As Drink Up Week continues in Kansas City, we felt it was only right to pay tribute to the local origins of four major drink industries: spirits, wine, beer, and coffee. Grab a glass of whatever, and sip along with us.
🥃 Spirits
Regional distilling boils down to the Lewis and Clark expedition in 1804, where they discovered a limestone spring near Weston, MO. The natural water source had stagecoach + freight magnate Ben Holladaygushing — thanks to the money he could make supplying whiskey to westward travelers. In 1856, he established what’s now the oldest continuously operating distillery in Missouri (thanks to “medicinal alcohol” during Prohibition).
By 1950, the Holladay still was the only one operating in Missouri. It wasn’t until the early 2000s that craft distilleries started making a comeback, including J. Rieger & Co. in 2014 + Tom’s Town in 2016.
Who knew exploring the Missouri River would yield such delicious results? | Photo by KCtoday
🍷 Wine
California who? Before Napa Valley was the winemaker’s wish upon a star, Kansas and Missouri led the nation’s wine industry in production. We’re not joking. German immigrant farmers settled along the Missouri River in 1837, where they found out that Midwest soil is actually prime for grape growing. Kansas farmers produced hundreds of thousands of gallons a year by the latter half of the 1800s.
In 1880, Kansas amended its constitution to outlaw recreational alcohol, predating national Prohibition by four decades. The state hung on until 1948, and it wasn’t until 1985 that Kansas allowed farm wineries. By 2010, wine production had increased back up to 107,419 gallons.
☕ Coffee
It’s hard to imagine a world without your corner café (especially if you’re a darn Millennial like me). However, KC’s craft coffee didn’t begin to percolate until 1992 when Sara Honan and Jon Cates opened Broadway Cafe — at 4106 Broadway Blvd. in Westport.
Using KC-roasted beans + fancy latte art, they quickly attracted a crowd that preferred them over the nearby Starbucks. Jon later said that was the first Starbucks location to close in the nation. However, the two businesses together brewed up a local love of coffee shops that has bean growing ever since.
Sweet Lizzy Project | Thurs., July 28 | 8 p.m. | Knuckleheads Saloon, 2715 Rochester Ave., Kansas City, MO | $15 | The rock band has opened for iconic rock musicians such as Heart, The Mavericks, and Joan Jett. 🎸
Andrew Dice Clay | Thurs., July 28-Sat., July 30 | The Comedy Club Of Kansas City, 1130 W. 103 St., Kansas City, MO | $78+ | Known for being brutally honest and unapologetic, this comic takes the stage for three nights.
Friday
KIDZ BOP LIVE | Fri., July 29 | 7 p.m. | Starlight Theatre | $30+ | Music lovers of all ages can enjoy singing and dancing along. 🎶
Chad Daniels | Fri., July 29 – Sat., July 30 | Improv Comedy Theater & Restaurant, 7260 NW 87 St., Kansas City, MO | $66+ | This comedian’s content has 700+ million streams.
Saturday
Big Time Rush | Sat., July 30 | 8 p.m. | T-Mobile Center | $40+ | The Nickelodeon-famous group, joined by Spencer Sutherland will “live it big time” in KC.
2022 Amaizing Sweet Corn Glean-A-Thon & Festival | Sat., July 30 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | National Agricultural Center & Hall of Fame, 630 N. 126 St., Bonner Springs KS | $0+ | Bring the family to enjoy food trucks, roasted sweet corn, and train rides. 🌽
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
Hampton Farms has been in biz for 75+ years, so you know they’ve got the snacking thing down. | Photo provided by Hampton Farms
We’re four days into KCtoday’s first Drink Up Week — and we’re loving every second. Here’s something else to add to your plate: Hampton Farms gourmet peanuts — because the only thing better than a drink is a drink + a snack.
82º | Scattered thunderstorms | 40% chance of rain
Award
KC-based El Dorado was named the best small architectural firm in the Midwest, beating out companies from Chicago, Minneapolis, and Detroit. The affirmation came from The Architect’s Newspaper, a top industry publication. Notable projects include Barkley’s building (the one with the rocket), Crossroads Hotel, and Denver’s Market Station. (CityScene KC)
Development
Construction is underway near 18th and Vine in KCMO — the first housing project in the district in the last 15 years. Photos show the current site along with a rendering of the finished building. If you need a refresher, here’s what’s going on. 🏗️
KCMO is constructing 2.4 miles of new protected bike lanes near Hickman Mills Drive — between The Paseo + 85th Street. The path is part of the city’s Vision Zero pedestrian safety plan. They will look similar to the Gillham cycletrack, which was completed last year. 🚲 (KSHB 41)
Civic
The City of Parkville wants to replace its Farmers Marketafter recent damage, and officials are asking for input. This quick survey asks how often you visit, what you like, and what you would improve at the market. Parkville will accept feedback until noon on Wed., Aug. 3.
Biz
Lift off. KC-based Particle Space just earned a $100,000 investment from NMotion. The tech company builds real estate apps, websites, and business features — launching within weeks. Particle Space will receive funding along with three months of programming with mentors and investors. 💰 (Startland News)
Ranked
Four big businesses in the KC metro go above + beyond company standards for women employees, according to “America’s Best Employers For Women” by Forbes. The University of Kansas Health System ranked in the top 25%, with Saint Luke’s Health System, H&R Block, and Hallmark Cards also making the list. (Kansas City Business Journal)
Several local hospitals made the U.S. News list of “Best Hospitals By Specialty.” The University of Kansas Hospital ranked in the top 50 in the country for cancer treatment, and Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute scored well nationally for cardiology and heart surgery. (Kansas City Business Journal)
Drink Up Week
We’re spilling the tea. Bubble tea store Bruú Café — at 4709 Central St., KCMO —brought back its Mango Cheesecake + Strawberry Shortcake drinks exclusively for Drink Up Week. Regardless of what you get, both drinks are definitely summer in a cup. 🥤
Sports
Chiefs president Mark Donovan said Arrowhead’s World Cup conversion will require a “two-year construction process.” Part of the plan will involve removing seats for modification and then putting them back in — with the goal not to lose a single seat for football. Funding will be discussed with FIFA. 🏟️ (Kansas City Business Journal)
Plan Ahead
Strang Hall — 7313 W. 80th St., Overland Park — will host an evening with Aquam Vinos Wines on Tues., Aug. 2 from 4-6 p.m., and you’re invited. Sip wines from South America to South Africa, with four tastings and a final full pour all for $20. Read more about the wines.
Finance
When beginning the journey of buying a home, getting pre-approved should be the least of anyone’s worries. Opendoor recently announced a financing app that enables consumers to get a mortgage pre-approval in less than two minutes. It’s currently available to CA customers, with availability in additional states coming soon. 🏡 *
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It’s a match made in… well, KC. MIKC partnered with KCtoday to offer reduced prices on brand new drinks — released specifically at three concept bars. Here’s what to get and where:
Outta the Blue, 5291 W. 116th Pl., Leawood, KS | Escape to a tropical oasis with an $8 Ultima Palabra — Mezcal, Green Chartreuse, Luxardo, pineapple + lime.
Front Range, 2718 W. 53rd St., Fairway, KS | Try the $8 Deja Vu — Vodka, St. Germain, Rose, Strawberry, Rosemary Mint Syrup + lime.
Ludo’s Shuffleboard Bar, 323 E. 31st St., KCMO | Slide a biscuit while sipping on the $8 Frozen Bee’s Knees — Lifted Spirits Bold Gin, honey + lemon.
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Editor’s pick: Need a refresher on Drink Up deals? Check out two of our Instagram reels with all the coffee + cocktail specials. While you’re there, give us a follow — we’ll love you forever.
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