The Founders’ Lounge is open before most evening shows featured at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. In order to operate a sustainable service for our arts patrons, we must meet a minimum threshold of reservations to operate for each date scheduled for service. Walk-in diners are welcome, but the Founders’ Lounge needs a guaranteed amount of visitors to make the model work. We greatly appreciate your consideration in making a reservation.
FIRST COURSE
Embered Leek
Roasted Asian pear, smoked buttermilk, preserved yuzu, celery leaf, leek ash
PAIRED WITH Optimist Sauvignon Blanc
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SECOND COURSE
Butter-Poached Lobster
Sunchoke purée, hazelnut, fennel pollen, Meyer lemon beurre blanc
PAIRED WITH DAOU Reserve Chardonnay
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THIRD COURSE
Duck Breast
Beet-blackberry lacquer, black trumpet mushroom, anise jus, cocoa nib
PAIRED WITH DAOU Reserve Seventeen Forty
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FOURTH COURSE
Aged Ribeye Cap
Black garlic, smoked potato, charred brassica, bone marrow-sage jus
PAIRED WITH DAOU Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
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FIFTH COURSE
Aged Gouda Royale
Black currant verjus, black walnut, cocoa nib, bay leaf
PAIRED WITH DAOU Soul of the Lion Cabernet Sauvignon
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*We kindly decline substitutions or adjustments
Disclaimer
Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
Allergy Warning: Menu items may contain or come into contact with wheat, eggs, shellfish, fish, soy, sesame, peanuts or tree nuts. Ask our staff for more information.
We politely decline any modifications or substitutions.
Parties of 8 or more will have 20% gratuity added.
Make a Reservation
Reserve your table at the Founders’ Lounge.
Directions & Parking
Allow yourself enough time to arrive, park and delight in a meal featuring exquisite yet casual modern-American cuisine steps from your seat at the Kauffman Center restaurant Founders’ Lounge.
Frequently Asked Questions
You’ll find the Founders’ Lounge just within the south doors of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Be sure to check our calendar for open dates and times.
You are more than welcome to dine with us, whether or not you plan on attending an event at the Kauffman Center. However, our hours of operation are tailored around performance times. Reservations are recommended. Walk-in dining is offered depending on availability.
Much depends on the food you order and your desired experience. However, in general you should plan on up to an hour and a half for a party of up to four people in size who are having appetizers, dinner and dessert.
We are very limited for spacing on large parties. If you plan on having 5 or more people, please email dining@kauffmancenter.org with your inquiry. We will always do our best to accommodate our patrons; however, seating for larger parties will depend on availability.
Just as with our patrons for performances, restaurant patrons arrive in all styles of dress. Business casual is usually a safe bet if you’re concerned. Any other dress code requirements meet the obligations required by Kansas City restaurant laws and codes.
We kindly request that if you need to cancel your reservation, please do so 48 hours prior to your reservation time.