In a move that defied expectations and turned heads in both the sports and culinary worlds, Kansas City Chiefs stars Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes have launched their upscale restaurant venture, 1587 Steakhouse. The swanky restaurant, named after their combined jersey numbers — 15 for Mahomes and 87 for Kelce — has not only caused a stir for its star-studded ownership but also for the bold concept and unexpected drama surrounding its grand opening.

While it was anticipated to be a celebrity-backed venture, no one expected it to garner this level of attention. Between the hefty price tag, a viral video montage, and even a surprise appearance by Taylor Swift, 1587 Steakhouse has already proven it’s more than just a place to grab a steak. But what happened on opening night left guests shocked, staff in disbelief, and fans clamoring for answers. Here’s what went down.

A Hands-On Approach to Luxury Dining

While many athletes dabble in restaurants or invest from the sidelines, Kelce and Mahomes took a much more involved role. They didn’t just put their names on a restaurant and call it a day—they were hands-on every step of the way. The duo worked alongside renowned chef Michael Zeller, known for his Michelin-starred experience in New York and Chicago, to curate an experience that would reflect both the grandeur of high-end dining and the warmth of Kansas City’s community.

From selecting the wood-fired tomahawk ribeye to perfecting the Kansas City whiskey reduction, Mahomes and Kelce’s dedication to every detail has been apparent. This wasn’t just a vanity project for the NFL stars; it was about building something that truly reflected their values and their love for Kansas City.

“We didn’t just want a cool place for game nights. We wanted legacy,” Kelce said in an interview. “And 1587 is that legacy.”

Mahomes added, “This is our way of giving something meaningful back to the city that gave us everything.”

The Glitz and Glamour of the Grand Opening

When 1587 Steakhouse opened its doors, it did so with all the glitz and glamour you’d expect from two of the NFL’s biggest personalities. The red carpet was rolled out, and A-listers made their way through the restaurant’s grand entry. Brittany Mahomes, Taylor Swift, actor Paul Rudd, and Chiefs’ coach Andy Reid were just a few of the high-profile guests who graced the event.

But despite the celebrity presence, the real magic of the evening came halfway through the night when, to everyone’s surprise, Mahomes and Kelce themselves took over the service. As guests dined on signature dishes, the two NFL stars stepped out from behind the scenes, bringing meals to randomly selected guests and personally serving their creations.

“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.”

This was a moment that truly set 1587 Steakhouse apart from other celebrity-backed ventures. Kelce and Mahomes were not only building a business—they were actively participating in the experience, making it feel more personal and genuine for the guests.

The Menu That’s Taking Over Food TikTok

While the atmosphere was electric and the owners’ involvement in the service was heartwarming, the real star of the show was, of course, the food. Under the guidance of Chef Michael Zeller, the menu was carefully crafted to represent the best of Kansas City while still offering upscale, innovative dining options. The menu features a combination of hearty cuts of steak, creative twists on classic cocktails, and even vegan-friendly options that reflect the players’ awareness of health trends and inclusivity.

The standouts include:

The Mahomes Filet – An 8 oz center-cut filet mignon, aged for 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.

The vegan and vegetarian-friendly offerings, like the Sideline Squash (grilled acorn squash with maple balsamic reduction), have already earned praise for their flavor and creativity, showing that 1587 Steakhouse isn’t just about steak—it’s about offering something for everyone.

The Unexpected Controversy

Despite the excitement surrounding the opening, 1587 Steakhouse soon found itself at the center of controversy. The issue? The price. With steaks starting at $85 and cocktails nearing $30, some Kansas City residents voiced concerns that the restaurant, while luxurious, was out of reach for the everyday person.

“I love Mahomes, but who can afford this? Regular KC folks can’t drop $300 on dinner,” one user posted on X (formerly Twitter), sparking a heated debate online.

But Mahomes didn’t shy away from the backlash. In a recent Q&A, he 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.”

The Taylor Swift Effect

As if the opening wasn’t enough to get people talking, the Taylor Swift factor quickly became a part of the restaurant’s narrative. Swift, who has been spotted at the restaurant twice, has added a new layer of excitement to 1587. The restaurant’s reservations sold out within 36 hours of Swift’s first visit, and fans have been flocking there hoping for a glimpse of the pop icon.

“We didn’t plan for the Taylor factor,” Kelce joked. “But hey, if it brings more love to KC, I’m all for it.”

Beyond the Steak: A Community Focus

Despite the celebrity flash, there’s a deeper mission behind 1587 Steakhouse. Both Kelce and Mahomes have committed to using the restaurant’s profits to fund culinary scholarships for local students, provide internships for minority chefs, and support job creation in underrepresented neighborhoods.

“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.”

The Future of 1587 Steakhouse

Rumors are swirling about a second location, possibly in Tyler, Texas, or Cleveland, but for now, the focus remains on Kansas City. Mahomes and Kelce have already succeeded in creating something that blends luxury with community, passion with business, and sports with fine dining.

So, what happens next for 1587 Steakhouse? Will it continue to win over locals and tourists alike, or will the pressure of celebrity dining eventually take its toll? Only time will tell—but one thing’s for sure: 1587 is already more than just a restaurant. It’s a symbol of legacy, community, and—of course—damn good steak.