Meet the 2025 Missouri Restaurant Association’s Influencer of the Year Finalists

The Missouri Restaurant Association just dropped the names of the six finalists for its 2025 Influencer of the Year Award, which recognizes social media content creators who spotlight Missouri’ s restaurant and hospitality scene.

The MRA Influencer Program spotlights creators uncovering hidden gems, hyping up local spots, breaking restaurant news, and showing off the best bites around the state. Last year, Emma Ezzell (@kansascityplaces.em) was the first-ever recipient of the award, known for her food content and roundups of favorites around Kansas City’s dining scene.

Without further ado, here are this year’s finalists:

Annie Bui Seang: @feedmeanniething.kc

Mikita Burton: @allthingsmikita

Brenda Cortes: @bbcortess

Date Night KC: @datenight.kc

Neyan Babni: @neyanventures

Katie McLiney Wiewel: @lo.kc.al

Each was chosen for their creativity, community connection, engagement with local businesses, and genuine love for local food. Public voting will determine the winner, who will be announced at the MRA’s upcoming annual event.

Read more and find voting info here, and stay tuned to see who will be crowned the 2025 Missouri Restaurant Association Influencer of the year.

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