KC Restaurant Week is more than an opportunity for diners to indulge in specialty coursed meals and discounted menu items. Each year, the dining event chooses a local charity to donate proceeds to and Kanbe’s Markets is 2024’s non-profit recipient. On Tuesday, organizers of KC Restaurant Week presented Kanbe’s with a donation of over $100,000 in a special ceremony.
“Visit KC and Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association are incredibly proud to present this donation to Kanbe’s Markets,” said Kathy Nelson, president and CEO of Visit KC. “It’s our mission to support local charities making an impact within KC’s food systems, and Kanbe’s has made itself known as a leader in combating Kansas City’s food insecurity.”
Participating restaurants in KC Restaurant Week pledge 10 percent of menu sales to charity. This year, more than 200 restaurants participated in the January event and Kanbe’s Markets ended up with a donation of $101,608.
Kanbe’s works to create a more inclusive food system in Kansas City through delivery systems that help move nutritious food to those who need it. The approach also reduces the amount of fresh food sent to local landfills.
“So much of who we are as an organization was born in restaurants,” said Max Kaniger, founder and CEO of Kanbe’s Markets. “In the very beginning, we fundraised at bars and restaurants that just gave us a moment to say, ‘We have this idea. Will you help?’
“That spirit of community built around food is the very soul of who we are as an organization, so to be selected for this opportunity is something we’ll remember forever.”
Kansas City Restaurant Week has now raised over $3.8 million for local causes throughout its 15-year history, and has proven to be a winning event for charities, restaurants and the community at large.
“Participating restaurants have enjoyed increased visibility and patronage, while the public has delighted in experiencing new menus at special prices,” said Mike Burris, executive director of the Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association.
