Kansas City, Missouri, January 7, 2026
The 17th annual Kansas City Restaurant Week is set to showcase the city’s vibrant culinary scene while supporting local businesses and charitable organizations. From January 9 to January 18, diners can enjoy special multi-course menus at various price points, with a portion of sales going to support local charities, including a featured partner that aids those experiencing homelessness. This initiative exemplifies how community engagement and local collaboration can drive positive change. With over 100 participating restaurants, residents can explore diverse offerings while contributing to a meaningful cause.
Kansas City, MO
Savor Kansas City: Restaurant Week Supports Local Excellence & Vital Causes
Kansas City’s premier dining event returns, offering a unique opportunity for residents to enjoy exceptional local cuisine while making a tangible difference in the community. This annual initiative demonstrates how personal choice and local collaboration can effectively drive civic innovation and strengthen the fabric of our city.
The 17th annual KC Restaurant Week is set to transform the city’s culinary landscape, highlighting the resilience and creativity of our local restaurateurs. Founded by a partnership between Visit KC and the Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association, this event exemplifies how private sector leadership and community engagement can foster significant growth and support for both businesses and charitable endeavors, all without cumbersome bureaucracy. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when individuals and local organizations unite for a common, beneficial purpose.
This initiative not only puts Kansas City’s diverse dining scene on full display but also empowers diners to become active participants in community betterment. By choosing to dine out, individuals directly contribute to the local economy and provide crucial support to charitable organizations dedicated to addressing pressing needs within our metropolitan area. This blend of individual enjoyment and collective responsibility underscores a thriving civic spirit.
A Culinary Tradition for Community Good
The 17th annual Kansas City Restaurant Week, often hailed as the “most delicious days of the year,” is scheduled to run from Friday, January 9, through Sunday, January 18, 2026. This 10-day event serves as a significant platform for the hospitality industry, showcasing Kansas City’s vibrant and diverse dining scene. It was established by the Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association and Visit KC in 2010 with a mission to highlight the city’s culinary offerings to both residents and visitors, particularly during a period when restaurants benefit from increased patronage.
How It Works: Supporting Local Choice
During KC Restaurant Week, participating establishments craft special multi-course menus at set price points, providing an accessible way for diners to experience a variety of dishes. For 2026, these price tiers are set at $20, $40, $50, and $65, offering options that cater to various tastes and preferences. This structure not only offers value to consumers but also encourages them to explore new culinary experiences across the Kansas City metro area. Whether diners prefer the traditional experience of a restaurant, the convenience of carryout, or the ease of delivery, options are available to suit individual needs.
Empowering Local Businesses and Culinary Diversity
KC Restaurant Week provides a vital economic boost to local businesses, including many small, family-owned restaurants that are the backbone of our community. By encouraging increased traffic during what can traditionally be a slower month for the dining industry, the event helps sustain jobs and fosters an environment where local entrepreneurial spirit can thrive. The participation of over 100 to over 200 restaurants across the metro area demonstrates the broad engagement of the local business community.
From Small Businesses to Celebrated Kitchens
The event includes a wide array of eateries, ranging from cozy neighborhood establishments to renowned fine-dining spots. Locations span across the Kansas City region, including areas such as Overland Park, North Kansas City, Leawood, Waldo, Brookside, and Martin City. This diverse participation not only provides diners with an extensive selection of cuisines but also reinforces the collaborative spirit among Kansas City’s culinary professionals. This widespread involvement is a testament to the private partnerships that make this large-scale event possible, showcasing the strength of our local economy and the dedicated individuals who contribute to it.
Direct Impact: Fueling Local Causes
Beyond the culinary delights, a fundamental aspect of KC Restaurant Week is its direct charitable contribution. A significant 10 percent of the sales from each Restaurant Week meal is dedicated to supporting a featured charity partner, along with two founding beneficiaries. This model allows diners to engage in personal initiative by choosing where and how they contribute to vital community causes, making every meal a meaningful act of giving.
Investing in Our Neighbors: reStart Inc.
For 2026, the featured charity partner is reStart Inc., a dedicated nonprofit that provides crucial services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Kansas City. reStart Inc. utilizes the funds raised through KC Restaurant Week to bolster its meal programs, offer nutrition education, and expand its outreach efforts to the homeless population. Annually, reStart Inc. serves over 1,300 individuals and provides nearly 90,000 meals, offering comprehensive support that includes shelter, counseling, and employment assistance. As the only agency in the Kansas City region serving all populations—including youth, veterans, families, and single adults—reStart Inc. plays an indispensable role in helping people transition from crisis to stable housing.
Cultivating Hospitality: Visit KC and GKCRA Foundations
The event also consistently benefits two founding beneficiaries: the Visit KC Foundation and the Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. The Visit KC Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization, is committed to enhancing the quality of life in the Kansas City region through tourism advocacy and workforce development. The Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, administered by the GKCRA, focuses on promoting the restaurant industry by providing scholarships to students pursuing careers in hospitality. Both foundations are dedicated to workforce development within the tourism and hospitality sectors, areas critical to Kansas City’s economic vitality and those that have faced significant challenges.
Innovation in Community Engagement
To enhance the dining experience and facilitate community engagement, KC Restaurant Week leverages modern technology. A free mobile application, available on both Android and Apple devices, empowers diners with the tools to plan their culinary adventures. This app includes features such as reservation booking, a wish list function for desired restaurants, and an interactive map to help navigate the extensive list of participating establishments. This innovative approach demonstrates how practical solutions, developed by private initiative, can streamline participation and maximize the impact of large-scale community events, fostering greater individual achievement and satisfaction.
Conclusion
Kansas City Restaurant Week stands as a shining example of how local initiative and private partnerships can profoundly benefit a community. Through the concerted efforts of businesses and patrons, this event not only celebrates Kansas City’s rich culinary landscape but also channels significant resources to organizations like reStart Inc., the Visit KC Foundation, and the Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. With over $4.2 million raised for local causes over its 16-year history, KC Restaurant Week continues to be a powerful force for good, showcasing what can be achieved when individuals come together to support their city.
We encourage all Kansas City MO events enthusiasts and local Kansas City restaurants supporters to participate in this year’s KC Restaurant Week. Your engagement directly fuels the growth of local businesses and contributes to vital Kansas City community support, embodying the spirit of civic engagement KC. Discover new flavors, revisit old favorites, and play an active role in building a stronger, more vibrant Kansas City.
Frequently Asked Questions about KC Restaurant Week 2026
- What are the dates for KC Restaurant Week 2026?
- The 17th annual KC Restaurant Week will take place from Friday, January 9, through Sunday, January 18, 2026.
- Who organizes KC Restaurant Week?
- KC Restaurant Week is organized by founding partners Visit KC and the Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association.
- How does KC Restaurant Week benefit local charities?
- Participating restaurants donate 10 percent of sales from each Restaurant Week meal to a featured charity partner and two founding beneficiaries.
- Which charities are the beneficiaries for KC Restaurant Week 2026?
- For 2026, the featured charity partner is reStart Inc., a nonprofit serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Kansas City. The founding beneficiaries are the Visit KC Foundation and the Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association Educational Foundation.
- What are the price tiers for menus during KC Restaurant Week 2026?
- For 2026, the price tiers for multi-course menus are $20, $40, $50, and $65.
- How many restaurants participate in KC Restaurant Week?
- The event typically features over 100 to over 200 participating restaurants across the Kansas City metropolitan area.
Key Features of KC Restaurant Week 2026
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Name | 17th Annual Kansas City Restaurant Week |
| Dates | January 9-18, 2026 (10 days) |
| Organizers | Visit KC and Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association |
| Purpose | Showcase Kansas City’s diverse dining scene and support the hospitality industry. |
| Menu Offerings | Special multi-course menus at set price points. |
| Price Tiers (2026) | $20, $40, $50, and $65. |
| Dining Options | Dine-in, carryout, or delivery available. |
| Charitable Contribution | 10% of sales from each meal donated to beneficiaries. |
| 2026 Featured Charity | reStart Inc. (supports individuals and families experiencing homelessness). |
| Founding Beneficiaries | Visit KC Foundation and Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. |
| Cumulative Funds Raised | Over $4.2 million for local causes over 16 years. |
| Participating Restaurants | Over 100 to over 200 restaurants across the metro. |
| Mobile App | Free app for Android and Apple devices for reservations, wish lists, and maps. |
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Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
