A Profitable Union

Economy

A Profitable Union

Happy Thursday, Kansas City! Now approaching its 25th year since reopening, Union Station’s revenue and attendance have seen strong growth over the years with 2023 being one of the best yet.

• Post-Pandemic Boom: Since transitioning from a full-time train station to being a community hub for culture and museums, Union Station has seen major growth. Over the last 3 years, that trend has continued showing strong revenue.

• Big Year For Science: This year, Union Station has seen a record-breaking number of visitors to Science City (360k), Regnier Extreme Screen Theatre (67k), and the Planetarium(65k).

• Raking It In: Record attendance paired with exhibits like the Auschwitz Exhibition and events like the NFL Draft, it’s no wonder why Union Station generated over $24m in revenue in 2023. That’s the third-highest total in Union Station history behind 2006 and 2021.

2024 is pacing to be another big year for Union Station as well. Disney recently chose the station as the launching point for its Disney 100: The Exhibition, celebrating the company’s first century of life.

Events

Shawnee Is On Tapa The World

A new tapas bar is coming to downtown Shawnee’s entertainment district.

• Tapa The World: Gilda’s will be a tapas bar at 5815 Nieman Road which will feature a full bar with craft cocktails and a full kitchen offering specialty tapas.

• Small Plates, Big Flavors: Tapas, the Spanish small plates concept, will be prepared by Stephanie Cashion, the owner of the Glass Cat in Bonner Springs. The menu will include Spanish shareables, seafood, roasted meats, and a small amount of American cuisine.

• Shawnee Is Booming: Gilda’s interior will be a Spanish-style interior with an old Hollywood feel. Yet another cool spot to go into Downtown Shawnee next to Wild Child, Drastic Measures, and Friction Brewery.

No timeline has been announced for the restaurant, but construction is underway. In the warmer months, patrons will also be able to lounge on the patio.

Events

MMM Starts With M

The Moon Bar is teaming up with MITCH e AMARO for an experience blending Asian and American bars.

• What’s In A Name?: Moon Bar, a Japanese-style bar in Columbus Park is partnering with MITCH e AMARO, a mixed bar and liquor retail space in North KC for an event titled ‘It Starts With M’.

• Mixing Mixology: The two bars will collaborate on new plates and new cocktails which will mix the Asian and American influences inside MITCH e AMARO’s space at 306 Armour Road in NKC.

• More Than A Bar: MITCH e AMARO not only functions as a bar, but also carries a variety of products for home bar enthusiasts including an impressive collection of Amaro, Aperitif, drink-creating books, and barware.

‘It Starts With M’ will take place on Sunday, January 28th from 6 to 11 pm. No tickets or reservations are necessary.

KC Daily Picks

In Other News

• 🎺 Back To The 70s: Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind, and Fire are collaborating for a concert this summer in KC.

• ⚽ Kickstart Your Career: The KC Current is looking to fill multiple positions for CPKC Stadium’s inaugural season in 2024.

• 🌱 Growing In Leawood: Whole Harvest Kitchen, the plant-based restaurant, will open on January 23 at Leawood’s Town Center.

• 🔋 Battery Capital: Tovarna Akumulatorskih Baterij (TAB), a lithium-ion battery producer chose Liberty to place its new $15m facility.

• 🛒 Bridging The Gap: Farm Fresh Market is a grocery store looking to place a location in Red Bridge by the end of the year.

• 🎉 Become a Fan: Our KC Daily Fan Club keeps our newsletter going. In return for helping us keep the lights on, members receive access to exclusive giveaways. Join Today!

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