Local craft beer lovers (or casual post-ski day beer enthusiasts like Hailee), rejoice! We are joined by none other than Casual Animal co-founder Lara Gray on this episode of Behind the Bar!

Founder and owners Lara and husband Kyle Gray started Casual Animal Brewing in Kansas City’s Crossroads district in 2017-18 in a space across from the former Kansas City Star building. The business has thrived – expanding to more than double its original size in 2020 (even as the country was in the midst of a global pandemic!).

Committed to the neighborhood, Lara is also president of the East Crossroads neighborhood association and a board member of the Crossroads Arts District. Along with a lot of good being done in the area, Lara and her fellow Crossroads small business owners have seen firsthand just how much violent crime in Kansas City has risen over the past few years.

Looking for a way to make a change, Lara discovered KC 360, an organization that uses a collaborative, community-based approach to address gun violence and violent crime in Kansas City.

Tune in to hear more about Lara, about KC 360, and how you can get involved in their vital mission.

Learn more about KC 360 - https://kccommongood.org/kc-360/

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