Daily Inspiration: Meet Kevin Rathbun

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Rathbun.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Started cooking at 14 liberty Missouri
Sambos 1976-1978
Kansas City club, roundsman 1978-1980
American restaurant kcmo
Sous chef 1980-1982
Brennans of Houston
Sous chef
1982-1985
Commanders palace New Orleans
Sous chef 1985-1986
Baby Routh Dallas tx
Chef 1986-1994
Nava Atlanta Georgia
Chef 1994-2003
Corporate chef Buckhead life group
1999-2003 restaurants, bluepointe, kyma, chops, Buckhead diner, Atlanta fish market
Rathbun’s chef/owner 2004-2020
Krog Bar chef/owner 2005-2020
Kevin Rathbun Steak chef/owner 2007-present
KR Steakbar chef/owner 2013-present
Krog Bar coal fired pizza chef/owner
2026-present

Associates degree, hospitality management
Johnson county community college
Kansas City Kansas

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Very smooth, lots of hard work but have enjoyed the whole ride! Met many great chefs and restaurantuers along the way.
Mostly because I love what I do which made it very satisfying

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a chef by trade but have a passion for hospitality, growing restaurant culture, building teams, and learning everyday.
My restaurants are steak centric but have experience in all types of cuisine. My latest passion project is coal fired pizza.
Most proud of the tenure I have with my employees, consistency of service and family.
Community giving, philanthropy, humility and commitment to my team I’m most proud of !

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
What’s old will be new again, people love comfort. Hospitality can’t lose!
Unfortunately more take out of food easy access and less face to face interaction! Tragic

Private clubs continue to garner some attention
Adjoining concepts

Contact Info:

• Website: Kevinrathbunsteak.com and KRsteakbar.com