Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes Secretly Launch $1,587-a-Plate Steakhouse—But What Happened on Opening Night Left Guests Stunned, Staff Speechless, and Fans Begging for the Truth!
In a move that surprised fans of both football and fine dining, Kansas City Chiefs stars Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes have officially opened the doors to their upscale new restaurant venture: 1587 Steakhouse. Named for the combined numbers of their jerseys — 15 for Mahomes and 87 for Kelce — the restaurant is more than just a clever branding decision. It marks a bold and personal investment in Kansas City’s community, and one that has already sent shockwaves through the sports and hospitality industries alike.
But this wasn’t your typical celebrity-backed restaurant opening. From unexpected controversies to heartwarming gestures, what unfolded after the launch of 1587 Steakhouse has taken on a life of its own.
More Than a Vanity Project
While many athletes have dabbled in food ventures, Kelce and Mahomes took a hands-on approach. Working with renowned chef Michael Zeller, whose resume includes Michelin-starred establishments in New York and Chicago, the two NFL stars spent over a year curating the concept, designing the space, and even tasting and approving every item on the menu. According to sources close to the project, the duo was “obsessed with the details” — from the wood-fired tomahawk ribeye to the Kansas City whiskey reduction that’s now gone viral on food TikTok.
But for Mahomes, this was never about status or celebrity.
“Kansas City has given me everything,” he said during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “This is our way of giving something meaningful back — a space where people can come together, celebrate, and enjoy the best our city has to offer.”
Kelce echoed the sentiment.
“We didn’t just want a cool place for game nights. We wanted legacy. And 1587 is that legacy.”
The Grand Opening: Glitz, Glamour — and a Surprise
The grand opening of 1587 Steakhouse was exactly what fans would expect from two of the NFL’s biggest personalities — and then some.
Red carpet? Check.
A-list guest list? Absolutely. Brittany Mahomes, Taylor Swift (yes, that Taylor), Andy Reid, and even actor Paul Rudd were in attendance.
But the moment that stole the show came halfway through the evening. As patrons enjoyed their meals, the lights dimmed and a video montage played — highlighting Mahomes and Kelce’s journey from teammates to business partners. Then, to everyone’s surprise, the pair walked out and personally served signature dishes to randomly selected guests in the crowd.
“They weren’t just posing for photos. They were working,” said local diner Greg Thomas. “Patrick brought me my steak himself and joked about being my server. It felt real. Humble.”
What’s On the Menu?
The buzz around 1587 Steakhouse isn’t just about its famous owners — it’s about the food. Chef Zeller’s approach is elevated yet grounded in Kansas City roots. Here are a few standouts from the now-viral menu:
- The Mahomes Filet – An 8 oz center-cut filet mignon aged 28 days, served with garlic-thyme butter and house-smoked sea salt.
- The Kelce Cut – A massive 42 oz tomahawk steak, dry-aged and flame-grilled, with a chipotle bourbon glaze.
- Red Zone Ribeye – A marbled beauty paired with truffle mac and cheese and fire-roasted corn.
- Touchdown Tartar – A hand-cut Wagyu beef tartare topped with quail egg and mustard caviar.
- Fourth Quarter Old Fashioned – A smoky twist on the classic, infused with barrel-aged Kansas City bourbon.
There’s also a vegan and vegetarian-friendly section, a nod to the players’ growing awareness of health trends and inclusivity. The “Sideline Squash” – grilled acorn squash with maple balsamic reduction – has already earned praise from critics and diners alike.
The Unexpected Controversy
Despite the celebration, not everything has gone smoothly.
Days after the grand opening, 1587 Steakhouse found itself at the center of a heated debate online. The source? The price.
With steaks starting at $85 and specialty cocktails nearing $30, some Kansas City residents took to social media to question whether the restaurant was alienating the very community it claimed to uplift.
“I love Mahomes, but who can afford this? Regular KC folks can’t drop $300 on dinner,” one user posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Others defended the venture, pointing out that it was never meant to be a fast-casual chain but rather a high-end experience akin to dining hotspots in Los Angeles or New York.
Mahomes addressed the concern head-on.
“We hear the feedback, and we’re not ignoring it. We’re working on a weekly community night where prices are adjusted and portions of proceeds go to local charities. This place is for everyone,” he said during a press Q&A.
Celebrity Effect: The Swift Factor
Travis Kelce’s relationship with Taylor Swift has undoubtedly amplified attention on the steakhouse. Swifties have flocked to 1587 in hopes of catching a glimpse of the pop icon, who has been spotted there twice already.
Reservations for the following month sold out within 36 hours of her first appearance.
“We didn’t plan for the Taylor factor,” Kelce joked in a recent interview. “But hey, if it brings more love to KC, I’m all for it.”
Some fans even reported long wait times and have compared the restaurant’s hype to dining at celebrity hotspots like Nobu or Catch LA.
A Deeper Legacy: Beyond Football
One thing is clear: 1587 Steakhouse is not just a flash-in-the-pan business.
Behind the scenes, Mahomes and Kelce are using the profits to fund culinary scholarships for local students, internships for minority chefs, and job creation within underrepresented neighborhoods in Kansas City.
“They’re building something sustainable,” said food critic Dana Phillips. “And they’re doing it with a level of care and responsibility rarely seen in celebrity ventures.”
Rumors are already swirling about a second location — possibly in Mahomes’ hometown of Tyler, Texas, or Kelce’s native Cleveland. But for now, the focus remains on building a foundation in Kansas City.
Final Thoughts
The launch of 1587 Steakhouse is more than just a story of two NFL stars opening a fancy restaurant. It’s a symbol of how public figures can merge passion, community, and legacy into something tangible. It’s about roots. About giving back. And, of course, about damn good steak.
In an age where celebrity ventures often fade as quickly as they arrive, Mahomes and Kelce may have just created something that outlasts even their time on the field.
What Happens Next?
Whether you’re a football fanatic, a foodie, or just someone curious about the intersection of fame and entrepreneurship, 1587 Steakhouse is a case study in how to do it right — even when everything doesn’t go perfectly. It’s bold. It’s flavorful. And like its owners, it’s impossible to ignore.