Kansas City restaurants make big plans to expand outdoor dining
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - A dozen restaurants make the city’s cut and will receive city funding to improve outdoor dining areas.
The city stated that the improvements will help restaurants prepare for increased attention and business leading up to the 2026 World Cup events.
“These businesses will use the grants to create inviting outdoor spaces that will serve our community well beyond the 2026 World Cup, contributing to the unique character that makes Kansas City a premier destination,” Mayor Quinton Lucas said.
The following list was chosen because of the diversity and creativity the establishments bring, according to the city.
- Novel Restaurant
- Scotts Kitchen and Catering at Hangar 29
- La Bodega
- Ruby Jean’s Juicery
- Border Brewing Company
- Fifth and Emery
- Orange By Devoured
- Mean Mule
- Brewery Emperial
- Torn Label Brewing Company
- Trezo Mare Restaurant
- Kansas City Taco Company
“I prefer dining outside,” Mayor Lucas continued. “I think there is nothing better because you get to see a neighborhood, you get to be part of something. You’re not just a backend corner table in a restaurant. Instead, you really get the environment of a community.”
The Outdoor Dining Enhancement Grant Program began in 2024. The city has given 32 restaurants a total of $300,000 to use and invest in their future success.
At the corner of 30th and Troost, Ruby Jean’s Juicery already has an outdoor setup called Patio 3000. It’s bright, fun, and soon to be filled with activity this summer.
“We have an event called Juice Jams,” said Marissa Williams, the chief of staff. “It’s the third Friday of every month. We host local artists, we have vendors out, it’s a great time.”
Williams walked KCTV 5 through Patio 3000 and talked through the upgrades they’ll make with this grant.
“We will get shading here and enhance the seating,” said Williams. “Make more room for all kinds of things, landscaping.”
She and owner Chris Goode were at the business when they heard the city was awarding them the grant.
“We were so excited,” said Williams. “It’s very special and we are thankful for the opportunity from the city of Kansas City. More people will be able to experience our patio, experience Ruby Jean’s, maybe for the first time. I think that’s a blessing and really beautiful.”
Goode says he’s appreciative of the of Kansas City.
“I truly believe that the small business community is the lifeblood of our city,” said Goode. “It’s the character. It’s the essence. It’s the very fabric of what we know to be Kansas City, and we each other. It’s an exciting day and we’re truly thankful to the city of Kansas City.”
Just down the street sits Urban at Armour and Troost; it was one of several local restaurants that received funds from the grant last year.
“We got this area fenced in, we got umbrellas, umbrella holders,” said co-owner Ronald Evans. “We got plants, plant holders, we got these tables, lights.”
The restaurant had just opened up when Evans said someone told them about the grant.
“It came at the perfect time,” said Evans. “We had blown the budget a little bit - I think everyone goes through that with construction costs. We were trying to figure out how we were going to get our outdoor patio. When we found out we were one of the businesses chosen, we thought it was meant to happen. It was so cool.”
Both encourage Kansas Citians and those visiting the area to check out a part of the city that’s often overlooked.
“This is a location where most people don’t think they can have a fine dining experience,” said Evans. “We thought this would be really good for the neighborhood. It’s a neighborhood I grew up in. This area right here is where I feel like Kansas City beats. The heart is beating from right here and this district is thriving and it’s growing.”
“For a tourist to be able to experience what it is to be a Kansas Citian, this is the perfect place for that,” said Williams. “I think anyone can experience a good and a warmth by coming here. The richness of the community is my favorite thing about working here and being here. I think everyone can feel it when they step into this space.”
More information about the program is available through the city at bizcare.kcmo.gov.
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