The Kansas City metropolitan area continues to be a place where diners still seek and crave independent restaurants. In Restaurant RX’s 2010’s Changing Face of American Fine Diners, most diners prefer one-of-a-kind dining establishments rather than their upscale chain counterparts by the wide margin of 81 percent versus 19 percent. Restaurant diners are also looking for menu variety, international flavor and an intimate atmosphere.
The Kansas City Originals community, more than 45 restaurants (a handful has several locations around the metropolitan area), are an independent restaurant group with roots stretching back to May 2001. The group was determined to raise awareness of the “city’s culinary and cultural strength. Local restaurants like local bookstores, hardware stores, and coffee shops support their communities. The dollars spent in local restaurants stay in Kansas City and local restaurants support vital local charities.”
Marina Grog & Galley owner Jack Schwindler serves the Originals group with advertising and marketing. He says the group as well as individual restaurant owners and staffs help various agencies in town. Some hold food drives for specific neighborhood churches or organizations like reStart. Several support Harvesters. About 22 restaurants, owners and staffs are preparing for the Fourth Annual Serving Up Cures. The event is Nov. 8 at the Grand Ballroom at Bartle Hall. The benefit is for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The social includes sampling dishes from restaurants. “We were approached by the charity and it’s been a great fit,” he says. “With the restaurants spread throughout the metro, we have owners and staff who support their local communities.”
The Power Card offered by the KC Originals restaurants has more than 70,000 patrons signed up for the rewards program. Schwindler says the diners accumulate points for each dollar spent. “Every time they spend $150 at one restaurant or at several, they get $10 off. The cards can gain up to $100 in the savings account. It can be used for up to 50 percent off the dining bill. If patrons give us an e-mail address, they get regular e-newsletters highlighting our restaurants. We also offer some of our gift cards at a discount.”
The Kansas City Originals group adds a few restaurants each year after those restaurants are vetted. “They must apply after they have been in business for a year. We send out an evaluation team to make sure the locally owned and independent restaurants fit. We are a tight-knit organization.”
Try the view of Lake Lotawana at Marina Grog and Galley this winter. How about a world class burger at Blanc Burgers and Bottles? The satisfying comforts of Italian cuisine at Cascone’s? What about a special luncheon at Webster House after a few hours of shopping in the nearby Power & Light District? The choices are almost endless with the KC Originals. There really is something for everyone with the Kansas City Originals. “Our motto is ‘Eat Well, Eat Local.’ Hopefully people can find that restaurant close to the neighborhood because I really believe we are doing something right. We have people tell us they seek locally owned places. We had a mild winter last year and that helped us all as people ate out more often.”
