Kansas City Culinary Entrepreneurs Share Stories of Setback and Success

Some of Kansas City’s top culinary industry talent will offer stories of startup, setback and success at Kansas City’s Culinary Entrepreneurs: A Primer for Startups, a Business Lunch Series panel discussion sponsored by The Olathe Chamber of Commerce. The discussion takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thurs., Feb. 2, at the Ball Conference Center (21350 W. 153rd St.) in Olathe.

Master of Wine and Master Sommelier Doug Frost moderates as the panel reveals how they have successfully opened and operated a food- or beverage-based business. Panelists include award-winning chefs Megan and Colby Garrelts of Bluestem and Rye; The Roasterie founder Danny O’Neill; and Christopher Elbow, founder and owner of Glacé Artisan Ice Cream and Christopher Elbow Chocolates.

Each panelist has earned distinction for their work. Christopher Elbow Chocolates was named “Best Chocolates in the U.S.” by Food & Wine Magazine. Chef Colby Garrelts won the prestigious James Beard Award. In addition to operating two nationally lauded restaurants, the Garrelts have authored two cookbooks. O’Neill has not only built one of the most renowned specialty coffee roasters in the U.S., but he has also announced a series of additional cafe locations to open in 2017.

The panelists will share insights gained from challenges faced throughout their entrepreneurial journey.

Visit www.olathe.org to register.