Meet Matthew Lees, the current Maître d’hôtel and Sommelier of the Kauffman Center Dining Experience. As Maître d’, Matthew is responsible for coordinating the guest experience. Matthew manages a variety of responsibilities from staffing the restaurant to selecting the custom wine list offered to guests.

As Sommelier, Matthew procures customized wine, beer and spirits specifically with the Kauffman Center’s Dining Experience meal palate in mind. He has a well versed knowledge of wine and spirits and is passionate about curating a varied and inclusive beverage menu that caters to all guests. Matthew takes time to teach his staff about the selection and pairing process and shares “a good Sommelier and Maître d’s primary role is to serve the guest – inquiring about likes, dislikes and preferences.  I take pride in creating a welcoming environment and strive to create the best guest experience from start to finish.”

Matthew has been in the restaurant industry for 20 years. His passion for food, wine and a top-notch customer experience is what drives him to go to work each day. Matthew has had the opportunity to work with many amazing chefs, several of whom have been featured on culinary shows such as “Chopped,”  “Top Chef Masters”  and “The Next Iron Chef,”  among others.

Matthew Lees was recently interviewed by Crushed, the creators of a new social wine app for a new generation of wine drinkers. Matthew gives several wine tips and speaks about his role as Sommelier of the Kauffman Center Dining Experience.

Matthew states that “being a part of The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is truly amazing.  I feel like being here as the Maître d’ and Sommelier is a part of history in the making.”