Just like the Christmas lights strung on the Plaza, JJs Restaurant is a plaza institution. Now after 40 years, owner Jimmy Frantze is passing ownership to his nephew Kevin Frantze. Known for its contemporary menu and popular wine selection, regulars flock to JJ’s for longtime favorites like Paco’s Shrimp and the Wild Boar Ragu.
I’m excited to honor the family legacy”, says Kevin Frantze, who grew up in KC but headed to Arizona for college. After college, Kevin Frantz headed to Southern California where he worked at various restaurants and hotels.
Kevin Frantz plans to reconnect the Plaza restaurant with the community, he says. He plans to keep JJ’s popular classics, but also incorporate more local seasonal ingredients, switching up the menu as the seasons change. Kevin Frantz and Head Chef Kodiak Baer have started experimenting with some new dishes, including a new popular dish – the shellfish bake.
JJ’s wine list will remain top-notch. “Patrons can also expect JJ’s world-class wine list to remain a focal point, having been painstakingly and passionately curated over the years by Jimmy and Matt Nichols,” states a press release.
“I’m incredibly proud of what my uncle has built,” says Kevin Frantz.
