How Passion Fueled the Fire at Kansas City’s Blue Grotto

John Grier’s restaurant, Blue Grotto, may serve up hundreds of Artisan-style pizzas a day, but it’s not the fire from the pizza oven that fuels this KC restaurant—it’s John’s entrepreneurial passion for the business.

John Grier opened Blue Grotto in June of 2008 and since its launch, the restaurant has become a local favorite for Brookside residents, Kansas City diners, and out-of-town visitors.   Blue Grotto has even been nominated for Best Small Business by the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. 

“I went to Italy and I fell in love with Artisan-style pizza,” says John.  “We needed it in Kansas City.  Blue Grotto gave me the opportunity to teach people what real pizza is all about.”

But it’s time to cut to the chase.  Any blog can suggest a good, local restaurant.  So what makes Blue Grotto the place to go for a dinner out?  John believes it’s the atmosphere, the bringing together of people and the outstanding food.

“When you walk into Blue Grotto, you fall in love,” says John.  And he’s right.  Blue Grotto is located in the heart of Brookside, one of the most beloved areas of Kansas City.  With one of the best outdoor patios in Kansas City and a modern indoor eating area and bar, Blue Grotto has an atmosphere that everybody can enjoy. 

“You can bring your kids here one night and then go on a date night the next,” says John.  And it’s true...there is something for everyone.  From Artisan pizzas to small Mediterranean plates, from knockout Italian desserts to a killer happy hour menu, Blue Grotto serves it all.

But, as everybody knows, starting up a restaurant is no easy task.  And Blue Grotto, like all restaurants, had its ups-and-downs in its startup phase.

“It took a long time to become a success,” says John.  “But it was worth it!”

Because of Blue Grotto’s renowned success throughout the Brookside area of Kansas City, John plans on opening more locations in the future.  He is aiming for two more restaurants in the next seven years, keeping the “go big or go home” mentality in mind. 

The “go big or go home” mentality resides in many entrepreneurs throughout the Kansas City area—but especially within John.  When asked what advice he would give other entrepreneurs looking to start a business, he replied, “Don’t be afraid to ask for advice and help, even outside of the restaurant industry.”

Good luck to John Grier and the Blue Grotto restaurant.  Thanks for Thinking Big and bringing a successful (and delicious) restaurant to Kansas City!

Written by Allison Way

@AllisonThinkBig

Top 9 Kansas City Restaurants for a Power Lunch:

Looking for a good place to take care business while satiating your hunger?  Look no further.  We have compiled a list of some of the best restaurants in Kansas City to impress a new client, celebrate a successful venture, or just casually smooth out the details of a company project.  

Where to wine and dine

Plaza III

The Plaza III Steakhouse has earned its reputation over the last 45 years a Kansas City institution.  Clients and associates are sure to be impressed by the professional service and classic ambiance.    

McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant 

Nothing in KC can compare to McCormick & Schmick when it comes to seafood.  The restaurant offers a variety of private and semi-private dining options that make it a perfect place to strike a deal. 

Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue

If your clients would like to sample some of Kansas City’s famous BBQ, Jack Stack’s Freight House location in the Crossroads district serves up award-winning barbecue in a refined atmosphere. 

Where to toast to triumph

The Cashew

The Cashew is the perfect place to go for a celebratory lunch with coworkers.  The unique open-air environment and sleek and contemporary décor give The Cashew an upscale feel without being stuffy.  Voted #1 for the City’s Best Cocktails, The Cashew will serve up the perfect drink to cheers to your success. 

The Well

After a successful meeting with investors or winning a pitch, why not stop for a good lunch?  You should head to the rooftop at Tnexthe Well in Waldo for a drink and some great food before heading back to your desk.  Every entrepreneur deserves to have a little fun.

Where to grab a quick bite

The Mixx

If you are looking for a fantastic meal that is served fresh and fast, look no further than The Mixx.  Choose from a variety of innovative salads, sandwiches and soups or make your own with their endless assortment of ingredients.  You can choose to dine in their hip and colorful atmosphere or conveniently bring it back to the office and continue working.

Grinders

Located in the heart of the Crossroads District, Grinders is a local dive with an awesome bar food that offers something for everyone.  The restaurant has an urban and edgy feel that make it a perfect lunch escape from the corporate grind.

Oklahoma Joe’s Barbecue

KC BBQ in a gas station? It doesn’t get much better than that.  Oklahoma Joe’s is some of the best barbecue in the city, and they have a slew of awards to prove it.  Grab a few of your coworkers and head for the KCK gas station for some finger-lickin’ good barbeque.   

The Art of Pizza

Pizza is always a crowd-pleaser and The Art of Pizza in the Crossroads has scrumptious New York style pizza.  It is an easy meal to bring into the office or you can eat there in their comfortable and eclectic dining room.  At lunch they serve up a great lunch special complete with a salad, slice and drink.

So what’s it going to be, entrepreneurs?  Seafood with clients?  Salads with coworkers?  Champagne with partners?  Whatever the occasion may be, grab your power lunch at one of these fantastic Kansas City establishments, and you’re sure to get your fill of food and fun. 

Written by Laura Goede.

@LauraGThinkBig

5 ½ Kansas City Restaurants to Wine and Dine Your Clients

Whether you're looking for a quaint café on the sidewalks of the Plaza, an energetic brewery near the Power and Light District, or the perfect cup of coffee in the Crossroads, Kansas City seems to have it all.

But with so many terrific breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, there is one major problem: making a decision!  That's why I have narrowed down the 5 ½ best restaurants in Kansas City to wine and dine your clients.  So, if you're looking to meet a client for lunch, take an important prospect out for coffee, or want to wine and dine a client with a classic Kansas City dinner, these restaurants are guaranteed to help any small business owner impress their future customers.

1.  La Bodega
The environment of La Bodega is as unique as its food.  From the fresco paintings on the walls to the authentic Spanish tiles, La Bodega is a restaurant like no other.  Take your client to La Bodega for exquisite tapas and blow them away with an amazing atmosphere for lunch or dinner. 

2. The Capital Grille Restaurant
To truly put your client in a state of "awe", take them to Capital Grille in Kansas City.  Although this restaurant is pricey, it also serves some of the best food that Kansas City has to offer.  Be sure to wine and dine your client at Capital Grille and try the famous Lobster Macaroni and Cheese.  It's to die for!

3. Grand St. Cafe
Tucked away just east of the Country Club Plaza is the Grand St. Cafe.  This restaurant features an innovative menu of regional, all-American favorites with its own creative and professional twist.  Your client is sure to be impressed by the Grand St. Cafe's sophisticated, stylish, and unique atmosphere with a breath-taking Plaza view. 

4. Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbecue
This Kansas City restaurant guide would not be complete without a Kansas City barbecue original!  I have chosen Jack Stack barbecue, one of my favorite restaurants in the city.  With many locations and a wide variety of barbecued meats and finger-licking sauces and sides, Jack Stack is sure to "wow" any client who is looking to try out some real (and famous!) Kansas City barbecue.

5. Lidia's Restaurant 
Lidia's Restaurant, located on 22nd Steet, features both a brunch menu as well as a lunch and dinner selection with first, second and third course options.  Lidia's Restaurant has a refreshing and beautiful atmosphere and has become famous for its selection of freshly made breads and bakery items.

5 ½. Classic Cup

The Classic Cup, located on the Country Club Plaza takes our number 5 ½ spot on this list.  Why 5 ½?  Because we recommend The Classic Cup for wining and dining your clients for breakfast (or should we say "coffeeing and brunching"?).  This European style bistro is famous for its outdoor dining, contemporary cuisine, and homemade desserts.  If that's not enough to get your client's mouth watering, I don't know what is! 

Did we leave your favorite KC restaurant off of the list?  If so...

Please comment below and let us know where you like to take your clients for breakfast, lunch or dinner!

Written by Allison Way.  Allison is a writer and videographer for Think Big Partners and bizperc, two of Kansas City's newest entrepreneurial resources.  To read more of Allison's work, check out the Kansas City Entrepreneurship Examiner.