Town and Story

Kian Parsa

Editorial byline

Kian Parsa is an editorial byline for Town and Story, with a focus on Founder Stories, New in Town, Local Features. Biographical credentials and external profiles are published only after verification.

Learn more about our editorial process and use of automation in our AI & Automation disclosure.

Coverage Areas

Founder Stories
New in Town
Local Features

Latest Articles

Editorial illustration for Four Support Systems Every Local Entrepreneur Should Know—and How to Pick the Right One
Founder Stories

Four Support Systems Every Local Entrepreneur Should Know—and How to Pick the Right One

Local entrepreneurs often struggle by trying to do everything alone, but four key support systems can help: ESOs, government counseling, peer networks, and industry associations. This guide provides a framework to match your business stage and needs to the right support.

Oct 14, 2026 · 5 min read

Editorial illustration for A Blueprint for Impact: How to Build a Successful Business-Nonprofit Partnership
Local Features

A Blueprint for Impact: How to Build a Successful Business-Nonprofit Partnership

Successful business-nonprofit partnerships require a strategic foundation of shared purpose, mutual accountability, and effective management of sector differences. By moving beyond transactions to genuine collaboration, leaders can unlock significant benefits for their organizations and communities.

Oct 8, 2026 · 5 min read

Editorial illustration for How to Find Hidden Gems at Your Local Library Book Sale
Local Features

How to Find Hidden Gems at Your Local Library Book Sale

Transform your library book sale experience from a chaotic rummage into a successful treasure hunt with a systematic, two-phase approach. Learn how to prepare strategically and navigate the sale to discover cherished books, media, and unique finds.

Oct 4, 2026 · 4 min read

Editorial illustration for How to Get a Business License for Your New Retail Store
Local Features

How to Get a Business License for Your New Retail Store

Opening a retail store requires navigating licenses and permits from state, county, and city governments. This guide outlines common permit types, prerequisites, costs, and how to build a local research plan for compliance.

Oct 3, 2026 · 3 min read

Editorial illustration for Health Center of Southeast Texas Opens Roman Forest Clinic, Grand Opening Set for Oct. 10
New in Town

Health Center of Southeast Texas Opens Roman Forest Clinic, Grand Opening Set for Oct. 10

The Health Center of Southeast Texas has opened a new clinic in Roman Forest, its seventh location, beginning patient care on October 5, 2026. A public grand opening celebration is set for October 10, inviting the community to tour the facility and enjoy family activities.

Oct 3, 2026 · 2 min read

Editorial illustration for A Diagnostic Guide to Entrepreneurial Work-Life Balance
Founder Stories

A Diagnostic Guide to Entrepreneurial Work-Life Balance

Entrepreneurs often face burnout due to the pressure of constant connectivity. This guide offers a diagnostic approach to identify specific work-life balance challenges and implement targeted strategies for sustainable success.

Oct 2, 2026 · 4 min read

Editorial illustration for Spark Surprise Ignites Entrepreneurship with Grand Opening in West Valley
Local Features

Spark Surprise Ignites Entrepreneurship with Grand Opening in West Valley

Surprise, AZ, has officially opened Spark Surprise, a new business development hub designed to empower local entrepreneurs and businesses. This innovative center offers state-of-the-art facilities and comprehensive support programs, with free membership for all.

Oct 1, 2026 · 4 min read

The new Burlington store in Cicero, Illinois, with a red ribbon stretched across the entrance for its grand opening ceremony.
New in Town

Burlington Cicero Opening Date Announced: September 18th

On Friday, September 18th, the new Burlington store in Cicero officially opens its doors.

Sep 10, 2026 · 2 min read

Community members collaborating around a table, discussing survey results on a tablet, symbolizing direct influence on local news.
Local Features

TAPinto launches reader survey platform for community engagement

TAPinto, a network of over 100 local news sites, is launching a new reader survey platform that will allow residents to directly influence local reporting priorities, potentially shifting editorial po

Sep 9, 2026 · 3 min read

Aldi supermarket exterior at dusk, showcasing a new store opening with shoppers and delivery trucks, representing rapid expansion and job creation.
New in Town

Aldi opens new stores weekly in September, creating 120 jobs

Aldi is set to open a new store every single week throughout September, a rapid expansion poised to create up to 120 new jobs in the UK grocery market, according to Retail Bulletin .

Sep 7, 2026 · 3 min read

Diverse new businesses opening in Cleveland and Philadelphia, with shoppers and a lively urban atmosphere.
New in Town

New Businesses Opening in Cleveland, Philadelphia & More

While Burrito Feliz, owned by Puebla native Miguel Nolasco, saw lines wrapped around the block for its grand opening in University City this past July, according to Visit Philadelphia , BJ's Wholesale

Sep 2, 2026 · 4 min read

Exterior of a new Trader Joe's store with shoppers, symbolizing community and accessibility.
New in Town

Trader Joe's Plans New Store Openings

Trader Joe's is slated to open new locations, signaling a robust expansion for specific retail sectors.

Aug 30, 2026 · 3 min read

A lively town square with people celebrating local events, featuring a giant cheddar cheese loaf replica as a quirky roadside attraction.
Local Features

Local Communities Gather for August 29th Events and Causes

This August 29th, a 32,000x scale replica of a Tillamook Medium Cheddar Baby Loaf will be unveiled as a roadside attraction at the Americana Motor Hotel.

Aug 29, 2026 · 2 min read

A lively town square showcasing unique local businesses, symbolizing community character and economic vitality.
Local Features

Supporting Local Businesses: Defining Town Character

For every $100 spent at a local business, roughly $68 stays within the local economy, a stark contrast to the less than $14 recirculated by chain stores, according to Pillur .

Aug 28, 2026 · 7 min read

Split image: a lively community arts center contrasted with a modern co-working space and struggling small businesses, illustrating uneven regional development.
New in Town

Region Sees New Business and Community Spaces Opening

In the historically underserved Northside district, a defunct textile factory has transformed into 'The Canvas,' a vibrant community arts center, offering free workshops, according to the Northside Co

Aug 26, 2026 · 5 min read

A newly opened Five Guys burger restaurant with customers enjoying the new location on a sunny day.
New in Town

Five Guys Burger Chain Opens New Abilene Location July 2

A brand new Wawa location on Ring Road in Elizabethtown faced an immediate operational challenge on July 20, when 1,500 gallons of fuel spilled just days after its opening, according to Wdrb .

Aug 11, 2026 · 3 min read

The newly unveiled PETAWAWA letter sign illuminated at dusk, with people enjoying the community space around it.
Local Features

Petawawa Unveils New PETAWAWA Sign to Boost Community Engagement

On August 7, 2026, the town of Petawawa unveiled a new PETAWAWA letter sign, a physical beacon in a landscape increasingly defined by digital connections and hyper-local activities.

Aug 9, 2026 · 3 min read

Excited customers receive gift cards and celebrate the grand opening of a new Winn-Dixie supermarket in Keystone Heights, Florida.
New in Town

Winn-Dixie Celebrates New Business Grand Opening in Florida

The first 100 customers arriving at the new Winn-Dixie in Keystone Heights on August 15 received a mystery gift card, valued between $10 and $100.

Aug 8, 2026 · 5 min read

Diverse group of people collaborating around a holographic display of economic data and innovation concepts in a vibrant cityscape.
New in Town

Regions See New Businesses & Innovation Initiatives

Local economies are seeing a visible boom in new business openings, alongside strategic workforce and innovation initiatives.

Aug 4, 2026 · 4 min read

A lively community celebration for the grand opening of new local businesses, featuring ribbon-cutting ceremonies and festive decorations.
New in Town

Local Area Welcomes New Businesses with Grand Celebrations

In September alone, 6,497 new restaurants and food businesses opened across the country, according to Fox Business .

Jul 30, 2026 · 5 min read