Kansas City's Finest Menswear & Tailoring Shop
For nearly a century, Slabotsky's Menswear & Tailoring has been outfitting Kansas City with exceptional suits, casual wear, tuxedos and custom tailoring. Located in Kansas City's River Market, our family-owned shop is renowned for quality craftsmanship, attentive service, and unbeatable value. Whether you're preparing for a business event, wedding, prom, or simply elevating your wardrobe, our team ensures you look and feel your best.
CLOTHING BUILT TO FIT, BUILT TO LAST, AND BUILT FOR YOU.
842-3445 | @slabotskysmens
Historic Charm. Modern Memories. Every Occassion is
Worth Celebrating!
Located in downtown Overland Park, Stone Manor on 79th is a one-of-a-kind space to host any special occasion! Housed in the historic Strang Line Car Barn built in 1908, the space offers warmth & character. The entire space has been fully renovated, including two bridal suites, while maintaining the beauty of its historical charm. This combination of character & convenience works effortlessly together to bring about an unparalleled atmosphere.
stonemanorkc.com | V@stonemanoron79th
Meghan Macy, MSN, FNP-C, NE
Urgent Care At Home is here to serve YOU! Top-notch health care without ever having to leave your couch. Whether it's an in-home visit or quick Telehealth chat, we're here to provide quality care wherever you are. We provide a wide range of services beyond just urgent care. Routine checkups, sports physicals, chronic disease management, weight management and more!
A GREAT SCHOOL YEAR BEGINS AT Home
Back-to-school season is filled with fresh opportunities and new beginnings. While backpacks and school supplies prepare children for the classroom, a safe, comfortable home gives them the foundation to learn, grow, and thrive.
Preparing your home now can make busy mornings easier, create spaces for learning, and give your family room to grow.
Back-to-School Home Checklist
Create a dedicated homework space. Organize entryways for backpacks & shoes. Test smoke & carbon monoxide detectors.
Refresh bedroom spaces for better sleep.
HALEY EPPS
Realtor
Compass Sports and Entertainment Division
M: 913.558.5958
O: 913.382.6711
haley.epps@compass.com
haleyeppsteam.com
WHERE ♥ MEETS HOME
Join me each month as we explore how to live well, spread kindness, and make a difference—right here in Johnson County.
Sleep in Heavenly Peace
A good night's sleep is essential for a child's health, learning, and well-being. Sleep in Heavenly Peace is a volunteerdriven organization that ensures children have a safe, comfortable bed of their own. Local volunteers build and deliver beds—along with mattresses, pillows, and bedding—to families in need, bringing hope and practical support to children throughout our community. Scan to learn how you can help provide local children with a safe, comfortable place to rest.
Together, let's build a brighter future for your family and our community.
Lifestyle Letter
There's a particular kind of joy that fills a home when children and pets are present. The thud of small feet racing down the hallway, the unmistakable sound of laughter that only happens when a kid and a puppy discover each other for the first time. It's chaotic, it's tender, and it allows us to practice being in the present moment.
Johnson County is a community that thrives off this kind of joy. Our neighborhoods are filled with families walking dogs, backyard obstacle courses and playsets for toddlers, and weekend mornings spent with a coffee at the dog park. Raising kids and caring for pets is part of the fabric of this community, woven into how we spend our time, plan our days, and build our routines.
In this issue, we're celebrating that connection. You'll find a highlight on our partner Kansas City Turf Co. Their expertise in indoor and outdoor turf, specifically pet-friendly turf, is a meaningful addition to our community and a worthwhile investment for our homes. We've curated a collection of summer-inspired children's outfits from Lauren Alexandra, a look inside the Artisan Home Tour coming to Kansas City this August, and an inside scoop on the beloved Betty Rae's Ice Cream. You'll read an inspiring story of the Care Portal and discover how one man has used technology to help foster care families receive resources more efficiently and effectively.
As always, this issue is an ode to the community we call home. One filled with the joy of pets, childhood memories, and the everyday moments that make Johnson County all that it is.
EVA WILLIAMS, PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
@JOHNSONCOUNTYCITYLIFESTYLE
August 2026
PUBLISHER
Nolan Williams | nolan.williams@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Angela Broockerd | angela.broockerd@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Eva Williams | eva.williams@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Angela Broockerd, LeAnn Parker, Kali Kasprzyk
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Janie Jones, Annalise Houghton
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
3:5-6
EVA REYNOLDS FINE ART GALLERY
inside the issue
With City Lifestyle’s co-branded print + digital packages, your business captures attention wherever our community is looking. Build unmatched local credibility on the page, and drive immediate action online.
to double your local reach? Contact your local publisher by scanning below.
Photography: Annalise Houghton
Elegance, Defined.
Atelier Colone, based in Kansas City is designing icons, not just interiors. Offering luxury interior design services for residential new builds, renovations and commercial spaces.
@atelier_colone
Johnson County, KS
city scene
10 Years Driving Hope Forward 1—7: Braden’s Hope for Childhood Cancer celebrated the 10th Annual Callyn’s Course for Hope Golf Tournament in June at Nicklaus Golf Club at LionsGate. Golfers, sponsors and community members came together to give hope to kids fighting cancer and honor a decade of impact. The event raised $317,000.00 to help accelerate innovative research aimed at improving outcomes and creating brighter futures for children fighting cancer.
10 Years Driving Hope Forward 8—14: Braden’s Hope for Childhood Cancer celebrated the 10th Annual Callyn’s Course for Hope Golf Tournament in June at Nicklaus Golf Club at LionsGate. Golfers, sponsors and community members came together to give hope to kids fighting cancer and honor a decade of impact. The event raised $317,000.00 to help accelerate innovative research aimed at improving outcomes and creating brighter futures for children fighting cancer.
AROUND TOWN AUGUST
LIVE MUSIC W/ N!TE OWLS
Location: KC Wine Co | 2:00 PM 5:00 PM
Enjoy free live music with cold drinks, patio seating, and indoor seating all in one spot. Whether you are searching for live music near me, a relaxed outdoor patio bar, or a cozy indoor music venue, this is your go to for good vibes, great wine, house made hard cider, and local entertainment. Come unwind, sip, and stay awhile.
MUSIC IN THE PARK SUMMER CONCERT
Location: Thompson Park
Twice on Sunday
Presented by City of Overland Park at Thompson Park, the open lawn provides the perfect setting for attendees to spread out with blankets, lawn chairs, and picnics while enjoying a professional-grade sound experience under the sunset.
LIGHT UP THE LAWN: KATY GUILLEN AND THE DRIVE
Location: Johnson County Community College at Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art 8:00 PM
Katy Guillen & The Drive’s sophomore album Make That Sound has been making big waves in the indie music scene since its release last fall.
YAPPY HOUR
Location: 311 E 135th St. Kansas City, MO 64145 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Bring your dog, grab a glass of wine, and unwind at Yappy Hour at Rosehill Gardens.
TASTINGS ON THE TERRRACE
Location: Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Wine Pairing (21+) Crescent Moon Winery and Taylor Made Catering
Delight in an evening of delicious food and drink tastings set within the beautiful surroundings of the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Guests will enjoy a variety of savory bites, sweet treats, and handcrafted beverages in a relaxed garden setting designed for savoring every flavor and enjoying the scenery.
28
WINE WALK FOR
WILDLIFE!
VIP: 5:30 - 7:30 pm GA: 6 - 10 pm
Wine lovers and animal lovers unite! The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium has the only event in town where you can enjoy a summer evening of both at Wine Walk for Wildlife! Guests will stroll through the topside of the Zoo (excluding Africa), sip and savor 40 different types of wine, enjoy a variety of musicians, and talk with our conservation project leaders. Food trucks and Tuxedo Grill will be available for purchasing a wide variety of tasty treats.
W E L L N E S S S A N C T U A R Y D E S I G N E D T O
H E L P Y O U R E L A X , R E C O V E R , A N D
R E J U V I N A T E
I n t h e h e a r t o f O v e r l a n d P a r k , P a u s e s t u d i o i s a n
el e v a t e d w e l l n e s s s p a c e d e s i g n e d t o h e l p p e o p l e h a v e
a s p a c e t o s l o w d o w n , r e c h a r g e , a n d f e e l t h e i r b e s t
T h e s t u d i o o f f e r s A e s c a p e r o b o t i c m a s s a g e , I V
t h e r a p y , V i t a m i n s h o t s , I n f r a r e d S a u n a a n d C o l d
P l u n g e , F l o a t t h e r a p y , L e d t h e r a p y , C r y o t h e r a p y , a n d
C o m p r e s s i o n t h e r a p y
W h e t h e r y o u a r e m a n a g i n g d a i l y s t r e s s , r e c o v e r i n g
f r o m a w o r k o u t , o r s i m p l y s o m e o n e l o o k i n g t o b e
h e a l t h y a n d l i v e l o n g e r , P a u s e S t u d i o O v e r l a n d P a r k
p r o v i d e s a w e l c o m i n g e n v i r o n m e n t f o c u s e d o n
i n t e n t i o n a l r e s t a n d w h o l e b o d y w e l l n e s s f o r J o h n s o n
C o u n t y
9 1 3 - 7 3 0 - 7 7 4 7 p a u s e s t u d i o c o m / l o c a t i o n s / o v e r l a n d - p a r k
5 6 0 1 W 1 3 5 S T , O v e r l a n d P a r k , K S 6 6 2 2 3 t h
BRINGING THE BACKYARD TO LIFE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Whether it's a backyard putting green where families gather for a friendly competition, a mud-free play space for family dogs, or a beautiful outdoor entertaining area that stays green year-round, more Kansas City homeowners are reimagining what their outdoor spaces can be. That growing interest is one reason Kansas City Turf has seen demand steadily increase in recent years.
“My time in the fire service has instilled in me a sense of pride in everything I do,” Kelly says.
"I think artificial turf in Kansas City and throughout the Midwest is just beginning to take off," says owner Chad Kelly. "It's been popular in the South and on the coasts for years, but people here are realizing what a great solution it is. Not only is it low maintenance, but the finished product is beautiful."
Kelly founded Kansas City Turf after launching the Kansas City territory for a national turf company. After a successful first year, he recognized an opportunity to create something different.
"I saw a need for a family-owned and operated artificial turf company with a focus on customer service, premium products and superior installations," he says.
That local connection has become one of the company's biggest strengths. Born and raised in Kansas City, Kelly says Midwestern homeowners appreciate working directly with local business owners who are invested in the community. As a full-time firefighter
nearing the end of his first career, Kelly says his commitment to serving others naturally carried over into his business.
"My time in the fire service has instilled in me a sense of pride in everything I do," he says. "The finished product has my name written on it, and I don't take that lightly. My reputation is important to me."
That commitment extends beyond the installation itself. Kelly and business partner Levi Gillen remain involved throughout every project, from the initial consultation through production. Gillen joined the company in 2026, bringing experience in engineering, custom home building and agricultural operations, skills that help homeowners feel confident throughout the design and installation process.
"We try to be as transparent as possible and set expectations so there are no surprises," Kelly says. "Communication is one of the biggest things that sets us apart."
While artificial turf has long been associated with athletic fields, today's homeowners are using it in creative ways throughout their properties. One of the company's most requested projects is custom backyard putting greens. Kansas City's strong golf culture has made these installations especially popular, now accounting for roughly half of the company's business.
"Our putting greens are completely custom," Kelly says. "Everything from the size and shape to the slopes, hole placement and green speed is designed around how each client wants to use the space."
Some homeowners want a fun place to entertain guests, while others are serious golfers looking to sharpen their short game. Kansas City Turf offers multiple levels of putting greens to match different goals, budgets and skill levels. For avid golfers, premium installations can even include customized green speeds, specialized shock pads for realistic chip shots and sand-filled systems that closely mimic the performance of a traditional golf course. One project stands out in Kelly's memory.
"We built a putting green for a grandfather in Leawood whose sons and grandsons all play golf," he says. "We installed three different chipping areas throughout the backyard, and now they play their own round of golf together. They use it all the time, and we're already working on expanding it."
For Kelly, stories like that represent the true value of these projects.
"We love helping families create spaces where they can spend time together."
Artificial turf is also becoming a popular addition around pools, patios and outdoor entertaining spaces. Homeowners appreciate the clean appearance, reduced maintenance and year-round curb appeal. Around pools, turf also helps eliminate grass clippings, mud and chemicals that often find their way into the water.
"When people finish their project, one of the first things they do is take off their shoes and walk on it," Kelly says with a laugh. "I've even had people lay down and roll around on their new turf because they're so excited."
Pet owners are discovering another practical benefit. Outside of putting greens, pet areas have become one of the company's specialties. Turf provides a durable solution for dogs that wear paths through traditional lawns or create muddy yards after every rain.
"The number one thing we hear is, 'We should have done this sooner,'" Kelly says. "People love that they're no longer dealing with muddy paws being tracked through the house."
“We love the functionality that turf provides as well as the aesthetics,” he says. “Our goal is to create beautiful, functional spaces that bring families together.”
For homeowners concerned about drainage, odors or surface temperatures, Kelly says artificial turf technology has advanced dramatically over the past decade. Specialized drainage systems, antimicrobial infill and cooling technologies allow installations to perform well while addressing many of the concerns homeowners may have.
As outdoor living continues to evolve, Kelly is also seeing growing interest in backyard recreation spaces. Families are installing turf for soccer practice, backyard football fields, playgrounds and multi-use athletic areas, while indoor putting greens continue gaining popularity. When choosing a turf installer, Kelly encourages homeowners to look beyond the surface.
"The success of an artificial turf system is really underneath the turf," he says. "Proper drainage and base preparation are what allow it to last."
A professionally installed system can last approximately 20 years in the Kansas City climate, making quality installation just as important as selecting the right product.
For Kelly, every project comes back to helping families enjoy their homes in new ways.
"We love the functionality that turf provides as well as the aesthetics," he says. "Our goal is to create beautiful, functional spaces that bring families together."
For more information, visit kansascityturf.com or email chad@kansascityturf.com or levi@kansascityturf.com.
Kansas City Bone & Joint Clinic
Providing expert orthopedic care is our passion.
With flexible scheduling available throughout the week, both new and existing patients of Kansas City Bone & Joint Clinic can get orthopedic care they need. Call us today to schedule your appointment: 913-381-5225. We also offer online scheduling.
www.kcbj.com 913-381-5225 | Overland Park & Lee's Summit
Wellness | Aesthetics | Yoga + Pilates We believe true beauty comes from within and is best supported by intentional selfcare and whole-body wellness. We take a modern, integrative approach to aesthetics and wellness, helping you look and feel your best at every stage of your journey!
BEAUTIFUL HOMES, LASTING IMPACT
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
The Artisan Home Tour is known for opening the doors to some of Kansas City's most exceptional homes, offering visitors a chance to experience stunning architecture, innovative design, and expert craftsmanship. While the
homes themselves are a major draw, the event also serves a much larger purpose by supporting the Home Builders Charitable Foundation.
For the Kansas City Home Builders Association, the connection between beautiful homes and stronger communities is a natural one.
"Home is where lives take shape, memories are made, and communities grow," association leaders say. "Everyone should have the opportunity to purchase a home, whether it is newly built or an existing home."
A portion of every Artisan Home Tour ticket benefits the Home Builders Charitable Foundation, which helps organizations that expand housing opportunities and assist homeowners with critical repairs and renovations. Every visitor helps make that mission possible simply by attending.
The foundation has quietly supported the Kansas City community since 2002. In the past five years alone, KCHBA members have contributed more than $426,000 to local charitable organizations through the foundation.
Recent partnerships demonstrate the impact those investments can have. During the 2024 Artisan Home Tour, the foundation raised more than $150,000 for Habitat for Humanity of Kansas City through ticket sales, sponsorships, and builder events. Those funds help create pathways to affordable homeownership for local families.
The foundation has also partnered with Veterans Community Project, the Kansas City organization that provides tiny homes and personalized support services for veterans experiencing homelessness. Last year's Home for the Holidays campaign raised more than $18,000, exceeding its fundraising goal and helping provide secure housing and essential resources for those who served our country.
Builders say these charitable efforts reflect the same values that inspire them every day. They understand the lasting impact a home can have on a family's future and often take pride in driving past homes they built decades ago, knowing families continue to create
Willis Custom Home
Photo by Josie with 1593 Studios
memories there. Supporting charitable housing initiatives is simply an extension of that commitment.
The Artisan Home Tour also brings together builders, homeowners, local businesses, and community organizations in ways that strengthen partnerships throughout the region. What begins as an opportunity to admire beautiful homes becomes a shared investment in Kansas City's future.
For visitors, purchasing a ticket means more than gaining access to extraordinary residences. It is a chance to support programs that help more individuals and families achieve the security and stability that come with having a place to call home.
The hope is that every guest leaves inspired not only by exceptional design, but also by the knowledge that their participation helps strengthen neighborhoods across the region. Every ticket celebrates the craftsmanship behind Kansas City's finest homes while helping create more opportunities for others to experience the comfort, safety, and pride of home.
That is the true legacy of the Artisan Home Tour. It showcases beautiful homes while helping build a stronger community for everyone.
“What begins as an opportunity to admire beautiful homes becomes a shared investment in Kansas City’s future.”
Willis Custom Home
Koehler Building Co photos byguidedbygagency
Koehler Building Co photos byguidedbygagency
Willis Custom Homes
Style the the approach approach
Style
Check your air filter – a quick fix that improves airflow and efficiency
• Stay on top of maintenance – regular service helps prevent breakdowns during peak heat
• Know the signs of aging systems – if your AC is struggling or over 10–15 years old, it may be time to explore replacement.
Kali Set - Embroidered Daisies, Collared Short Sleeve ShirtValencia Stripe and Relaxed Short - Marine Stripe
TIMELESS STYLE FOR LITTLE ONES
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
ANNALISE HOUGHTON
For more than 30 years, Lauren Alexandra has been a Kansas City favorite for timeless children’s fashion, thoughtful gifts and beautifully curated pieces for growing families. Nestled in the heart of Brookside, the locally owned boutique began as a children’s décor and nursery shop and has grown into a destination for stylish clothing, accessories and keepsakes for children.
From everyday outfits and special occasion attire to baby shower gifts, heirloom-quality blankets and charming accessories, every item is carefully selected with quality and style in mind. Lauren Alexandra blends classic style with a touch of whimsy, creating a one-of-akind shopping experience.
Hannah Dress - Lemon, Collared
Short Sleeve Shirt - Valencia Stripe and Relaxed Short - Marine Stripe
Kali Set - Embroidered Daisies, Collared Short Sleeve ShirtValencia Stripe and Relaxed Short - Marine Stripe
Hannah Dress - Lemon
Peachy DressGreen Prairie Block
Maui Printed Shirt - Buoys and Relaxed Short - Marine Stripe
Revival Scalp Wellness
Emerging Grace LLC offers an aesthetic experience where advanced medical expertise blends seamlessly with discreet, modern luxury. Led by a board-certified nurse practitioner, our practice delivers evidence-based laser treatments, personalized tox services, and tailored skin solutions designed to enhance natural beauty with precision.
ELEVATE
YOUR NEXT
At Revival Scalp Wellness, we focus on the often neglected foundation of healthy hair: the scalp. As layers of skin that produce every strand, the scalp requires the same level of care and attention as the rest of your skin-especially as it ages. Our clinic specializes in supporting thinning hair and hair loss through in-depth, magnified analysis and several treatment options for different types and causes of thinning. These non-invasive, painless services improve circulation, remove buildup, and optimize the conditions necessary for stronger hair growth. For those experiencing changes in density or scalp health, Revival offers a calm, results-driven experience designed to support the long-term vitality of your hair--naturally. Balloons and Beyond KC provides luxury balloon designs, photo backdrops, and charcuterie for all occasions. As a locally owned and female operated team, we'll transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary experiences. Whether you're planning a wedding, graduation party or birthday celebration, we're here to bring your vision to life!
Elevate Your Next Celebration With Custom Balloon Decor! balloonsandbeyondkc.com | 913-228-2985 | Johnson County, KS contact@balloonsandbeyondkc.com | @balloonsandbeyondkc
The Power of Showing Up
Building Stronger Families Through Community
When most people think of foster care, they imagine intervention happening after a crisis has already occurred. What if a simple act of support could open the door to the kind of community that helps prevent crisis in the first place? That's the idea behind CarePortal, a technology platform that connects local churches, businesses, organizations, and individuals with real-time needs in their communities.
Founded in 2015 by Adrien Lewis, CarePortal was born from years of involvement in foster care, adoption, and child welfare.
"Today, I help lead a movement we call Care-Sharing, connecting churches, businesses, caseworkers, and caring neighbors to support vulnerable children and families,” says Lewis. “Too often, what turns hardship into crisis is isolation. CarePortal exists to help neighbors see and serve their neighbors with resources and relationships before challenges escalate, because we believe connection changes everything.”
Many children enter foster care because families are carrying the weight of poverty, isolation, and unmet basic needs without a supportive community around them. CarePortal works to address those needs before they escalate.
"A bed, a car seat, a utility payment, or transportation to work may seem small, but those requested items create opportunities for people to step into a family’s life with both practical help and genuine care. We've seen
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
over and over that when communities show up early and families are surrounded by support, they’re more likely to stay together.”
The process begins when a caseworker, school counselor, or other frontline professional identifies a vetted need and submits it through the CarePortal platform. The request is then shared with nearby churches and community responders through email, text message, or the CarePortal app.
One story that continues to inspire Lewis is that of MeKaisha, a 17-year-old preparing to age out of foster care while expecting a child of her own. With little support and limited resources, a caseworker submitted a request for a crib through CarePortal. The Denbow family responded by donating one their son had outgrown.
“What started as a simple need quickly became something much more. The family didn't just provide a crib. They welcomed MeKaisha into their lives, throwing her a baby shower, helping her learn to drive, inviting her into their church community, and over time, becoming like family.”
Today, MeKaisha is a thriving mother and advocate for other young people aging out of foster care.
"A crib met an immediate need, but the relationship that followed made the lasting difference. And that's exactly what CarePortal is designed to help happen.”
That emphasis on connection extends beyond individual families. CarePortal brings together churches, nonprofits, businesses, social service agencies, and community members to work toward a common goal.
Over the past decade, that model has helped the Kansas City community serve more than 34,000 children. Lewis says the greatest need remains participation.
"People often assume they need a lot of money or a lot of free time to make a difference. That's simply not true.”
Support can take many forms, including donating an item, delivering a need, offering encouragement, or simply showing up for a family during a difficult season.
"Every request is an opportunity to say yes. Every yes strengthens a family, supports a child, and reminds someone they are not alone. We've learned that while practical resources matter, what often makes the lasting difference is connection, encouragement, and people who are willing to walk alongside them.”
Churches and businesses can also get involved by starting a response team.
“No single organization can solve challenges like foster care and family instability alone. Caseworkers understand the needs. Churches bring relationships. Businesses contribute resources. Community members bring compassion and action. When those groups work together, they help ensure families are surrounded by community before isolation has the chance to deepen into crisis.”
For more information, visit careportal.org
Betty Rae’s
SERVING UP KANSAS CITY’S FAVORITE SCOOPS, ONE FLAVOR AT A TIME
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Few treats spark as much joy as a scoop of handcrafted ice cream. At Betty Rae's, every cone and cup is made with creativity, quality, and a genuine love for the Kansas City community. From inventive seasonal flavors to beloved classics, the locally owned ice cream shop has built a loyal following by listening to customers and serving up memorable experiences one scoop at a time.
Named after the founder's grandmother, Betty Rae's has become one of Kansas City's favorite ice cream destinations, known for its handcrafted flavors, creative spirit, and deep connection to the community it calls home.
Innovation is part of the recipe, but inspiration often comes from the people standing on the other side of the counter.
"We develop new flavors through a combination of our talented culinary team and our wonderful customers," says owner Matt Shatto. "People are always sharing ideas and requests with us, and we love listening. Some of our best inspiration comes directly from our guests."
While the menu regularly features imaginative seasonal creations, several signature flavors have earned permanent fan status. Cookies & Cream remains a classic favorite, while Goat Cheese and Toasted Butter Pecan continue to surprise and delight customers looking for something a little different.
Quality starts with carefully chosen ingredients, and supporting local businesses is an important part of the Betty Rae's philosophy.
"Working with regional partners is very important to us," Shatto says. "We are fortunate to have so many outstanding local producers, and those partnerships help us create the quality our customers expect."
Kansas City's rich food culture also finds its way into the scoop cabinet. One of the shop's most talked-about seasonal offerings is its barbecue-inspired ice cream, a flavor that reflects the city's culinary identity while showcasing Betty Rae's playful approach to ice cream making.
The company's customers continue to shape nearly every aspect of the business, from flavor development to expansion plans.
"Everything starts and ends with our customers," says Shatto. "From where we open a new shop to the flavors we create, we listen carefully. They are the reason we're honored to be voted Best Ice Cream year after year."
As Betty Rae's has grown, maintaining quality has remained a priority. Every flavor is still handcrafted in house by an experienced kitchen team, while customer feedback continues to guide improvements.
Finding the right employees is equally important.
"We focus on the basics during the interview process," Shatto says with a smile. "We love smiles and we love people who love ice cream."
Fans can expect Betty Rae’s to have fun with events or seasonal creations. Recently, Betty Rae’s launched a flavor celebrating American’s 250th birthday and eight flavors in honor of the teams playing and staying in Kansas City for the World Cup, alongside its rotating monthly specials and lineup of 26 core flavors. Social media has become another way to keep customers connected.
Social media has become another way to keep customers connected.
“We love smiles and we love people who love ice cream.”
“Kansas City is home, not just another market to serve. It means so much to us to have the opportunity to serve what our customers call Kansas City’s best ice cream.”
"It allows us to share our flavors, specials, and events in a fun, visual way," Shatto says. "Our social media team is constantly creating new content so our customers always know what's happening."
The company's footprint has expanded steadily in recent years. Betty Rae's now operates 11 locations throughout the Kansas City area, including seven in Johnson County, along with two locations in Omaha. The company is also exploring franchise opportunities beyond the metro.
Despite that growth, Shatto says the company's roots remain firmly planted in Kansas City.
"We're a local ice cream shop focused on quality and taking care of our customers," he says. "Kansas City is home, not just another market to serve. It means so much to us to have the opportunity to serve what our customers call Kansas City's best ice cream."
For first-time visitors wondering where to begin, Shatto has an easy answer.
"Gooey Butter Cake," he says. "It's the perfect first scoop."
Whether you are returning for a longtime favorite or trying one of Betty Rae's latest creations, every visit is a reminder that great ice cream is about more than flavor. It is about community, creativity, and making every customer feel right at home.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 22 10AM – 12PM | 119TH & ROE
Body Fit Training offers science-backed and tested progressive training programs built to deliver positive results for all fitness levels. With multiple highly accredited coaches in every session, you will receive a personalized training experience in a motivating group environment.
“LET’S SAIL AWAY”
CRAB BOIL
ARTICLE BY LEANN PARKER PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
August is here, and it’s a great time to gather family or friends to soak up those last days of summer. I love family-style meals such as a crab boil this time of year. The food is the star of the show and a vital part of the tablescape. Additional elements included here are a large paper-sail, light blue taper candles, a few large flowers, and heavy white rope as nautical accents. You can also use other elements such as large seashells, coral or seaglass. Use whatever you have on hand that nods to the sea.
CENTERPIECE
• Paper-Sail Centerpiece (instructions found in Martha Stewart’s book “Handmade Holiday Crafts” page 248) set in a galvanized bucket filled with white sand.
• Blue Taper Candles placed in 8oz jelly jars filled with white sand.
• Glass Bottles labeled “Let’s Sail Away.” Inside, roll up a handwritten note, joke or riddle for guests to enjoy a chuckle or conversation starter.
• Large Galvanized Tray overlaid with parchment paper to hold the crab boil feast.
TABLE SETTING
• White Pasta Bowls
• Individual Ceramic Butter Warmers
• Linen Napkins • Woven Placemats
• Galvanized Tavern Mugs
• Crab Napkin Rings
• Crab Salt & Pepper
• Crab Bottle Opener
• Parchment Paper
I can’t wait to see what you create on your crab boil table! Tag me on IG @silvertoothhome and #silvertoothhome so I can share your celebration too.
CRAB BOIL MENU
Fill a large stock pot halfway with cold water. Season with lemon peels, bay leaves, black pepper, red pepper flakes, Old Bay Seasoning, and garlic powder. Bring to a boil and add crab legs, sausage, potatoes, and corn until cooked. Strain water and serve on a large galvanized tray, newspaper or parchment paper – enjoy your meal with guests, family style!
Give each guest a bowl of garlic butter for dipping as well as lemons for squeezing (wrapped in cheesecloth and tied with twine to avoid seeds).
Include special beverages and desserts such as a tiered lemon cake or frozen treat to beat the heat.
For full instructions visit the blog at silvertoothhome.com/ blog/crabboil. Enjoy!
TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
ON MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND THE COMEDY OF REAL LIFE
Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.
Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.
Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”
Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.
After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”
The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.
FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.
Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.
HAIR & MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
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CINNAMON MONKEY BREAD IS A FUN DESSERT FOR CHILDREN TO MAKE AND SHARE!
ARTICLE BY PAULI REEP
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
There is little more satisfying to your sweet tooth than ooey-gooey cinnamon rolls. Here is an easy and fun way to make this tearable, shareable treat!
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INGREDIENTS
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 3 (12 oz.) cans of buttermilk biscuits
COOKING INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Generously coat the inside of a bundt pan with cooking spray or butter. Melt the butter in a pot or bowl. Mix the sugars and cinnamon in a separate bowl.
Open one can of biscuits, separate, and cut each into four sections. Next, roll each quarter into a ball and then put each one into the sugar mixture to coat. Place the balls in the bundt pan in a single layer and drizzle a little melted butter evenly over the top. Repeat with the other two cans of biscuits. Sprinkle the remaining sugar mixture over the top and bake for 30-35 minutes.
Be sure to let cool for a minute or two before turning the bread onto a plate and carefully removing the pan. If you leave the monkey bread in the pan much longer, it will stick and be hard to remove.
I sometimes make icing by adding a few tablespoons of milk to about a 1/2 cup of powdered sugar with a splash of vanilla. Drizzle over the top while warm and enjoy!
