This month, Alan Kneeland makes history as the first-ever Black president of the Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association (GKCRA). As owner of The Combine restaurant in Kansas City, Kneeland expressed feeling “humbled” by the significant leadership role.
“Especially in our, I believe, 106 years, it’s kind of astounding that I’m having the opportunity to become the president of this association and help lead this organization,” Kneeland told KCUR’s Up To Date.
The influential group helps govern local restaurants, supporting their success through relationship building and best practice sharing.
Steering Restaurants Through Post-Pandemic Changes
Assuming the presidential reins during a transformational period, Kneeland aims to guide restaurants through ongoing pandemic recovery and adaptations.
Many eateries are still struggling to fully rebound and embrace necessary innovations like takeout, delivery, and updated concepts. But for restaurants unwilling to evolve with changing customer preferences and market dynamics, the road ahead remains challenging.
“A lot of restaurants have had to change their concepts and change the way they do business to switch things up because the things that people were doing 10 years ago in the restaurant industry are definitely not what they’re doing now,” Kneeland explained.
From Teen Dishwasher to Restaurant Owner and Industry Leader
Kneeland brings over 15 years of restaurant experience to the leadership table – starting as a teenage dishwasher and working his way up.
The trajectory from entry-level roles to restaurant owner and now GKCRA’s head decision-maker was not one Kneeland envisioned originally. “If you would have asked me 15 years ago, I would have said that’s impossible,” he admitted.
But dedication to the food services industry paved the path forward. “When you have a passion for something and you really put your heart into it, anything is possible,” Kneeland said.
Expanding Outreach to Attract More Youth
As the group’s former Education Chair and Vice President, the new president wants to increase youth engagement initiatives to spotlight fulfilling career paths in restaurants.
Kneeland observes that many kids now look down on food service jobs, unaware of the growth runways they offer. To shift perceptions, he proposes launching hands-on mentorship programs with local schools and eateries.
“I think it is wild that Black-owned restaurants are looked at as something new in the metro,” Kneeland also commented. Highlighting historical minority-founded Kansas City staples like Gates Bar-B-Q and Arthur Bryant’s Barbecue, he aims to underscore that diversity in restaurant ownership is nothing new.
Helping Restaurants Navigate Inevitable Changes
Assuming the mantle during an era of accelerated change for dining establishments, Alan KneelandRead More brings insider experience combined with a passion to propel the industry forward.
He knows first-hand that embracing change is key to restaurants’ survival and success. As the GKCRA’s first Black leader in over 100 years, Kneeland symbolizes progress while providing essential guidance to navigate ongoing transitions.
