recently, there has been a growing distrust of credible, time-tested, evidence-based science about the safety and need for water fluoridation programs,” Brett Kessler, a dentist and president of the nonprofit American Dental Association, said in a press release. “Now is the time to officially combat this misinformation with the assistance of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) to offer independent and objective advice on the actual evidence of fluoride safety and dispel myths that have gained recent popularity.”

By leveraging the expertise of NASEM, the legislation is hoping to reinforce the integrity of public health criteria and ensure that fluoride recommendations remain rooted in the best available evidence. NASEM can reliably dispel misinformation on community water fluoridation programs and offer objective review of evidence to help municipalities and states identify the best path forward for implementing safe and effective community water fluoridation programs, according to the ADA.

“When making policy decisions that impact the health and safety of Americans across the country, not to mention the expenses that come with a potential rise in additional dental care, it is essential that the federal government utilize nonpartisan, independent experts that are following the most scrutinized scientific protocols to obtain their information,” Cleaver said in a statement. “That’s why I’m proud to introduce the Protect Our TEETH Act to ensure the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is using the best evidence available when updating public health guidance regarding fluoridation.”

Eighty years of community water fluoridation at optimal levels has proven to be safe and effective at reducing tooth decay to improve oral health, especially for those who lack health-care access. The removal or banning of fluoride will cause serious oral health consequences that must be stopped, or America will become sicker and not healthier, states the ADA.

A NEW FEDERAL ACT PUTS BITE BACK INTO EVIDENCE-BASED SCIENCE

A bill introduced by local Congressman Emanuel Cleaver urges public water systems to keep fluoride in their water

By Kansas City magazine staff

“As the nation’s leading voice for oral health, the ADA is dedicated to improving the health of the public and applauds Rep. Cleaver for taking a stand to ensure decades long public health policy is reviewed with integrity by introducing the TEETH Act,” Kessler stated in a press release.

Since 1952, the ADA has published Fluoridation Facts to address any concerns about fluoridation and share scientific truths about community water fluoridation. This encyclopedia-like reference tool is available for any technical questions or fact checking and is available in e-book format. For more information on community water fluoridation and ADA advocacy, visit ADA.org/fluoride.

KANSAS’S DENTAL HEALTH

State legislators are slowly expanding Medicaid dental benefits in the hopes that more Kansans will head to the dentist for preventative care

By Katie Baldwin

FFOR THE FIRST TIME in 25 years, Kansas legislators voted to raise the amount paid to dentists working with Medicaid patients. State officials are hoping the increase will lure more dentists to the program, increasing the number of people able to receive care.

Despite having expanded Medicaid dental care to adults in 2022, Kansas is still receiving mediocre health grades. For the fifth year in a row, the state earned a “C” grade on its statewide Oral Health Report Card, according to Oral Health Kansas’ 2025 report published by Oral Health Kansas. The grade reflects modest improvements in some areas but little overall movement. “Kansas is not failing, but we’re not excelling either,” the advocacy group stated when releasing the report.

The numbers are starkest for Kansas children. Nearly 24 percent of children ages two to five have already experienced tooth decay, and among kids ages two to eight, more than half (53 percent) have cavities, according to the Kansas Oral Health Snapshot. Low-income children are hit hardest, facing decay rates significantly higher than their more affluent peers.

Preventive care gaps compound the problem. Between 2024 and 2025, the share of children receiving preventive dental visits through Medicaid’s KanCare program barely changed, shifting by only about 1 percent, according to the organization’s 2025 report. Fewer than half of eligible children actually received preventive services. And when it comes to sealants—a proven low-cost tool to protect permanent

molars—Kansas still lags. Earlier data showed only about 36 percent of third graders had sealants on their molars, according to the 2022 Kansas Oral Health Report Card. That figure has not moved significantly in recent years.

Kansas adults fare a little better. Roughly two-thirds report visiting a dentist each year, according to the latest survey data compiled by Oral Health Kansas. Older Kansans continue to face lasting impacts: Nearly one-third have lost six or more teeth to decay or gum disease, according to a 2023 Oral Health Kansas report. Outcomes for adults, particularly seniors, have remained “relatively unchanged” in recent years. In order to combat these statistics, Kansas officials expanded Medicaid adult dental coverage in 2022 to include exams, X-rays, cleanings, dentures and more.

“This isn’t just about teeth,” Tanya Dorf Brunner, executive director of Oral Health Kansas, said in a statement. “It’s about equity, health and the economy. If we neglect oral care, the costs show up everywhere else.”

Aaron M. Craig 11775 West 112th Street, Suite 240

Overland Park, KS 66210 (913) 469-5444 www.aaroncraigdds.com

Richard D. Crowder

Crowder Family Dentistry 14922 West 87th Street Lenexa, KS 66215 (913) 322-2222 www.crowderfamily dentistry.com

Thomas “Mac”

Darnall

Suchman & Darnall Family Dentistry 3907 South Crackerneck Road Independence, MO 64055 (816) 373-3101 www.suchmandarnall.com

Rachel Pitts Driscoll Rhoades Family Dentistry 13400 South Blackbob Road Olathe, KS 66062 (913) 782-8900 www.rhoadesdds.com

Daniel M. DuHadway Leawood Cosmetic Dentistry

4861 West 134th Street Leawood, KS 66209 (913) 685-1900 www.leawoodcosmetic dentistry.com

G. Brent Evers

Evers & Gardner Dental 5815 Northwest Barry Road Kansas City, MO 64154 (816) 741-2333 www.kcnorthdentist.com

Erin P. Flood 7301 Mission Road, Suite 203 Prairie Village, KS 66208 (913) 362-7320 www.erinflood-dds.com

John C. Flucke Flucke & Associates Dentistry 209 Northwest Blue Parkway Lee’s Summit, MO 64063 (816) 209-6675 www.enlightened smileskc.com

Creighton Gallagher Overland Park Family Dental 8925 West 135th Street Overland Park, KS 66221 (913) 439-4311 www.overlandparkfamily dental.com

MeLinda A. Garcia

Somerset Family Dentistry 7930 Lee Boulevard Leawood, KS 66206 (913) 383-5373 www.somerset dentalteam.com

James D. Gentry

Gentry Dental 4861 West 134th Street Leawood, KS 66209 (913) 341-0018 www.gentrydental.com

Mark D. Gilroy

Gilroy Dental Care 11826 West 135th Street Overland Park, KS 66221 (913) 681-1900 www.gilroydentalcare.com

Eric Gottman

University of MissouriKansas City School of Dentistry 650 East 25th Street, Room 130 Kansas City, MO 64108 (816) 235-2146 dentistry.umkc.edu

Jarrett S. Grosdidier

S&G Family Dentistry 11313 Ash Street Leawood, KS 66211 (913) 945-1612 www.sandgfamily dentistry.com

Stephen Haake

Bluestem Dental 4601 West 109th Street, Suite 222 Overland Park, KS 66211 (913) 381-6644 www.overlandparkks. dentist

Amy R. Hahn

Rhoades Family Dentistry 13400 South Blackbob Road Olathe, KS 66062 (913) 782-8900 www.rhoadesdds.com

Tricia C. Halford

Corinth Dental Care 3700 West 83rd Street, Suite 108 Prairie Village, KS 66208 (913) 341-9600 www.corinthdentalcare.com

Sarina M. HarmanTinnel

HT Complete Family Dentistry 7621 Frontage Road Overland Park, KS 66204 (913) 962-0036 www.drtinnel.com

Ross S. Headley

KCSmile 12850 Metcalf Avenue, Suite 200 Overland Park, KS 66209 (913) 491-6874 www.kcsmile.com

Craig W. Herre

University Park Dental Associates 11201 Nall Avenue, Suite 120 Leawood, KS 66211 (913) 491-4466 www.holisticdentalkc.com

Scott B. Herre

Scott Herre Dentistry 11237 Nall Avenue, Suite 140 Leawood, KS 66211 (913) 912-7341 www.scottherre dentistry.com

Timothy R. Herre

Dental Health By Herre 11201 Nall Avenue, Suite 120 Leawood, KS 66211 (913) 491-4466 www.dentalhealth byherre.com

Andrew Herwig Herwig DDS 11900 West 87th Street Parkway, Suite 260 Lenexa, KS 66215 (913) 492-8884 www.herwigdds.com

Stephen J. Huber 13400 Roe Avenue Leawood, KS 66209 (913) 543-3751 www.leawoodkansas dentist.com

John K. Humphrey, Jr.

Kansas City Dental Works 12705 West 87th Street Parkway Lenexa, KS 66219 (913) 432-9414 www.kcdentalworks.com

Luke Joliff Leawood Dental 11551 Granada Lane, Suite 200 Leawood, KS 66211 (913) 642-3939 www.leawood.dental

Alison M. Jones

Alison Jones Family Dentistry 4601 West 109th Street, Suite 110 Overland Park, KS 66211 (913) 491-0077 www.alisonjones dentistry.com

Charles R. Kimes

Overland Park Dentistry 8100 Marty Street, Suite 111 Overland Park, KS 66204 (913) 341-2380 www.overlandpark cosmeticdentist.com

Kory Kirkegaard

The Art of Dentistry

7550 West 160th Street Overland Park, KS 66085 (913) 270-7959 www.theartof dentistryop.com

Rebecca Kisling Kisling Family Dentistry 13401 Mission Road, Suite 212 Leawood, KS 66209 (913) 357-8333 www.kislingfamily dentistry.com

Ashley E. Knight Pierce & Knight Family Dentistry 8615 Rosehill Road, Suite 101 Lenexa, KS 66215 (913) 251-9930 www.lenexadentist.com

Ian J. Krusich Krusich Dental 11111 Nall Avenue, Suite 106 Leawood, KS 66211 (913) 383-2600 www.krusichdental.com

John C. LaBarca Dental Excellence 19501 East U.S. Highway 40 Independence, MO 64055 (816) 795-9500 www.dentalexcell.com

William D. Ledford Blue Stream Dental 1236 West 103rd Street Kansas City, MO 64114 (816) 941-0980 www.drwilliamledford.com

Joel D. LeMense 8012 State Line Road, Suite 100 Leawood, KS 66208 (913) 341-3415 www.lemensedental.com

Steven B. Lemieux Brookside Cosmetic & Family Dental 211 East 63rd Street Kansas City, MO 64113 (816) 333-3711 www.brooksidecosmetic dental.com

Matthew Lenz Lenz family and Cosmetic Dentistry 14221 Metcalf Avenue, Suite 100 Overland Park, KS 66223 (913) 851-5900 www.lenzdds.com

Patrick Lillis Overland Park Dental Design 4601 West 109th Street, Suite 318 Overland Park, KS 66211 (913) 451-7330 www.opdentaldesign.com

Anthony Marengo, Jr. Esthetic Enhancement 16103 West 135th Street Olathe, KS 66062 (913) 829-9222 www.marengodds.com

Michael D. McCunniff University of MissouriKansas City School of Dentistry 650 East 25th Street, Room 396 Kansas City, MO 64108 (816) 235-2185 dentistry.umkc.edu

Eugene F. McGill 3700 West 83rd Street, Suite 208 Prairie Village, KS 66208 (913) 381-9880

Jacob W. Meggison Dental Elements 11912 West Shawnee Mission Parkway Shawnee, KS 66216 (913) 383-0440 www.dentalelementskc.com

Andrew S. Moore

Andrew Moore Family & Cosmetic Dentistry 5367 Roberts Street Shawnee, KS 66226 (913) 422-0007 www.andrewmooredds.com

Robert A. Pierce Pierce & Knight Family Dentistry 8615 Rosehill Road, Suite 101 Lenexa, KS 66215 (913) 251-9930 www.lenexadentist.com

Jennifer L. Pottinger 6885 West 151st Street, Suite 202

Overland Park, KS 66223 (913) 897-4300 www.jlpottingerdds.com

Robert W. Rechtien, Jr. Rechtien Dental 231 Northwest 72nd Street Gladstone, MO 64118 (816) 436-5900 www.rechtiendental.com

Lawson S. Rener

St. Luke’s Hospital 4320 Wornall Road, Suite 402 Kansas City, MO 64111 (816) 561-8050

Richard D. Rhoads, Jr. Smiles By The Lake 6700 West 121st Street, Suite 101 Overland Park, KS 66209 (913) 214-0352 www.smilesbythelake.com

Kami L. Ross

Overland Park Smiles 6700 West 121 Street, Suite 104 Overland Park, KS 66209 (913) 851-8400 www.overlandparksmiles.com

Jamie Smiley

Smiley Dental 13430 Briar Street Leawood, KS 66209 (913) 402-8888 www.smiley dentaloffice.com

Gregory A. Stiver

Dental Care Center

325 East 135th Street Kansas City, MO 64145 (816) 941-7788 www.dentalcarecenterof southkc.com

David Lawrence Suchman Suchman & Darnall Family Dentistry 3907 Crackerneck Road Independence, MO 64055 (816) 373-3101 www.suchmandarnall.com

Brian S. Sutton

Fountain City Dental Group 4546 Main Street Kansas City, MO 64111 (816) 931-2342 www.briansuttondds.com

J. Brad Tally 13650 Roe Avenue Leawood, KS 66224 (913) 491-5040 www.jbradtallydds.com

Kelly K. Thomas Leawood Cosmetic & Family Dentistry

4861 West 134th Street, Suite C Leawood, KS 66209 (913) 685-1900 www.leawoodcosmetic dentistry.com

Ross Thompson

Olathe Pointe Dental 14979 West 119th Street Olathe, KS 66062 (913) 780-0080 www.olathepointe dental.com

Jamie L. ThurmanTaylor

TLC Family Dentistry 3568 Southwest Market Street Lee’s Summit, MO 64082 (816) 537-6161 www.tlcfamilydentistry.com

David L. Tuttle

Tuttle Family Dentistry 8631 West 150th Street, Suite 103

Overland Park, KS 66223 (913) 681-2893 www.tuttledentistry.com

Julie A. Tuttle

Tuttle Family Dentistry 8631 West 150th Street, Suite 103

Overland Park, KS 66223 (913) 681-2893 www.tuttledentistry.com

Stephanie M. Warden 2200 West 75th Street, Suite 101

Prairie Village, KS 66208 (913) 825-2500 www.wardendds.com

D. Douglas Watts II

Geha Family Dental 4601 West 109th Street, Suite 240

Overland Park, KS 66211 (913) 338-3384 www.gehafamilydental overlandpark.com

Luke Wolniak Prairie Fields Dentistry 16072 Metcalf Avenue

Overland Park, KS 66085 (913) 871-5360 www.prairiefields dentistry.com

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Nicholas Anggelis

Facial Surgery Group 7577 Northwest Barry Road, Suite B

Kansas City, MO 64153 (816) 741-8999 www.bestoralsurgerykc.com

Michael Barber

Oral & Facial Surgery Associates

23351 Prairie Star Parkway, Suite A135 Lenexa, KS 66227 (913) 258-1375 www.ofsa-ks.com

Zachary L. Brown

Facial Surgery Group 4700 Belleview Avenue, Suite L-10

Kansas City, MO 64112 (816) 561-1115 www.bestoralsurgerykc.com

Joseph C. Camarata ClearChoice Overland Park 10777 Nall Avenue, Suite 100 Overland Park, KS 66211 (913) 871-1527 www.clearchoice.com

Kirk C. Collier

Oral & Facial Surgery Associates 3700 West 83rd Street, Suite 103 Prairie Village, KS 66208 (913) 381-5194 www.ofsa-ks.com

Douglas W. Fain

Fain Oral Surgery 20168 West 153rd Street Olathe, KS 66062 (913) 839-9709 www.fainoralsurgery.com

Brett L. Ferguson

University of MissouriKansas City School of Dentistry 650 East 25th Street, Room 304 Kansas City, MO 64108 (816) 235-2073 dentistry.umkc.edu

Adam Flack

University Health Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic 2101 Charlotte Street Kansas City, MO 64108 (816) 404-0500 providerdirectory. universityhealthkc.org

Steven D. Green

Midwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 11551 Granada Lane, Suite 100 Leawood, KS 66211 (913) 491-4488 www.midwestomskc.com

Christopher J. Haggerty Lakewood Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Specialists

3600 Northeast Ralph Powell Road, Suite D Lee’s Summit, MO 64064 (816) 554-8300 www.lakewoodomfs.com

Matthew R. Hlavacek

Kansas City Surgical Arts 8080 North Flintlock Road Kansas City, MO 64158 (816) 286-4126 kansascitysurgicalarts.com

Michael W. Lowe 1524 Northeast 96th Street Liberty, MO 64068 (816) 792-1022

Tyson E. Marrs

Oral & Facial Surgery Associates 3700 West 83rd Street, Suite 103 Prairie Village, KS 66208 (913) 381-5194 www.ofsa-ks.com

Patrick B. Moore

Parkville Modern Dentistry & Orthodontics

6340 North Chatham Avenue Kansas City, MO 64151 (816) 746-1171 www.parkvillemodern dentistry.com

Gary L. Nesslein

Northland Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 6301 North Oak Trafficway, Suite 101 Kansas City, MO 64118 (816) 452-0300 www.northlandoms.com

Brent F. Newby

KC Dental Implants & Oral Surgery 7701 West 119th Street Overland Park, KS 66213 (913) 529-5999 www.kcdios.com

Daniel C. Nielson

Great Plains Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 965 North Mur-Len Road Olathe, KS 66062 (913)780-3100 www.gpoms.com

Richard M. Oakley Oakley Oral Surgery 5811 Nall Avenue Mission, KS 66202 (913) 722-3253 www.oakleyoral surgery.com

Brian E. Pannell Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates of Kansas City 7701 West 119th Street Overland Park, KS 66213 (866) 988-1256 www.kcoralsurgery.com

Steven J. Prstojevich Facial Spectrum 1208 Northeast Windsor Drive Lee’s Summit, MO 64086 (816) 524-4334 www.spectrumsurgical.net

Harold D. Wallin, Jr. Midwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 11551 Granada Lane, Suite 100 Leawood, KS 66211 (913) 491-4488 www.midwestomskc.com

C. Reiger Wood IV Deer Creek Oral Surgery 12800 Metcalf Avenue Overland Park, KS 66213 (913) 451-7680 www.deercreekoms.com

Oral Pathology

Tanya Gibson UMKC School of Dentistry 650 East 25th Street, Room 376 Kansas City, MO 64108 (816) 235-2131 dentistry.umkc.edu

Orthodontics

Eric Anderson Anderson Orthodontics 121 Delaware Street Leavenworth, KS 66048 (913) 651-5040 www.dranderson orthodontics.com

Branson Billings

Braces By Billings

8600 Tom Watson Parkway, Suite 101 Parkville, MO 64152 (816) 226-4291 www.bracesbybillings.com

David P. Blackburn Blackburn Orthodontics 3131 South State Route 291 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 373-6006 www.blackburnorth odontics.com

Chad Bulleigh Bulleigh Orthodontics 8600 West 95th Street Overland Park, KS 66212 (913) 441-7321 www.bulleighortho.com

Dustin S. Burleson Smile Doctors 613 West Conway Street, Suite 103 Raymore, MO 64083 (816) 384-0801 www.smiledoctors.com

David M. Christensen

KC Braces + Kids 7675 Northwest Prairie View Road Kansas City, MO 64151 (816) 41-1155 www.christensen orthodontics.com

David E. Dykhouse Dykhouse Orthodontics 1300 Northwest South Outer Road Blue Springs, MO 64015 (816) 229-0444 www.dykhouseortho.com

Jeremy R. Fry Fry Orthodontic Specialists 11940 Quivira Road Overland Park, KS 66213 (913) 469-9191 www.fryorthodontics.com

Richard D. Hannah

Hannah Orthodontics 1441 East 151st Street Olathe, KS 66053 (913) 829-2244 www.hannahbraces.com

Paul J. Hechler

Hechler Orthodontics 12800 Metcalf Avenue, Suite 1 Overland Park, KS 66213 (913) 469-6086 www.hechler.com

Steven L. Hechler

Hechler Orthodontics 12800 Metcalf Avenue, Suite 1 Overland Park, KS 66213 (913) 469-6086 www.hechler.com

Kurt W. Hoffman

Hoffman Orthodontics 11213 Nall Avenue, Suite 130 Leawood, KS 66211 (913) 649-8890 www.hoffmanortho.com

SMILES AT ARROWHEAD

Chiefs, TeamSmile bring dental care to KC kids

By The Kansas City magazine team

MMORE THAN 300 children from across the metro poured into Arrowhead—not to cheer on the Chiefs, but to get their teeth checked out in what was coined the 2025 Dental Tailgate in September.

The youth were greeted not only by dental chairs and hygienists but also by cheerleaders, music and the occasional Chiefs player, who stopped in to give encouragement.

The Chiefs’ involvement brought a unique energy. Several players signed autographs, cheered kids through their appointments and, along with the cheerleaders, turned the clinical setting into something closer to a pep rally. “To see a child nervous about the dentist and then light up when a player kneels down beside them—that’s why this partnership matters,” said Anthony Davis, Chiefs Ambassador and former player, in a statement provided by the team.

The impact is not small. According to the Delta Dental Foundation, nearly 20 percent of children in Missouri face untreated dental decay, a statistic that disproportionately affects low-income families. Events like TeamSmile’s aim to close that gap one child at a time.

The event was staffed with volunteer dentists and hygienists, who provided free cleanings, exams and preventive care. For many of the children, it was their first time in a dental chair. “Some of these kids don’t have a regular dental home,” TeamSmile Executive Director John McCarthy said in a statement. “By being here today, we’re not only treating immediate needs but also helping families find long-term care.”

MISSOURI’S DENTAL HEALTH

Expanded Medicaid dental benefits are working, but statistics show oral health access in rural communities is lacking

By Katie Baldwin

WHEN MISSOURI EXPANDED Medicaid dental benefits this summer, advocates hailed it as a breakthrough. For the first time, adult Medicaid recipients could receive routine dental exams—a service long excluded from the program. Although some dental offices across the state began accepting Medicaid patients right away under the new reimbursement system, there are still many rural counties where dental care access is paltry due in large part to a lack of providers.

THE NUMBERS

National surveys place Missouri in the bottom tier when it comes to preventive care. According to America’s Health Rankings, only about 61 percent of Missouri adults visited a dentist in the past year, placing the state 37th out of the 50 states. Among children, the situation is even more dire: Just 74.9 percent had a preventive dental visit in 2022–23, ranking Missouri 47th out of 50 states.

For low-income children, the gaps are even starker. The Missouri Coalition for Oral Health reports that 63 percent of Medicaid-enrolled kids received no dental care at all in the last year. At the same time, Missouri is one of just four states without a school-based dental sealant program, a preventive measure proven to reduce cavities. The Pew Charitable Trusts gave Missouri a “C” for children’s oral health and a “D” for use of sealants.

MEDICAID’S EXPANDING REACH

For decades, Missouri Medicaid reimbursed dentists at rates that barely covered costs, which discouraged many providers from participating. That changed in 2022, when the state boosted reimbursement to 80 percent of market rates, up from about 30 percent, according to Missouri’s Department of Health and Senior Services. This policy shift has brought some new providers into the program, but coverage gaps remain, especially in rural areas.

And even with routine exams now covered for adults through Medicaid, many high-cost procedures like crowns, bridges and dentures are still left out. Advocates argue that without comprehensive coverage, patients will continue to delay or forgo care.

MISSOURI’S DENTAL WORKFORCE

According to data compiled by Becker’s Dental Review, Missouri is home to about 3,520 dental hygienists and 3,035 dentists. With a statewide population of roughly 6.17 million people, according to Data USA, the ratios paint a clear picture of access: about one dental hygienist for every 1,750 Missourians and one dentist for every 2,030 residents.

These ratios matter. They not only reflect how many professionals are available to deliver care but also hint at the pressures facing both patients and providers. In rural counties, where dentists are fewer and farther between, the ratios can stretch even thinner, making preventive care less accessible. By contrast, metropolitan hubs like Kansas City see higher concentrations of providers, creating disparities between urban and rural residents.

Nationally, Missouri’s numbers fall just shy of the ideal benchmarks set by organizations like the Health Resources and Services Administration, which suggests that healthier oral outcomes depend on more evenly distributed care. Still, the state’s nearly one-to-one balance between dentists and hygienists is notable. Hygienists often form the backbone of preventive services, freeing up dentists to handle restorative and specialized treatments.

Jerry W. Huerter, Jr. Huerter Orthodontics 8919 Parallel Parkway, Suite 450 Kansas City, KS 66112 (913) 334-3055 www.huerterortho.com

Neil C. Kanning

Kanning Orthodontics 9101 Northeast 82nd Terrace Kansas City, MO 64158 (816) 781-8585 www.kanning orthodontics.com

Kurt E. Kavanaugh

Kurt Kavanaugh Orthodontics

8407 North Main Street Kansas City, MO 64155 (816) 420-8100 www.kavanaughortho.com

Michael Klein

Klein & Walker Orthodontics 975 North Mur-Len Road, Suite C Olathe, KS 66062 (913) 829-4466 www.kleinwalker orthodontics.com

Jeffrey J. Lenius

Lenius Orthodontics

8764 West 151st Street

Overland Park, KS 66221 (913) 357-1212 www.leniusortho.com

Joe Moon

Moon Orthodontics

14247 Metcalf Avenue

Overland Park, KS 66223 (913) 782-7223 www.moonortho.com

Eric S. Neuer

Prairie Pointe Orthodontics 10044 Woodland Road Lenexa, KS 66220 (913) 393-9911 www.bracesbydesign.com

Elizabeth B. Nill

Drs. Blackwell, Nill and Francois 10 Northwest Chipman Road Lee’s Summit, MO 64063 (816) 524-6525 www.blackwellnill francois.com

Jay M. Oltjen

Oltjen Orthodontics 15159 South Blackbob Road Olathe, KS 66062 (913) 829-8855 www.oltjenbraces.com

John P. Roth

Starting Point Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics 10940 Parallel Parkway, Suite O Kansas City, KS 66109 (913) 948-8688 www.startingpoint dental.com

Clarence E. Simmons Odyssey Smiles 601 East Russell Avenue Warrensburg, MO 64093 (816) 317-0130 www.odysseysmiles.com

Bradley N. Smith Dyer & Smith Orthodontics 11244 West 135th Street Overland Park, KS 66221 (913) 897-6950 www.bradsmithortho.com

Douglas Thompson Doug Thompson Orthodontics 6872 West 121st Street Overland Park, KS 66209 (913) 491-3549 www.dougthompson ortho.com

Jeffrey J. Thompson

Jeff Thompson Orthodontics 4851 West 134th Street, Suite A Leawood, KS 66209 (913) 681-8300 www.jeffthompson ortho.com

Kelly H. Toombs

Toombs Orthodontics 3700 West 83rd Street, Suite 215 Prairie Village, KS 66208 (913) 381-5292 www.toombs orthodontics.com

Cameron Walker Klein & Walker Orthodontics 975 North Mur-Len Road Olathe, KS 66061 (913) 829-4466 www.kleinwalker orthodontics.com

Ashlee Weber Weber Orthodontics 7577 Northwest Barry Road, Suite A Kansas City, MO 64153 (816) 746-1200 www.drweber orthodontics.com

Angela Williams Fry Orthodontic Specialists 11940 Quivira Road Overland Park, KS 66213 (913) 469-9191 www.fryorthodontics.com

Zachary T. Williams

Blue Springs My Kids 1254 Northeast Coronado Drive, Suite 113 Blue Springs, MO 64014 (816) 220-5598 www.mykidsdentist bluesprings.com

Pediatric Dentistry

Kurt A. Aarons

Kurt Aarons Pediatric Dentistry 4411 Belleview Avenue Kansas City, MO 64111 (816) 531-2070 www.kurtaaronsdds.com

Vanessa R. Axelsen

Blue Valley Pediatric Dentistry

7560 West 160th Street Overland Park, KS 66085 (913) 232-2708 www.bvkidsdentist.com

Brenda S. Bohaty University of MissouriKansas City School of Dentistry 650 East 25th Street, Room 393 Kansas City, MO 64108 (816) 235-2036 www.dentistry.umkc.edu

Emily C. Cortes

Prairie Pediatric Dentistry 15230 West 87th Street Parkway Lenexa, KS 66219 (913) 871-5771 www.ppdkansas.com

John T. Fales, Jr.

Fales Pediatric Dentistry 13496 South Arapaho Drive Olathe, KS 66062 (913) 782-2207 www.kidzdentist.com

Elizabeth Hechler

Blue Valley Pediatric Dentistry 7560 West 160th Street Overland Park, KS 66085 (913) 232-2708 www.bvkidsdentist.com

Matthew W. Hillman

Smiles Dentistry for Kids 14700 Metcalf Avenue, Suite 110 Overland Park, KS 66223 (913) 685-9990 www.smilesdentistry 4kids.com

Jill C. Jenkins

Jenkins Dentistry for Kids 6810 Silverheel Street Shawnee, KS 66226 (913) 745-2500 www.jenkinsdentistry forkids.com

Robinson T. Kiser

Little Chompers Pediatric Dentistry 2511 South Fourth Street Leavenworth, KS 66048 (913) 250-6583 www.littlechomperspd.com

Michael A. LeBlanc LeBlanc & Associates Dentistry for Children 8226 Mission Road Prairie Village, KS 66208 (913) 378-9610 www.kidsmilekc.com

Casey Rhoads

Honey Bee Pediatric Dental 4621 West 6th Street, Suite B

Lawrence, KS 66049 (785) 331-0043 www.honeybeepdc.com

Brandi K. Roeber Dentistry for Children 7001 North Cherry Street, Suite 100 Gladstone, MO 64118 (816) 548-3400 www.kidsdentistkc.com

Glynn Spencer

Spencer & Spencer Pediatric Dentistry

301 Northeast Mulberry Street, Suite 201 Lee’s Summit, MO 64086 (816) 607-6000 www.spencerdental.com

Jodie L. Spencer

Spencer & Spencer Pediatric Dentistry

301 Northeast Mulberry Street, Suite 201 Lee’s Summit, MO 64086 (816) 607-6000 www.spencerdental.com

Kathryn N. Stanley Stanley Pediatric Dentistry 8575 West 110th Street, Suite 310 Overland Park, KS 66210 (913) 345-0331 www.opkidsdentist.com

Jaime Stinnett Drs. Parrish & Stinnett Pinnacle Pediatric Dentistry 6500 West 95th Street, Suite 102

Overland Park, KS 66212 (913)649-0166 www.kidsfunsmiles.com

D. Scott Thomas Shoal Creek Pediatric Dentistry 9051 Northeast 81st Terrace, Suite 220 Kansas City, MO 64158 (816) 781-5437 www.shoalcreeksmiles.com

Benjamin Unruh

Hello! Pediatric Dentistry 706 NW Highway 7, Ste. A Blue Springs, MO 64014 (816) 622-2843 www.hellopediatric dentistry.com

Periodontics

Amy L. Gillihan Gillihan Periodontics

3151 South M291 Highway, Suite B Independence, MO 64057 (816) 373-5400 www.gillihanperio.com

Lana Krause University of MissouriKansas City School of Dentistry

650 East 25th Street Kansas City, MO 64108 (816) 235-2100 www.dentistry.umkc.edu

Adam C. McClellan Periodontal Care

5000 West 95th Street, Suite 270 Prairie Village, KS 66207 (913) 341-4141 www.periodontal carepa.com

Sidney A. McKnight III McKnight & Oliver Periodontics and Implants 2200 West 75th Street, Suite A Prairie Village, KS 66208 (913) 649-4978 www.mandoperio.com

Patrick J. Morris Morris Periodontics 613 Southeast Fifth Street Lee’s Summit, MO 64063 (816) 554-2663 www.morrisperio.com

Catherine A. Mowry Foundation Periodontics 8704 Bourgade Street, Suite 100 Lenexa, KS 66219 (913) 894-9962 www.mowryperio.com

Kevin Mowry Foundation Periodontics 8704 Bourgade Street, Suite 100 Lenexa, KS 66219 (913) 894-9962 www.mowryperio.com

Nancy L. Newhouse Newhouse Periodontics 4731 South Cochise Drive, Suite 200 Independence, MO 64055 (816) 373-6800 www.newhouseperio.com

N. Randolph Oliver McKnight & Oliver Periodontics and Implants 2200 West 75th Street, Suite A Prairie Village, KS 66208 (913) 649-4978 www.mandoperio.com

Seth Rush Periodontics & Implant Dentistry 9249 Ward Parkway Kansas City, MO 64114 (816) 444-8822 www.rushperio.com

Prosthodontics

Lara Tull Ryan Johnson County Periodontics 15074 South Blackbob Road Olathe, KS 66062 (913) 491-5548 www.jocoperio.com

Tanu Satheesh University of MissouriKansas City School of Dentistry 650 East 25th Street, Room 395 Kansas City, MO 64108 (816) 235-2075 dentistry.umkc.edu

Kelley S. Thompson Kelley Thompson Periodontics 8340 Mission Road, Suite 203 Prairie Village, KS 66206 (913) 652-9844 www.kelleythompson periodontics.com

Audra Ward Ward Periodontics Implant Dentistry 12701 Metcalf Avenue, Suite 200 Overland Park, KS 66213 (913) 563-7400 www.wardperio.com

Stanley L. Wint Periodontal Care 5000 West 95th Street Prairie Village, KS 66207 (913) 341-4141 www.periodonticspa.com

Jeremy Youngblood Youngblood Periodontics 6301 North Oak Trafficway, Suite 102 Kansas City, MO 64118 (816) 453-2323

Bruce C. Cummings 4151 North Mulberry Drive, Suite 260 Kansas City, MO 64116 (816) 454-9090 www.drbruce cummings.com

W. Stuart Dexter Prairie Village Prosthodontics 7301 Mission Road, Suite 206 Prairie Village, KS 66208 (913) 362-8200 www.drstuartdexter.com

Brandon A. James 12541 Foster Street, Suite 330 Overland Park, KS 66213 (913) 642-0000 www.brandon jamesdds.com

Kelly Miller Lawrence Dental Solutions 545 Columbia Drive, Suite 2001 Lawrence, KS 66049 888-993-1707 www.lawrencedental solutions.com

Cynthia S. Petrie University of MissouriKansas City School of Dentistry 650 East 25th Street, Room 231-B Kansas City, MO 64108 (816) 235-2694 www.dentistry.umkc.edu

Brandon Sparks KC Complete Prosthodontics 11401 Nall Avenue, Suite 102 Leawood, KS 66211 (913) 703-5599 www.sparksdentalkc.com

ORTHODONTICS

Orthodontics does more than create a beautiful smile, it improves dental health, boosts confidence, and leaves a lasting impression. After more than a decade in practice, Dr. Jeffrey Lenius founded Lenius Orthodontics to deliver personalized, patientfocused care. Using advanced digital technology, Dr. Jeff designs customized treatment plans for children, teenagers, and adults. From the very first visit, patients are welcomed into a friendly, supportive environment where they can discuss their goals and learn about treatment options. He is recognized among the leading Invisalign® providers worldwide and has consistently been voted as one of Kansas City’s top orthodontists by topDentists™.

“What I love about orthodontics is that it blends science with art,” says Dr. Jeff. “It’s about so much more than just straightening teeth. Every patient is unique, so we look at the teeth, mouth, and facial structures together to create the most natural and balanced result.”

While orthodontic treatment can begin at any age, early evaluation is key. “The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic evaluation around age seven,” explains Dr. Jeff. “Most kids won’t need treatment right away, but these early visits allow us to monitor growth, provide peace of mind to parents, and ensure treatment begins at the best possible time.”

Whether you’re considering Invisalign® clear aligners or advanced braces with robotically bent wires, the journey is always worth it. “The most rewarding part of my day is watching a patient’s confidence grow as their smile transforms,” says Dr. Jeff.

If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, visit Lenius Orthodontics where the first consultation is complimentary. No referral needed.

“ Dr. Lenius is recognized among the leading Invisalign® providers worldwide and has consistently been voted as one of Kansas City’s top orthodontists by topDentists™.

JEFFREY LENIUS, DDS, MSD

DR. FAIN, DDS, MD, FACS AND DR. BASHOURA, DDS, MD

Back Row: (L to R) Hayley Gray-Practice Leader; Nancy Reeves-Front Desk Coordinator; Misty Tomlinson-Surgical Technician; Diane Blackwood-Surgical Technician; Alexis Miyasato-Revenue Cycle Manager; Brianna Klecan-LeadSurgical Technician Front Row: (L to R) Stemone Johnson-Surgical Technician; Nadia Malik-Front DeskCoordinator

JOHNSON COUNTY ORAL SURGERY

“Dr. Fain is guiding his practice into an exciting new chapter. To reflect his long-standing commitment to the community, the office is rebranding as Johnson County Oral Surgery.

For more than 35 years, Dr. Douglas W. Fain, DDS, MD, FACS has served Johnson County with exceptional oral and maxillofacial surgery care. His leadership in the field includes eight years of service on the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) board, with one year as president. He is proud to be recognized among the area’s Top Dentists for his specialty in oral surgery.

Today, Dr. Fain is guiding his practice into an exciting new chapter. To reflect his long-standing commitment to the community, the office is rebranding as Johnson County Oral Surgery. In addition, the practice is preparing to relocate to a larger, brand-new facility at 10052 Woodland Rd., Lenexa, KS 66220, offering patients a state-of-the-art environment with expanded resources and space.

As part of this growth, Dr. Fain has welcomed Dr. Michael A. Bashoura, DDS, MD, to the team. With four years of experience and advanced training in both trauma care and pediatric oral surgery, Dr. Bashoura brings specialized skills and compassionate care to patients of all ages.

With a legacy built on excellence and innovation, Johnson County Oral Surgery continues to set the standard for comprehensive surgical care, ensuring patients receive the highest quality treatment in a modern, welcoming setting.

10052 WOODLAND RD. | LENEXA, KS. 66220 913-839-9709 | WWW.FAINORALSURGERY.COM

AMY

RHOADES HAHN, DDS AND RACHEL PITTS DRISCOLL, DDS

RHOADES FAMILY DENTISTRY

“The most current research shows an emerging truth: if a patient is breathing normally through their nose from birth to age seven, they probably won’t need many dental services over the course of their life.

Historically, dentistry has been focused on managing the fallout of developmental changes in the face, shrinking jaws, crowded teeth and a struggle to breathe. Dr. Amy Hahn and Dr. Rachel Driscoll began seeking answers as to why these changes may be happening and how to remedy them. Patients are suffering the ill effects of processed food heavy diets, which can change the development of their skulls and faces and even the way they breathe.

Dentistry is on the precipice of change. Hahn and Driscoll are driven to determine the root cause and want to prevent these problems early instead of trying to remedy years later. The most current research shows an emerging truth: if a patient is breathing normally through their nose from birth to age seven, they probably won’t need many dental services over the course of their life. They’re not going to snore or need braces, and they’re going to get fewer cavities and grind their teeth less. If the nose works well, they’ll also experience a lower risk of heart attack and stroke.

Rhoades Family Dentistry, a multi-generational practice, whose core values of expedited and minimalistic dentistry is on a mission to change the way people feel about dentistry. It’s common to meet patients who are anxious or traumatized from prior dental experiences. Turning that around and sending them off with a positive dental experience is what they live for.

They want to create a completely customized experience for you. If you want cutting-edge dentistry and a high level of health, they can provide that. If you love the saying “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” that’s the kind of dentistry they’ve loved to provide to patients over multiple generations.

With more than 30 years of combined dental experience, their practice is perfect for busy families that benefit from their full range of dental services, so they can take care of your entire family’s dental needs in one place!

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

LeBlanc & Associates Dentistry for Children, their team of Board-Certified Pediatric Dentists offers the highest standard of service, quality, and expertise in pediatric dentistry for your children.

Founded and owned by Dr. Michael LeBlanc, the goal at LeBlanc & Associates is to provide the best possible dental experience, with a fun and inviting atmosphere. Dr. LeBlanc, along with his team, Dr. Stefanie Curtis, Dr. Mary Le, Dr. Brianne Kerns, Dr. Bryan Henrie, Dr. Sara Crow, Dr. Jenny Truong and Dr. Grant Gillett is committed to working with you and your family to create a comfortable and stress-free experience every time you visit any of the five convenient locations in Prairie Village, Overland Park, Olathe, West Olathe and Kansas City, KS.

From the moment your children walk into the brightly colored office, they are greeted by a welcoming environment catered to their experience. The dental team is focused on cultivating a friendly culture so that your child enjoys visiting their dental home. They believe in positive reinforcement and offer patients incentives during their visit, including prizes, stickers, balloons, and ice cream.

Dr. LeBlanc and his team recognize that all patients deserve to receive dental care that reflects their individual needs. Their team delivers on their promise to always put patients and families first by offering a customized, transparent, and conservative approach with the latest treatments and technology available in the dental field. They pledge to do everything possible to set your child up for a lifetime of dental success, by showing them that their dental appointments can be a fun, positive, and rewarding experience.

“From the moment your children walk into the brightly colored office, they are greeted by a welcoming environment catered to their experience.

TOP DENTISTS

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

JENKINS DENTISTRY FOR KIDS

Dr. Jill Jenkins, DDS has built a reputation over the last 20 years for transforming dental visits into positive, joyful experiences for kids and families alike. Driven by her passion for patient-centered care, she founded Jenkins Dentistry for Kids five years ago. Today, Dr. Jenkins is proud to lead a team of talented pediatric dentists whose approach to patient care reflects her vision. Together, they create an environment where children feel comfortable, confident, and even excited about visiting the dentist.

From the moment families walk through the doors, the team at Jenkins Dentistry for Kids is focused on making every visit memorable. Each detail of the experience is designed to ease stress and build confidence—whether it’s the playful, kid-friendly atmosphere, the use of advanced pediatric training and modern technology, or the warm hospitality shown by every member of the team.At Jenkins Dentistry for Kids, the mission is simple: to help every child grow up with a healthy, confident smile.

6500 W. 95TH ST., STE. 102, OVERLAND PARK, KS 66212

913.649.0166 | KIDSFUNSMILES.COM

LENEXA 8700 BOURGADE AVE. LENEXA, KS 66219 | 913.270.6064 SHAWNEE 6810 SILVERHEEL ST. | SHAWNEE, KS 66226 913.308.7557 | JENKINSDENTISTRYFORKIDS.COM

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

PINNACLE PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

Fr over 15 years, Dr. Jaime Stinnett, DDS has been helping children and families in Overland Park feel right at home at the dentist. At Pinnacle Pediatric Dentistry, she has built a practice where generations of families return year after year not just for healthy smiles, but for the relationships they’ve formed with her and her team.

Dr. Jaime’s greatest joy comes from watching her young patients grow up, guiding them through every stage of their dental journey, and even welcoming their younger siblings, cousins, and friends along the way. Her caring, prevention-focused approach helps children feel comfortable and confident while giving parents peace of mind.

Backed by advanced training and recognition as a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Jaime blends clinical expertise with genuine connection. At Pinnacle, the mission is simple: to create a dental home where families feel supported, children thrive, and smiles last a lifetime.

6500 W. 95TH ST., STE. 102, OVERLAND PARK, KS 66212

913.649.0166 | KIDSFUNSMILES.COM

JILL JENKINS, DDS

KISLING FAMILY DENTISTRY

Dr. Kisling graduated second in her class from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. After graduation, she attended UMKC School of Dentistry’s Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency. Kisling Family Dentistry opened in August of 2022, and is proud to be a 100% family-owned small business in Leawood, KS. Kisling Family Dentistry will change your perception about going to the dentist. From the moment you walk in the door, you’ll feel at ease in a relaxed and lighthearted environment curated by Dr. Rebecca Kisling and her team. The office delivers quality, non-judgmental, and compassionate dental care in a low pressure and friendly way. She and her team offer patients of all ages a variety of treatment including cosmetic and therapeutic Botox, snoring and sleep apnea appliances, as well as preventative, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. They are accepting new patients and welcome the opportunity to show you the Kisling Family difference. Visit them online or on social media @kislingfamilydentistry.

ORTHODONTICS

FRY ORTHODONTIC SPECIALISTS

or over 45 years, Fry Orthodontics has been a trusted name in orthodontic care across Kansas and Missouri. What began as a small hometown practice has grown into multiple convenient locations, all rooted in the same mission of serving families with the highest level of care.

Today, under the leadership of Dr. Jeremy Fry, a Kansas City native, Fry Orthodontics combines tradition with innovation, helping patients of all ages achieve beautiful, confident smiles while maintaining the warm, welcoming environment patients know and love.

Their team of specialists, including Dr. Angela Williams—recently recognized among the top orthodontists of 2025—work alongside Dr. Jeremy Fry to ensure every patient receives the highest quality care. Both share a belief that loving your smile can impact far more than just appearances; it can build confidence, open doors at work and school, and even help form lasting relationships.

At Fry, it’s not just about straight teeth—it’s about creating confidence, one smile at a time.

LOCATION IN KANSAS & MISSOURI

913.469.9191 | 816.877.0050 INFO@FRYORTHODONTICS.COM | FRYORTHODONTICS.COM

HONEY BEE PEDIATRIC DENTAL CO.

Honey Bee Pediatric Dental Co. is much more than a children’s dental office.

Once you step inside “the hive” you’ll see what all the buzz is about. The modern, kid-friendly office and caring staff will make your child feel instantly at ease. Led by the female team of Casey Rhoads, D.D.S., MDS , Rebecca Ferns, D.D.S., and Meredith Knabe, D.D.S., they strive to make dental care fun and engaging for patients, while setting aside plenty of time to discuss concerns with parents.

The mission at Honey Bee Pediatric Dental Co. is simple. They want to provide guidance and instruction that will promote a generation of children who are motivated to take pride in their oral health. They believe in an education-focused approach that sets up a younger generation for optimal dental health in the future.

Honey Bee is a community-focused practice. They want to increase access to pediatric dental care in the community and work with other medical providers to offer the highest standard of specialty care.

LENEXA

10058 WOODLAND RD | LENEXA, KS 66220 | 913.800.2450

PRAIRIE VILLAGE

5324 W. 95TH ST | PRAIRIE VILLAGE, KS 66207 | 913.285.5370

LAWRENCE

4621 W. 6TH ST., STE. B | LAWRENCE, KS 66049 | 785.838.5650

HONEYBEEPDC.COM

ENDODONTICS

BURROUGHS ENDODONTICS

At Burroughs Endodontics, their vision is to deliver the highest quality root canal treatments in the greater Kansas City area. While the idea of a root canal can be intimidating, the compassionate staff at Burroughs Endodontics is dedicated to making you feel at ease from the moment you schedule your appointment until your specialized care is complete.

Led by one of the few board-certified endodontists in Kansas, Dr. Jeffrey Burroughs expertly combines state-of-the-art technology with a steadfast commitment to endodontic excellence. Advanced 3-D imaging and surgical microscopes are used to accurately diagnose and deliver the most precise treatment. Additionally, Burroughs employs the innovative GentleWave® Procedure, a minimally invasive technique designed for effective infection removal and tooth preservation.

The patient-centered approach at Burroughs Endodontics is focused on providing Kansas City with exceptional “Quality Care” – and it’s not just their motto, it’s their mission. The practice will be expanding and moving to a larger office in 2026, as they continue to grow and better serve the community. You can keep up with updates on Instagram and Facebook. If you are in need of a root canal, schedule a consultation to experience the difference. 5525 WEST 119TH ST., STE. 215 | OVERLAND PARK, KS 66209 913-258-5696 | BURROUGHSENDO.COM

L

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

HELLO! PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

Hello! Pediatric Dentistry has been helping Blue Springs kids smile since 2017. They care for little ones starting at their very first tooth (or first birthday) all the way through their teen years.

Dr. Ben Unruh designed the office to feel more like a fun hangout, rather than a dentist’s office. The waiting room is bright and welcoming with a tablet bar and their friendly team knows how to help even the shyest kids feel like superheroes.

Dr. Ben is a proud needle phobe—which is great news for his patients! He uses special techniques for pain-free injections, so most kids don’t even realize they’ve had one. Plus, they utilize electric powered tools which are quieter, and quicker, making visits easier and less scary.

The number one goal at Hello! Pediatric Dentistry is happy, healthy smiles and kids who can’t wait to come back!

706 NW HIGHWAY 7, STE. A | BLUE SPRINGS, MO 64014 816.622.2843 | HELLOPEDIATRICDENTISTRY.COM

FAMILY AND COSMETIC DENTISTRY

HERWIG DDS

Herwig DDS believes a true smile radiates from the inside out, which is why they are so passionate about delivering an exceptional dentalexperience that makes you look great, but feel great, too! Their highly trained staff of professionals offers a full spectrum of services within the fields of preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry.

A native of Overland Park, Dr. Andrew V. Herwig earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2015 from UMKC School of Dentistry. He customizes his dental approach based on your long-term needs. It is an approach based on trust, comfort, necessity, and expertise, with the result focused on ultimate satisfaction. Dr. Herwig is a member of the Fifth District Dental Society, Kansas Dental Association and American Dental Association.

The family-owned practice has proudly served the Greater Kansas City area since 1981. Their mission is to provide first-class dental care with the utmost professionalism. Dr. Herwig and his team are committed to helping you maintain a healthy and beautiful smile that you can be proud of. With offices located in Johnson and Miami counties, they are excited to become your local family dentist. Dr. Herwig’s practice welcomes new patients and hopes to make you a part of their dental family!

LENEXA 11900 WEST 87TH ST. PKWY., STE. 260 LENEXA, KS 66215 | 913.492.8884

PAOLA 24 S. SILVER ST. | PAOLA, KS 66071 913.294.4321 | HERWIGDDS.COM

DGEHA FAMILY DENTAL

r. Joseph Geha has been helping families smile for more than eight years. He and his staff believe in forming trust-based relationships with patients and their families. From preventive to cosmetic dentistry and more specialized treatments, Dr. Geha and founding partner, Dr. Douglas Watts, offer a wide range of dental procedures. Dr. Geha says, “from the start, it has always been our goal to become a complete dental health care resource.”

They are committed to providing you with excellent dentistry in a comfortable environment.

JOEL LEMENSE DENTAL

“We’ve built strong and enduring relationships with patients in the community, and we’re prepared to care for the next generation of families”. Serving Overland Park and the surrounding areas.

4601 W, 109TH ST., STE. 240 | OVERLAND PARK, KS 66211 913.338.3384 | GEHAFAMILYDENTALOVERLANDPARK.COM

FAMILY DENTISTRY

SMILEY DENTAL

Dr. Jamie Smiley has been recognized as a Top Dentist for the past 11 years while providing quality dental care in Johnson County for over 20 years. She and her highly skilled team strive to make your dental visit comfortable, while addressing your needs. They enjoy seeing new patients and earning your trust. Smiley Dental has an in-house CEREC machine, which means patients receive their crowns in one visit. The CEREC uses an intraoral camera to scan the prepared tooth and create the perfect crown milled from a ceramic block that can be prepared within ten minutes.

DR. Joel LeMense has been helping patients of all ages in the Kansas City area for twenty-nine years. LeMense believes in the importance of staying up to date with the many advances in dentistry, including intraoral photography, digital radiography and 3D scanning technology. He is a member of many professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the Great Plains Study Club and others. He was awarded the prestigious Fellowship Award from the Academy of General Dentistry in 2003. Dr. LeMense takes into consideration all viable options available to patients and uses them to customize a plan that best suits the patient.

8012 STATE LINE RD., STE. 100 | LEAWOOD, KS 66208 913.341.3415 | LEMENSEDENTAL.COM

FAMILY AND COSMETIC DENTISTRY

LEAWOOD COSMETIC AND FAMILY DENTISTRY

Dr. Smiley is a member of the KDA, the ADA, the 5th District Dental Society and Spear Dental Study Club. She received a B.S. degree and graduated cum laude from Kansas State University and graduated in the top 10 of her class, cum laude, from UMKC School of Dentistry.

13430 BRIAR ST. | LEAWOOD, KS 66209 913.402.8888 | SMILEYDENTALOFFICE.COM

Dr. Thomas has been practicing for 20 years. She studied extensively at LVI for Advanced Dental Studies to expand her fields of expertise into cosmetic and neuromuscular dentistry. Dr. Thomas has been recognized as one of the nation’s Top 40 Dentists under 40, along with being named to the KC area’s Top Dentist’s list, Best Cosmetic Dentist in KC and Best General Dentist in KC. Leawood Cosmetic and Family Dentistry operates in a state-of-the art facility, serving Leawood, Overland Park and the surrounding area. Dr. Thomas and her incredible team create relationships based on a foundation of listening to patients and then creating treatment options that are based on the best in dental technology and patient comfort.

KELLY THOMAS, DDS

4861 W. 134TH ST. | LEAWOOD, KS 66209 913.685.1900 | LEAWOODCOSMETICDENTISTRY.COM

JOEL LEMENSE, DDS

JOSEPH GEHA, DDS

JAMIE SMILEY, DDS

A Taste of Japan and Germany at Sour Rabbit

By Tyler Shane

IT’S NOT EASY to find a true German-style cake, a loaf of shokupan (Japanese milk bread) and sourdough croissants all in one spot—but that’s exactly what you’ll get at Sour Rabbit. The Northland bakery, opened earlier this year by Atsuko Hammann and her husband, Rolf, combines flavors and traditions from their home countries—Japan and Germany, respectively—to create a menu unlike any other in Kansas City.

Nearly everything at Sour Rabbit (7715 N.W. Prairie View Road, KCMO) is made using natural sourdough fermentation, a method Atsuko became hooked on three years ago when she launched a home bakery. Now a brick-and-mor-

Photography by Anna Petrow

tar, Sour Rabbit offers a display case with no chemicals—just water, time and locally milled Marion Milling flour—to create the complex yet gentle tangy flavor that comes with sourdough baked goods.

The croissants are Sour Rabbit’s current best sellers, often selling out by noon on Saturdays (Wednesday mornings offer a second chance). Alongside them, you’ll find bagels, cinnamon rolls and more than a dozen varieties of hearty sourdough loaves, from Spanish rye to cheese-studded soda bread.

Sundays feature German-style cakes made with seasonal fruit and less sugar than typical American desserts. And as for the soft, fluffy shokupan? Hammann says it’s coming back to the menu soon, which is wonderful news because the Japanese bread is a rare treat and one you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in KC.

Smokin’ Tunes Need Smokin’ BBQ

By John Martellaro

THERE’S ONLY ONE thing better than a platter of great Kansas City barbecue, and that’s a barbecue meal accompanied by a great live band.

The key, of course, is for the ’cue to be good enough to stand on its own. Fans of places like R.J.’s Bob-Be-Que Shack and BB’s Lawnside Blues & BBQ know this. In our latest quest for smoked meat and smoking tunes, we made a run to the northeast fringe of the KC metro to experience Wabash BBQ in Excelsior Springs (646 S. Kansas City Ave., Excelsior Springs).

It was well worth the trip. And we weren’t the only people to think so. On a recent Saturday night with the band Four Fried Chickens and a Coke playing, the indoor/ outdoor complex was packed with hundreds of people. Parking was scarce, and there was a 45-minute wait for an indoor table.

Before the pandemic, live bands were a weekend staple at Wabash. Now? Not so much. Live music returned to Wabash about a year ago, and it’s been a slow build back; there’s a music schedule on the website, wabashbbq.com

The restaurant is actually a complex of buildings and outdoor spaces. The core restaurant is the former Wabash Railway Station, a small brick building dating to

1927, situated a block away from the historic Elms Hotel. There’s a bar and second dining room attached to the station, plus a separate smokehouse, an outdoor bandstand, a large patio and an outdoor bar serving beers with a limited sandwich menu on music nights.

Wabash BBQ opened in 1997, 70 years after the depot was built. Lifetime Excelsior Springs residents Jim and Cheri McCullough and Mitch and Malinda Dickey are the owners.

The Wabash website boasts their “award-winning ribs and chicken.” According to Jim, who was a backyard barbecue hobbyist before opening the restaurant, Wabash’s accolades include winning the American Royal Legends Division grand championship in 2022, plus championships at the Smokin’ in the Creek contest in Sugar Creek, Missouri, and at several contests in Colorado.

The chicken is as good as it gets anywhere. It was flavorful with smoke and seasoning and fall-off-thebone tender; even the white meat was nicely moist. The sliced brisket was lean, tender and satisfying. The ribs were tender and meaty, with subtle seasoning, and the house sauce—tomato-based with a nice balance of molasses and vinegar—made them shine. Wabash also offers a spicy sauce that is less sweet than the regular, with a sneaky heat that builds as you eat.  Meats are served unsauced, except for the pulled pork, which comes moistened with a blend of the two house sauces. The result is rich and flavorful with a mild vinegar bite.

Fries were by far the best of the sides—thick, brown, crispy on the outside and fluffy white on the inside. Beans come in a thick, mild sauce spiked with shards of smoked meat. Slaw and potato salad are standard familiar recipes, basic but satisfying. The potato salad is the only menu item not made in-house, simply because the restaurant lacks a stove for boiling potatoes.

Wabash is a truly unique setting. The original train station housing the restaurant, in the Elms Historic District, “retains a high degree of architectural integrity and is a good example of a Mission-style station with Craftsman influences,” states Wabash’s website.

Jim wants to give credit to the mentor who played a vital role in making Wabash BBQ a success. When he and his team were putting the final touches on their restaurant, they had an unexpected visitor who walked up unannounced.

“I hear you folks are opening a barbecue,” said the mystery man. He turned out to be the late Bob Wheeler, who had recently been laid off from his job as executive chef for the Burlington Northern Railroad.

“Big Bob came to us a few weeks before we opened,” Jim says. “He taught us a lot about the restaurant business. Bob was instrumental in getting us off the ground.”

Drink in hand, customers can shop timeless vintage and affordable pieces while savoring a sip.

Matcha Meets Fashion

By Shauna Gilden

STEP INSIDE Dear Society on a weekend and you’ll find more than racks of curated clothing and vintage treasures. Tucked in the back of this boutique, you’ll also find a counter humming with the sound of whisks and the aroma of fresh matcha.

“When I found this space, it already had a bar, and I knew I wanted to use it as a matcha bar and turn shopping here into an experience where you can linger and relax,” says Dear Society owner Chanel Janzek.

by Anna Petrow

Every Saturday, matcha is prepared behind the built-in bar in the traditional Japanese style—hand-whisked with a bamboo chasen to create a silky froth. Two core offerings define the menu: the bright, vegetal Nekohama (a concoction meant to energize) and the roasted, nutty Kettl Houjicha. There are also seasonal specials, like the sparkling mango basil matcha soda that has a delightful herbal twist.

In a city where coffee usually dominates, Dear Society’s new addition blends style, flavor and wellness. Drink in hand, customers can shop timeless vintage and affordable pieces while savoring a sip.

The Saturday-only matcha pop-up is open from 10 am to 3 pm. For Kansas Citians seeking a refreshing twist on a weekend shopping excursion, the Crossroads Arts District shop (114 Southwest Blvd., KCMO) is the perfect destination.

Photography

Photography by Amber Deery

Westport

Hospitality Hero

Cafe’s Kevin Mouhot on life as a general manager and the unsung role that holds a restaurant together

By Tyler Shane

RESTAURANT WORK isn’t glamorous. It’s manual labor at its core, but through television shows and other media, it has become a source of public fascination, turning chefs and bartenders into lauded public figures. Meanwhile, general managers more often than not remain behind the curtain, despite orchestrating the entire dining experience. They’re the unsung heroes of the hospitality world.

Kevin Mouhot, general manager and co-owner of Westport Cafe (419 Westport Road, KCMO) knows this all too well.

“Chefs really get the spotlight, bartenders get the Instagram post—then there’s us,” Mouhot says.

Mouhot has been the watchful eye over Westport Cafe’s dining room for more than a decade. Alongside co-owners Romain Monnoyeur and Nico Mermet, he has helped shape the beloved neighborhood French bistro into what it is today. Before purchasing the restaurant in 2015 (Mouhot was just 23 at the time), he trained in culinary school in his hometown of Besançon, France.

Mouhot came to Kansas City through a school apprenticeship program where he worked at the French restaurant Cafe des Amis in Parkville. His other early career stints included time at internationally renowned restaurants like Paul Bocuse’s French Pavilion at EPCOT and Alain Ducasse’s three-Michelin-starred The Dorchester in London.

“When you work at a three-Michelin-star restaurant, guests can’t see any stress or issues,” he says. “You learn to keep your cool under all circumstances. If something goes wrong, take a few steps back, figure out how to fix it, and make sure the guests never notice.”

Mouhot has a cool, calm French demeanor about him that could convince you that scheduling and training staff, taking care of payroll, creating the wine menu and resolving customer complaints, all while still noticing when a diner’s water glass is half-empty, might not be all that difficult. I know better, however, after having worked in the industry too. And while Mouhot agrees that you have to be wired a little differently to enjoy long-term restaurant work, he credits his resilience to experience. At this point in his career, there isn’t much he hasn’t seen.

“You have to love the idea that each day brings something new,” he says. “Maybe it’s a table of six suddenly becoming twelve when you’re fully booked.

KEVIN MOUHOT’S PERFECT DAY IN KC

Lunch

I live near Macken Park in North KC, so I’ll head to Vietnam Cafe or Baramee Thai Bistro. But if I’m cooking, I’m part of a CSA program, and every week I get fresh veggies from Greenwillow Farms, so I’ll make something with that.

Biking

I love to go mountain biking, and there’s some very cool trails in Wyandotte County Lake Park.

Sip

If I’m grabbing a drink, I’ll usually drink beer. I love Alma Mader. But, of course, I love wine, and I think one of the best places to get wine in town is Tannin Wine Bar.

Dining Out

Lazia never disappoints, but for something more casual, I’ll head to Extra Virgin for their Monday Pizza Nights. I’ll get a pizza, salad or some oysters with a bottle of sparkling rose on the patio. That’s hard to beat. I also really like King G or Jim’s Alley Bar. Their food is really good.

Nightcap

I’ll find myself at Harry’s for their Averna soda. Averna is an amaro from Italy, and I’ll have that with a slice of lemon.

Live Music

I’ll go to Green Lady Lounge for some jazz, or I’ll gather a few friends and head to In The Lowest Ferns, The Ship or Le Lounge.

Or the internet goes down and you have to figure out how to take payments. Or the AC breaks when it’s 100 degrees out. It’s never boring.”

Even on days where everything seems to be going wrong, Mouhot insists, “I’m having fun.”

“I remember during Covid when everything was shut down, someone asked me what I missed the most. I said it was a busy Saturday night when the kitchen’s full, we’re sending a bunch of dishes out, the bartender is shaking two shakers at a time, there’s three people walking in and the servers are decanting the wine. I just look at all of that and think, ‘Wow, this is great. It doesn’t get any better.’”

In an industry known for burnout, Mouhot’s continued love for his work after all these years is a feat. Even the most passionate of hospitality workers can succumb to being worn down by long hours, catering to the customer and the physical labor of it all. It’s chaotic, often underappreciated work, but Mouhot has a way of keeping things fresh. He doesn’t thrive on chaos necessarily, but he does enjoy a challenge, which keeps him on his toes and rejuvenated when things are feeling too redundant in the dining room.

In addition to running Westport Cafe, Mouhot and his partners provide consultation for other restaurant owners and host events. They recently purchased a nearby art gallery space, Cezanne in the Crossroads, where they host dinners such as Cinema Club, which pairs French films with coursed menus. (I attended the first one and was struck by how seamless the experience was, despite it being their first go.)

Mouhot also prioritizes something many in the industry struggle with: balance. He reads, works out, spends time outdoors—habits that keep him grounded outside of the restaurant.

General managers are a restaurant’s backbone. Chefs make the food, bartenders make the drinks, but general managers make the experience. If a restaurant were a band, the GM is the bass player: not flashy, rarely front-and-center, but essential to the harmony. Sure, the guitarists and drummers might get the glory, but the bass holds the whole thing together.

“I take pride in seeing guests come in and leave happy,” Mouhot says. “It’s not uncommon for someone to come up to me at the bar and tell me it’s the best dinner they’ve had in KC. That’s my daily dose of recognition.”

surreal estate

Loaded Dice

How a storm drain became a local landmark

By Nicole Kinning

DRIVE DOWN Shawnee Mission Parkway in Merriam, and you might do a double take at what appears to be oversized dice tumbling out of a storm drain. This whimsical art display actually serves a very practical purpose, and it all started with a former city administrator who couldn’t stand looking at a set of concrete blocks.

The 12-inch concrete cubes were originally installed as part of a project to slow water flow down a steep embankment off Shawnee Mission Parkway, across the street from Russell Stover, to prevent erosion as it runs toward Turkey Creek. Phil Lammers, Merriam’s city administrator from 2008 to 2016, had passed them many times on his way home. “It was about 2020, 2021, Covid was on, and it just felt like everybody was

“I had no idea and no intention that it’d create such a draw. I just wanted to make people smile.”

depressed and the traffic was down,” Lammers says. “I figured it was time to do something fun.”

Lammers sketched out a few concepts and sent them to city leaders. “They texted me and said, ‘Don’t ask. Just go do it.’ So it was an ask for forgiveness, don’t ask for permission situation,” he says.

The first version of the dice, installed in the early days of the pandemic, featured a 96-gallon barrel tipped on its side with a kinetic die hanging from it, swaying in the wind. That version lasted about two years before weather took its toll. When the city asked Lammers to bring the display back, he opted for a more permanent design: five painted concrete cubes arranged as if they’re rolling out of the drain, their discharge pipe framed by a sunburst.

Google Maps now lists the site as a tourist attraction, with glowing reviews like “best dice since sliced bread” and “these keep people sane on rough drives.” Lammers laughs at the attention. “I had no idea and no intention that it’d create such a draw,” he says. “I just wanted to make people smile.”

During Lammers’ tenure with the city of Merriam, he chaired a public art committee that allocated funding for art installations across the city. When that program wound down, he kept the spirit alive by funding and creating the dice display himself. “Public works projects and engineering companies need to think about artwork when they do public works,” he says. “There’s opportunities out there to really introduce interesting pieces when they’re doing these projects.”

Today’s version of the dice requires almost no maintenance—just durable latex paint over concrete—and still serves its intended purpose of controlling stormwater runoff. For now, Lammers is content with giving commuters a reason to smile, but he hints at a possible third iteration to bring back elements from the original piece, with help from his artist nephew. “I’m just really happy that people think it’s amusing and interesting,” Lammers says.

Photography by Clayton Steward