Restaurant Week isn’t just a feast; it’s a force for good

Every January, Kansas City’s dining scene transforms into not just a playground for adventurous palates but also a tool for community impact. KC Restaurant Week takes place Jan. 9–18 and invites locals to explore more than 200 participating restaurants. The restaurants, from cozy neighborhood joints to fine-dining establishments, all create specialty priced multicourse menus that showcase what they’re best at.

But make no mistake: Restaurant Week is more than a reason to feast. Each year, the organization, founded by Visit Kansas City and the Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association, chooses a charity to which participating restaurants pledge 10 percent of menu sales.

This year’s featured charity partner is reStart Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals and families experiencing homelessness find stable housing and long-term support. Alongside reStart, donations also benefit the Visit KC Foundation and the Greater KC Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, both focused on strengthening the hospitality and tourism workforce that makes our city thrive. 

In 2025, KC Restaurant Week presented House of Hope with a donation of over $125,000, and the year before that, it presented Kanbe’s Market with a donation of over $100,000. Over its 16-year history, Restaurant Week diners and restaurants together have raised more than $4.2 million for local nonprofits, supporting causes from food access to youth development. Who would have guessed that dining out at your favorite restaurant would make such an impact in your community?

No matter where you head for your meal, your participation in this Restaurant Week offers more revenue for restaurants and a way to invest in Kansas City. Personally, I’m looking forward to visiting Aahaa Modern Indian Cuisine (I’ve heard they serve a massive family-sized dosa), The Brass Onion (rumors say the steak is elite), Ground Control at The Belfry (chef Celina Tio’s new venture) and Mineral Lounge (from the minds at the beloved Crossroads wine bar Tannin). Whatever restaurant you choose, with every shared appetizer and decadent dessert, you’re joining a community that eats well and does good. To learn more, visit kcrestaurantweek.com.  

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