Remember local businesses

While its great to see all of the fuss over the new Power & Light District during the Big 12 tournament (3/14, A-1, “It’s downtown, live and busy; Restaurants and bars hope the action continues citywide and even year-round”), it’s easy to miss the one small mention of a true Kansas City landmark, Kelly’s in Westport, near the end of the story.
As the proprietor mentioned, they have been there 70 years serving customers and paying taxes with no offers of help from the city or state in those 70 years.
While you are promoting all the new, shiny franchises like Famous Dave’s or Chipotle Mexican Grill, which are hardly Kansas City “originals,” don’t ignore the fact that, like Kelly’s, there are plenty of Kansas City true originals like Manny’s, Fiorella’s and the Hereford House. These establishments were Kansas City landmarks long before anyone was offering TIFs and shuttle buses to the front door.
Debbie Lopez
General manager, Manny’s restaurant
Kansas City

Comments

[Vibiana]

Hey, Debbie. I give you the big wave every time I drive past your restaurant to go get some GOOD Mexican at Sol Azteca. LOL

[ScooterJ]

I talked to a great many visitors here for the tournament and while all of them wanted to go to the Power & Light for the party, when it came to meals each and every person I talked to wanted to go to someplace local instead. In fact, I gave at least 4 or 5 groups of people directions to your restaurant. :)