Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce are expanding their business portfolio beyond the football field with a new culinary venture. The Super Bowl champions are preparing to open their steakhouse, named 1587 Prime, in Kansas City this summer, with plans to launch before the 2024 NFL season kicks off.
The timing suggests the restaurant could welcome its first customers as early as July or August, giving the Chiefs duo an opportunity to establish their dining spot before they return to defending their back-to-back NFL championships.
From Teammates to Business Partners
Mahomes and Kelce, who have built one of the NFL’s most successful quarterback-tight end partnerships on the field, are now taking their teamwork into the restaurant industry. The name “1587 Prime” appears to be a nod to their jersey numbers – Mahomes wears #15 while Kelce sports #87.
This business move follows a pattern of professional athletes leveraging their fame and financial resources to build enterprises outside of sports. For Mahomes and Kelce, both at the height of their NFL careers and public visibility, the restaurant offers a chance to build a lasting business in the city where they’ve become sports icons.
Adding to Kansas City’s Culinary Scene
The steakhouse will join Kansas City’s established dining landscape, a city already known for its barbecue and meat-centric culinary traditions. By choosing to open a high-end steakhouse, the players are tapping into a dining category with strong appeal in the Midwest market.
Local food critics and Chiefs fans will be watching closely to see how 1587 Prime distinguishes itself in a competitive restaurant environment. The establishment will likely benefit from the immense popularity of its famous owners, who have helped bring two consecutive Super Bowl championships to Kansas City.
Strategic Timing for Launch
Opening before the NFL season begins is a strategic move that gives the restaurant several advantages:
- The players can be more involved in the launch before their demanding NFL schedule begins
- The opening can capitalize on pre-season excitement and media attention
- The restaurant can establish operations before potential game-day rushes
The summer opening also allows 1587 Prime to work through initial operational challenges before the height of football season, when demand could spike dramatically, especially after Chiefs home games.
Growing Celebrity Business Portfolios
For both Mahomes and Kelce, the steakhouse represents another step in building their business empires. Mahomes has already invested in the Kansas City Royals baseball team and Sporting Kansas City soccer club, while Kelce has gained additional fame through his podcast and high-profile relationship with pop star Taylor Swift.
The restaurant industry, though notoriously challenging, has long attracted athlete investors looking to diversify their income and establish businesses that can continue after their playing careers end.
As the summer approaches, Kansas City residents and visitors will be watching for more details about the menu, location, and exact opening date of what could become one of the city’s most talked-about dining destinations of 2024.