Greater Kansas City Inaugural Gala 

Inaugural

Each year in January, the Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association honors its incoming president and newly elected slate of officers with the President’s Inaugural Ball. In addition, the event recognizes the restaurateur and company of the year award winners, two of the highest honors in the Kansas City hospitality community.

Restaurateur of the Year 

In 1976, the Board of Directors of the Missouri Restaurant Association voted to establish the Restaurateur of the Year award. Each of the MRA Chapters annually honor a local restaurateur who continually demonstrates their dedication to the industry and to their community. This award has become the most prestigious and meaningful honor given from the association:
 

1976 • Ned Eddy Jr. - Eddy’s Catering
1977 • Tom Gaul - Joe’s Barn
1978 • Bruce McMullen - Putsch’s
1979 • Carl DiCapo - Café Italia/Italian Gardens
1980 • Ken Hill - Gilbert Robinson
1981 • Gary Berbiglia - Joe’s Barn
1982 • Dorothy Much - Myron Green
1983 • Richard Arey - Plaza Inn
1984 • Bill Conklin - Oak Grove Truck Stop
1985 • Leona Yarborough - Yarboroughs
1986 • Clifford Bath - Harry Starkers
1987 • Jerry Gaines
1988 • Richard May - Gilbert Robinson
1989 • Vince Totta - ​V’s
1990 • Ron Regan - Whisker Riveys/Sunset Grill 
1991 • George Cascone - Cascone’s 
1992 • Paul & Pat Sterner - Village Green 
1993 • Ron Rowland - White Castle 
1994 • Steve Cole - Café Allegro 
1995 • Greg Hunsucker - V’s Restaurant 
1996 • Jack Fiorella - Jack Stack BBQ
​1997 • Rod Anderson - Hereford House
​1998 • Manny Lopez - Manny’s Restaurant
1999 • Ed Holland - Myron Green 

2000 • Joe Bisogno - Mr Goodcents Subs & Pastas
2001 • Michael Garozzo - Garozzo’s Ristorante
2002 • Paul Khoury & Bill Crooks - PB&J
2003 • Ollie Gates - ​Gates BBQ ​
2004 • Doug Barnard - ​The Majestic Steakhouse
2005 • Tom Norsworthy - ​54th Street Grill
2006 • John Geiger - ​Anderson Restaurant Group
2007 • Jimmy Frantzé - ​JJ’s
2008 • Richard & Theresa Ng - ​BoLings
2009 • Vic Allred - ​Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen
2010 • Steve Greer & Bill Teel - ​The Golden Ox
2011 • Jason & Shannon Pryor - ​Pizza 51
2012 • Chris Sutton - ​KC Hopps
2013 • Alan Gaylin - ​Bread & Butter Concepts
2014 • Bart Hickey - ​Seasons 52
2015 • Kevin Timmons - ​​Nick and Jake’s
2016 • Mark Kelpe & James Westphal-BeerKC Restaurants, Inc.
2017 • Domhnall Molloy & Andy Lock - Summit Grill & Bar
2018 • John & David VanNoy - Jess & Jim's Steakhouse
2019 • Gregg Johnson - Minsky's Pizza, Osteria IL, Centro and eggtc
2020 • Rick & Kristi Ghilardi - Grand Street Cafe
2021 • Rick Renfro & Louie Riederer - Johnny's Tavern
2022 •  Mary Montgomery Shatz - LongHorn Steakhouse

2023 •  James Taylor - La Bodega

2024 . Kelly Magee - Q39


Company of the Year

In 2007, the Board of Directors voted to create the Company of the Year award. Allied companies are nominated by members of the GKCRA and then a committee of industry representatives selects the recipient.  This annual Chapter award is given to recognize member companies for their selfless service and contribution to the community and association as a whole.

2007 • Osage Marketing
2008 • American Food Service
2009 • Boulevard Brewing Company
2010 • Liberty Fruit Company
2011 • The Roasterie, Inc.
2012 • Major Brands
2013 • AJ Goss Distributors
2014 • US Foods
2015 • Excel Linen Company
2016 • Pepsi Beverages Company
​2017 • ​Hiland Dairy
2018 • ​Standard Beverage Corporation
2019 • ​Sysco Kansas City
2020 • C & C Produce
2021 • Heartland Payment Systems
​2022 • United Beverage Company

​2023 • Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits

2024. Heartland Coca-Cola