Dairy Dealing

Business

Dairy Dealings

Ask any Kansas Citian where to find the best ice cream in the city, and surely Betty Rae’s will enter the conversation. Two years ago, Alec Rodgers stepped in to purchase both locations, and he recently sold it to a name many KC residents may be familiar with.

• Sweet Business Deal: Waldo and River Market’s most beloved ice cream shop has been sold to Matt Shatto of Shatto Milk Company. Shatto is renowned for its high-quality dairy products, and joining forces with Betty Rae’s creates a match made in dairy heaven.

• Scoop-Worthy Treats: As the new owner, Shatto Milk Company plans to build upon Betty Rae's legacy while introducing new and exciting flavors like the Bee’s Knees while keeping all of its 26 classics. And yes, this includes the adventurous flavor of Joe’s KC Burnt Ends.

• Around Town: To celebrate the new deal, Kansas Citians should be on the lookout for more Betty Rae’s pop-ups around the city starting June 5.

Arts and Culture

Graffiti with a Cause

SprayKC, a local nonprofit, aims to turn forgotten buildings into beautiful pieces of art by hiring local artists to change the buildings’ facades through spray painting. Their work has been displayed on billboards and buildings throughout the metro.

• P(art)nerships: David Block, President of Block and Company Realtors, is dedicated to making Kansas City a place full of not only beautiful buildings but also beautiful street art. Thus why he decided to partner with SprayKC in 2020.

• Plaza Mural: Block looked for a way to turn his property on the east end of the Plaza just outside Chuy’s and Rye into a beautiful statement. Enter Vince Sanders, the owner of SprayKC. After beginning the project in 2020 and adding on in 2021, the parking garage was transformed into a vibrant work of art.

• Spraying Opportunities: Block and Sanders recently struck a deal to spray paint more of Block’s properties on the Plaza. With the goal of revitalizing worn facades and showcasing local artists, new graffiti will be ready for the Plaza Art Fair on Sept 27.

Best of KC

Vote For Your Favorites Now

If you've ever found yourself searching for the top restaurants in KC on Google, it's likely that you came across KC Magazine's renowned "Best of KC” list. However, what you might not be aware of is that this list is meticulously curated based on local votes and encompasses a wide range of categories beyond just food.

• KC's Best Square Off: The Best of Kansas City is back to celebrate the city's thriving industries and offer insight into what locals truly love from restaurants, gyms, art galleries, and even Realtors.

• Vote for Your Favorites: Because each category is decided by giving the vote to locals, you have the opportunity to say what businesses take the top spot in KC across more than 10 categories.

• A Celebration of Flavor: The Best of KC, perhaps most known for its list of Kansas City’s best restaurants, has been helping locals and out-of-towners alike discover new dining destinations, explore hidden gems, and indulge in unforgettable culinary experiences that will satisfy even the most discerning palates.

Interested in who won 2022 Best of KC awards? Check out the full list out here!

Openings

Attention Cocktail Enthusiasts

From the Pitch’s 2019 Best Bartender in KC, Bryan Arri, comes a new gem in the Crossroads district: Fern Bar. Opening on the corner of Broadway and Southwest Boulevard, Fern Bar will take a different approach to cocktails than most other bars in KC.

• Exquisite Sips at Fern Bar KC: Kansas City's cocktail scene is about to be taken to a new level with the arrival of Fern Bar KC. Specializing in sugarcane and agave-based drinks, this new bar seeks to give people a great-tasting cocktail without all the frills.

• Mixology and Culture at Its Finest: Fern Bar KC prides itself on its team of talented mixologists who are dedicated to their craft. The bar's stylish and inviting ambiance with earth tones and full-grown agave aims to be a low-key place to grab a drink during the week. During the weekend, live music will contribute to a livelier atmosphere.

• At the Crossroads of It All: Fern Bar joins one of the hottest neighborhoods in KC when it comes to food and drink. Check out their expansive list of restaurants and bars to visit when you’re visiting.

KC Daily Picks

In Other News

• 👕Dinner and a Thrift: Parlor KC will be hosting its KC Vintage Flea Market on May 27.

• 🧹Cleaning KC: The Great Kansas City Cleanup was a HUGE success with over 2200 volunteers making KC a little more beautiful.

• ⚽KC’s World Cup: FIFA recently released the

  Kansas City branding for the 2026 World Cup.