Kansas City-area food halls don’t just provide diverse options for patrons. They’re becoming a platform that enables local chefs to graduate and open standalone brick-and-mortar restaurants.

Leawood-based Stray Dog Capital led a $5.5 million seed round for a Chicago-based food tech startup with a novel technology for crafting seafood alternatives that mimic the taste and texture of real seafood.

Co-founder Tam Tran talks about the funding round and how the startup is helping health care-focused companies monetize their data.

CEO Kerryann Kocher says the Series B raise is another point of validation that will propel the company to the next level of growth.

CEO Kerryann Kocher says the Series B raise is another point of validation that will propel the company to the next level of growth.

Two Kansas City-area establishments advanced as finalists in the prestigious James Beard Awards program, and the winners will be revealed during a June 5 ceremony.  “The James Beard Awards celebrate outstanding achievement and exceptional culinary talent, as well as all those doing incredible work on behalf of our communities and wider food system. This year’s nominees, winners, and honorees are inspiring exemplars of that,” Jame Beard Foundation CEO Clare Reichenbach said in a release.” In…