Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association Annual Event Inaugurates Incoming President Michael Garozzo

When the Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association (GKCRA) inaugurates its incoming leader at the organization’s annual industry event, the new president’s voice might sound familiar.

Michael Garozzo, who founded Garozzo’s Ristorante in 1989, assumes the honored role at GKCRA’s gala and awards ceremony, which will be held on Jan. 28 at the Marriott Hotel in Downtown Kansas City (200 W. 12th St.). Garozzo’s distinctive gravelly voice is regularly heard on AM radio commercials. He describes the restaurant’s signature dish and Kansas City staple chicken spiedini as “often imitated, never duplicated.”

Along with the inauguration of Garozzo as president, GKCRA will recognize Restauranteurs of the Year James Westphal and Mark Kelpe of BeerKC Restaurants, Inc., and the Company of the Year, PepsiCo.

The gala event brings restaurant industry leaders, partners, civic organizations and political representatives from the bi-state area to commemorate the anniversary of the GKCRA, as well as the origin of the National Restaurant Association (NRA) and restaurant associations across the nation.

Not surprisingly, Garozzo’s chicken spiedini will be a featured entrée selection on the menu.

Local area high school students from ProStart, a national culinary education program, across the metro will be partnered with local chefs to create appetizer selections that will be offered throughout the evening.

Local producers Restless Spirits Distilling, SD Strong Distilling, and Tom’s Town Distilling Company will provide signature drinks and craft cocktails.

Raffle tickets for a getaway package to Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North are on sale until Jan. 26, 2017, and cost $25 each or $100 for five tickets. The package includes a two-night stay at the luxury resort, roundtrip airfare for two on Southwest Airlines, breakfast for two and golf for two. The winner will be determined in a drawing at the event. Proceeds from the raffle support the Restaurant Advocacy Fund (RAF).

Tickets are available by calling the GKCRA office at 816-753-5222 or emailing Bill Teel at bteel@morestaurants.org.