Grab a plate, save a restaurant: KC’s 10-day crash course in cuisine could keep the doors open

The region’s culinary community is toasting the return of Kansas City Restaurant Week with anticipation — and hopes for a serving of survival amid an economic downturn that’s seen the closures of dining establishments new and old across the metro.

Nashaunda Law, founder of Bosslady’s Famous Shrimp, during a preview event for the 10-day Kansas City Restaurant Week at J. Rieger & Co.; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

“This event alone can hopefully at least keep us open,” said Nashaunda Law, founder of Bosslady’s Famous Shrimp, during a preview event for the 10-day Kansas City Restaurant Week earlier this week at J. Rieger & Co. “It’s been really slow, and Restaurant Week is our biggest thing right now, hopefully it saves the day.”

Law, whose Northland seafood restaurant is located at 6245 N. Oak Trafficway, said the past year has been one of the toughest since opening.

“We serve things like gumbo, crab legs, shrimp, crawfish and pastas,” she said. “I started selling our spices and sauces in house because we’re in survival mode. We’re trying to save the restaurant.”

Click here to learn more about Kansas City Restaurant Week, which runs Jan. 9-18, including a full list of participating dining locations.

Spices from Bosslady’s Famous Shrimp; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

Bosslady’s Famous Shrimp is back for a second year of Restaurant Week after a strong debut in 2024.

“Our first year was awesome. It turned out really great,” she said. “We had a lot of community support and support from reporters, bloggers and the newspaper. It made me really happy. That’s probably the most support I’ve ever gotten. So I’m really looking forward to this year.”

Her Restaurant Week menu features customer favorites and new additions, including shrimp and grits, creole gumbo, brisket and burnt ends, plus desserts like red velvet cake and lemon crunch.

“We’re even introducing a hungry bowl we’ve never served before,” said Law. “The first time anyone will get it is during Restaurant Week.”

Chefs from J. Rieger & Co. serve samples during a preview event for the 10-day Kansas City Restaurant Week at J. Rieger & Co.; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

A preview of what’s to come

Bosslady’s Famous Shrimp was one of dozens of restaurants featured at this week’s preview, giving media and guests a first taste of what to expect when the 17th annual Kansas City Restaurant Week officially kicks off today.

AnnaMarie Foster, general manager at Union on The Hill, plates samples during a preview event for the 10-day Kansas City Restaurant Week at J. Rieger & Co.; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

In addition to the menus of participating businesses, the event spotlighted the people behind the food and the neighborhoods they serve.

“What excites us is seeing more people come through enjoying the experience we have to offer,” said AnnaMarie Foster, general manager at Union on The Hill. “People get out of the bubble and try things they might not otherwise.”

Union on The Hill blends classic American comfort food with creative twists from its Swiss trained chef owner.

“It’s comfort food, but with fun ideas,” said Foster. “It’s not your typical all-American. Our filet meatloaf is made with ground filet. Our rice bowl is our own twist. It’s more savory and more exciting.”

Restaurant Week often encourages regulars to branch out, she emphasized.

“The moment they try something different, they say, ‘I’ve been coming here this whole time and never tried this,’” Foster said. “That’s what makes it fun.”

Plates of tacos from TACO NACO KC; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

From farmers market to three locations

TACO NACO KC, a fast growing taqueria that started with just a few tacos at local farmers markets, was among those serving bites at the preview.

“We started doing three tacos and now we have a big menu,” said Laura Basuri, manager at TACO NACO KC. “Everything is delicious and we really care about the quality of ingredients.”

The restaurant now operates locations in Overland Park,  Westport, and on State Line Road in Kansas City, Kansas — each with its own vibe.

“It’s a great opportunity to let people who don’t know us yet try us,” Basuri said. “Mexican food brings the community together. It’s fun and it’s different.”

Diners snag samples during a preview event for the 10-day Kansas City Restaurant Week at J. Rieger & Co.; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

Dining that gives back

This year’s Restaurant Week also carries the tradition of a bowl-filling philanthropic mission. reStart Inc. has been selected as the featured charity partner for 2026, receiving a portion of proceeds from participating restaurants.

Stephanie Boyer, CEO of reStart Inc.; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

“We serve households who are at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness,” said Stephanie Boyer, CEO of reStart Inc. “We serve about 1,300 people a year and provide nearly 90,000 meals annually.”

Now in its 17th year, Kansas City Restaurant Week features more than 240 participating restaurants offering multicourse menus at $20, $40, $50 and $65 price points. Restaurants pledge 10 percent of menu sales to local causes.

The reStart partnership connects dining out with meaningful impact, Boyer said.

“Every time someone goes out to enjoy a nice meal, they’re also helping give meals back to folks who need it,” she said. “It’s a win for restaurants and a win for the community.”

The post Grab a plate, save a restaurant: KC’s 10-day crash course in cuisine could keep the doors open appeared first on Startland News.