FOJBB: Kansas City, MO
25th Annual Friends of James Beard Benefit Dinner
Sat, August 15, 2026
6:00 PM
The American
200 E 25th St
Kansas City, MO 64108
General
$235
A five-course chef-driven dinner with curated wine pairings.
Featured Participants
Join us for the 25th Annual Friends of James Beard Benefit Dinner at The American, an iconic restaurant whose history has been intertwined with culinary excellence since its opening in 1974, when James Beard himself helped shape its original vision as a restaurant consultant. This milestone evening celebrates both that enduring legacy and the future of American food by bringing together an exceptional lineup of acclaimed chefs, sommeliers, and hospitality leaders for a thoughtfully curated five-course dinner. Featuring seasonal ingredients, expertly paired wines, and the bold creativity of Kansas City's culinary community, guests will experience a one-night-only celebration of hospitality, storytelling, and the lasting impact of great food.
The 25th Annual Friends of James Beard Benefit Dinner is part of the Friends of James Beard Benefit® series; events hosted by generous people, businesses, and organizations outside of JBF that provide critical funding for our programs. Each event supports our mission to champion a standard of Good Food for Good® anchored in talent, equity, and sustainability.






