During a quiet weekday lunch, Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce invited a group of local chefs struggling to keep their small restaurants open
They not only covered the cost of a week’s supplies but left behind a note hinting at a collaborative event that would change the chefs’ lives.
Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce Uplift Struggling Chefs with Generosity and a Game-Changing Promise
Kansas City, MO — In a heartfelt gesture that underscores their commitment to the Kansas City community, NFL superstars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce hosted an intimate weekday lunch at their soon-to-open steakhouse, 1587 Prime, on August 18, 2025. The event, held at the Loews Kansas City Hotel, was a private affair for a select group of local chefs whose small restaurants have been grappling with economic challenges. What began as a gesture of support turned into an unforgettable moment when Mahomes and Kelce not only covered the cost of a week’s worth of supplies for each chef’s restaurant but also left behind a cryptic note hinting at a collaborative event in 2026 that could transform their careers.
A Culinary Haven in the Heart of Kansas City
1587 Prime, set to open its doors on September 17, 2025, is a modern American steakhouse named after the jersey numbers of Mahomes (15) and Kelce (87). Partnering with the acclaimed hospitality group Noble 33, the 10,000-square-foot, two-story venue promises an immersive dining experience with a stadium-inspired tunnel entrance, a striking meat display, and private dining rooms infused with subtle nods to the duo’s football legacy. The restaurant’s menu, teased in a viral taste-test video, features indulgent dishes like A5 Wagyu carpaccio, truffle ponzu tuna tartare, and flavored butters such as bone marrow and hibiscus, all designed to capture the “Kansas City feel.”
Mahomes and Kelce have emphasized their vision for 1587 Prime as a community hub, not just a high-end dining destination. Their decision to keep the restaurant affordable, as Mahomes noted in a press conference, reflects their desire to make it a place “where Kansas City can call it home.” This commitment to accessibility and community was on full display during the lunch event for local chefs.
A Lifeline for Struggling Chefs
The invited chefs, representing small eateries across Kansas City, have faced mounting pressures from rising food costs, labor shortages, and economic uncertainty. Mahomes and Kelce, aware of the challenges local restaurateurs endure, handpicked a group of chefs whose passion for their craft and dedication to their communities mirrored the duo’s own values. The guest list included owners of family-run bistros, food trucks, and neighborhood diners, many of whom have struggled to keep their doors open.
The lunch, held in one of 1587 Prime’s private dining rooms, was an intimate affair with a curated menu showcasing the restaurant’s signature offerings. Guests enjoyed dishes like Wagyu smash burgers, togarashi fried chicken, and a steak flight featuring premium cuts, paired with selections from what Noble 33 claims will be one of Missouri’s largest wine collections. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, with Mahomes and Kelce mingling with the chefs, sharing stories of their own experiences dining at local spots and expressing admiration for the culinary talent in Kansas City.
“It was like sitting down with old friends,” said Maria Gonzalez, owner of a small Mexican restaurant in the Westside neighborhood. “Patrick and Travis didn’t just feed us—they listened to our stories, our struggles. They made us feel like we mattered.”
A Generous Gesture and a Mysterious Note
As the lunch concluded, Mahomes and Kelce surprised the chefs with an extraordinary act of generosity. Each chef received a commitment from the duo’s respective foundations—15 and the Mahomies and Eighty-Seven & Running—to cover the cost of a week’s worth of supplies for their restaurants. The funds, to be distributed through a partnership with local food suppliers, will provide essentials like fresh produce, proteins, and pantry staples, offering a much-needed financial reprieve.
But the true shock came when each chef was handed a handwritten note, signed by Mahomes and Kelce, hinting at a future opportunity. The note read: “Kansas City’s heart is its food, and you’re the heartbeat. Stay tuned for a collaboration in 2026 that will put your talent on the biggest stage. Let’s make history together.” The cryptic message left the chefs buzzing with speculation about what the duo has in store.
“I was already floored by the supplies, but that note—it gave me chills,” said Jamal Carter, a barbecue pitmaster whose food truck has been a local favorite. “Whatever they’re planning, it feels like something that could change everything for us.”
A Collaborative Event on the Horizon
While details of the hinted 2026 event remain under wraps, sources close to 1587 Prime suggest it could involve a high-profile culinary showcase featuring the invited chefs. Speculation on social media points to a potential food festival, a pop-up series at 1587 Prime, or even a televised event that would spotlight Kansas City’s culinary scene, with Mahomes and Kelce leveraging their fame to draw national attention. Posts on X reflect the excitement, with one user writing, “Mahomes and Kelce supporting local chefs like this? That’s Chiefs Kingdom spirit. Can’t wait to see what’s next!”
The gesture aligns with the duo’s history of community engagement. Mahomes’ foundation has supported youth programs and charitable initiatives, while Kelce’s focuses on empowering underserved communities. Their decision to uplift struggling chefs reflects a deep understanding of the restaurant industry’s challenges and a desire to use their platform to make a tangible difference.
“Kansas City’s food scene is what makes this city special,” Mahomes said during the event. “These chefs pour their hearts into their work, and we want to help them keep doing that.” Kelce added, “What’s better than good food and good people? We’re just getting started.”
A Community United by Food and Football
The lunch event has sparked widespread praise, with local media and fans celebrating Mahomes and Kelce’s generosity. “This is what makes them more than just athletes,” one X user posted. “They’re giving back to the people who make KC what it is.” Another wrote, “Covering supplies and teasing a big collab? That’s how you build a legacy.”
As 1587 Prime prepares for its grand opening, the restaurant is already shaping up to be a cornerstone of Kansas City’s cultural landscape. With its football-inspired decor, world-class kitchen, and commitment to community, the steakhouse is poised to become a destination for both locals and visitors. Reservations open on August 20, 2025, at noon CST, and anticipation is high for what promises to be a dining experience infused with the spirit of Chiefs Kingdom.
For the chefs who attended the lunch, the day was a reminder of the power of community support. The financial assistance will help them keep their restaurants afloat, while the mysterious note has ignited hope for a brighter future. As Gonzalez put it, “Patrick and Travis didn’t just give us supplies—they gave us a reason to keep going. Whatever this 2026 event is, I’m ready to cook my heart out.”
With 1587 Prime, Mahomes and Kelce are proving that their impact extends far beyond the field. By investing in Kansas City’s culinary talent, they’re not just serving prime cuts—they’re serving up hope, opportunity, and a vision for a stronger community.
