10.30.2023

Today’s Forecast

42º | Partly cloudy | 4% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:42 a.m. | Sunset 6:20 p.m.

🍻 Bottoms up, KC

Meet Kin Seltzer: Kansas City’s newest locally-brewed hard seltzer

Here is a new drink to add to your list. | Photo by Kin Seltzer

There’s a new brew in town. Kin Seltzer is a hard seltzer made with fresh fruit at Border Brewing Co. (512 E. 18th St., KCMO). Founded in 2022, the small startup made a big splash after securing a $3 million investment from former Chiefs linebacker Dezman Moses.

City Editor Charmaine sat down with co-owner Kearra Johnson to get to know the bev brand a bit better. Let’s tap in.

🥃 Behind the brew

Kin Seltzer is led by Kearra Johnson, Joshua Lewis, and Eric Martens (Martens is also the owner of Border Brewing Co.) — the self-proclaimed first Black-owned hard seltzer brand in the US.

Founders of Kin Seltzer.png — The owners of Kin Seltzer from left to right: Eric Martens, Kearra Johnson and Joshua Lewis
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Photo by Kin Seltzer

But what led them to make hard seltzers?

“So, one, seltzers are really good,” Johnson said. “It was [also] an untapped market for Black entrepreneurs, and we felt like we could do something really cool with just bringing the Black consumer into the world of seltzers.”

They also wanted to create a drink everyone could enjoy that provided the same social experience as harder alcohol while being light and refreshing.

🍺 Sipping on success

In true startup fashion, every single seltzer is brewed + canned by this team of three. And, trust, it’s a busy biz.

Though the company isn’t even a year old, you can already find Kin Seltzer at 30+ locations across the KC metro. And they aren’t planning to put a stopper on the growth anytime soon.

The grand goal: Getting into big box stores.

“Right now, we’re heavy on bars and smaller retail spaces [...] but the real mark of growth would be getting into the Whole Foods, the Targets,” Johnson said.

Kin Seltzer brewing a batch — Watch out — a new batch is a’brewing.
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Photo by Kin Seltzer

Kin Seltzer’s signature flavor is dubbed “Top Tier.” It’s a fusion of pineapple and peach with notes of lemon and lime. Unlike a typical seltzer, it’s made with fresh fruit, so the flavors are bold.

The team plans to release several more flavors soon. You can follow them on Instagram to find out when they launch.

Asked

How many craft breweries are in Missouri?

A. 23
B. 122
C. 163
D. 324

Take a guess

Events

Monday, Oct. 30

BOOlevard Bogus | Monday, Oct. 30 | 5-9 p.m. | Boulevard Tours & Rec Center, 2534 Madison Ave., Kansas City, MO | Free | Grab your flannel and a scrunchie for a night of 90s Halloween nostalgia.
Westport Ghoul House | Monday, Oct. 30 | 6-8 p.m. | Westport-Roanoke Community Center, 3601 Roanoke Rd., Kansas City, MO | $5 | Bring the whole family for a scare.

Tuesday, Oct. 31

Annual Trunk or Treat | Tuesday, Oct. 31 | 5:30-7 p.m. | The Guidance Center, 500 Limit St., Leavenworth, KS | Take the kiddos to walk through decorated trunks full of candy.
BOO BASH | Tuesday, Oct. 31 | 6 p.m. | No Vacancy, 1717 Wyandotte St., Kansas City, MO | $25 | Check out bone-chilling beats, delicious drinks, and stick-and-poke tattoo artists.

Wednesday, Nov. 1

Husbands | Wednesday, Nov. 1 | 8 p.m. | Uptown Theater | $15 | Get ready for a night of indie rock and roll with this alternative band.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Sports

The Chiefs fought hard but lost to the Broncos 9-24. Now, the team is heading to Germany to take on the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Nov. 05, 8:30 a.m, at Deutsche Bank Park.

Arts

Calling all creatives. The South Loop Project is looking for an art consultant. The City of KCMO released a request for proposal that closes Wednesday, Nov. 15, at 5 p.m. The art consultant will design the initial artwork, plus build the framework for future art + artistic performances in the space.

Civic

KCMO City Council designated an additional $1.3 million to fund shelter operations + hire staff. The city plans to work with 15 local organizations to carry this out as a part of its plan to end homelessness. (KCUR)

Cause

The City of KCMO also awarded $4.4 million to the Rebuild KC Neighborhood Grant. The grant distributed funds to local initiatives centering topics such as affordable housing, violence prevention, and job training.

Seasonal

Crown Center is getting holiday ready. The mall’s ice terrace opens for the season on Friday, Nov. 3, with free skating from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. Shortly after, at 10 a.m., the Mayor’s Christmas Tree will be lifted by crane and placed on its stand.

Concert

Chris Stapleton is coming to T-Mobile Center on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, for his “All-American Road Show” tour. Tickets go on sale Friday, Nov. 3, at 10 a.m. We hope “Tennessee Whiskey” is on the set list.

Eat

Travis Kelce is cooking with gas. His new refrigerated entrees — fittingly named “Travis Kelce’s Kitchen” — are now available at Walmart. Channeling the flavors of KC barbecue, meals available include brisket burnt ends with BBQ sauce, BBQ baked beans with sausage, and bacon mac + cheese. (FOX4)

Coming Soon

Rally the sports fans. On Friday, Nov. 17, local sports retailer Rally House will open a 23,119-sqft space. This Northland spot — located at 8341 NW Roanridge Rd. — will be one of its largest yet, marking its 17th location in the metro.

Trending

Someone in Independence, MO has won $1 million, but no one has claimed the prize. If you bought a Cash4Life ticket on Wednesday, Oct. 25, with the numbers 11, 15, 21, 25, 45 make sure you don’t miss out on your money.

Finance

$300 is the new $200. This card is offering a rare $300 welcome bonus, and bonuses like that don’t come around that often. That’s why thousands are lining up for it. Learn more and apply.*

Answered

🫖 Where does KC shop for tea?

Answered: Where our readers buy tea in the KC metro

Oh taste and see that the tea is good. | Photo by Anna Marie’s Teas

Last month, we asked where you shop for your tea. Now, we’re spillin’ the deets on the metro’s best tea stores. Here were your most popular recommendations.

Shang’s Tea House | Crown Center, 2450 Grand Blvd., Ste. #106, KCMO
In the survey, 10% recommended this shop (which is also Editor Charmaine’s fav). This locally-owned tea store serves hot tea + tea cakes. Fun fact: The owner designs the travel pots that are for sale.

Tea Market | Crestwood Shops, 329 E. 55th St., KCMO
This local leaf market took 15% of the votes. Enjoy its thoughtfully sourced teas and have a sip from the tea bar, too.

Anna Marie’s Teas | 9 W. Franklin St., Liberty, MO
With 25% of the votes, this locally-owned store was the favorite. Pop by for monthly themed tea parties, or sign up for its Tea of the Month club.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Charmaine

From the editor

Y’all I totally forgot to make a costume this year. I’ve been so busy with life and it completely slipped my mind. Let’s see what I can come up.

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