KCUR | By Chris Fortune

The NFL’s business connect program aims to feature diverse, local businesses for major events. Next week’s NFL Draft is expected to bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to Kansas City, but these local business owners say they’re up for the challenge. 

Chef Jayaun Smith has been moving a mile a minute lately — communicating constantly with his suppliers to see if they can set aside extra beef and requesting emergency deliveries to keep enough inventory to feed thousands of people at the NFL Draft next week.

Smith owns Sauced, a fast-food stand tucked behind Academy Bank in downtown Kansas City, near 18th and Main streets.