Show Me Your Office

Chappell’s Restaurant 

When you enter the leaded glass front doors of Chappell’s Restaurant in North Kansas City, you stop. Immediately, you think “I’m in the wrong place.  This can’t be a restaurant.”  But just as quickly, the smell of food overwhelms you. And it’s a good smell. And the large outstretched hand of owner Jim Chappell welcomes you to his place.

Chappell’s Restaurant sports about 10,000 pieces of sports memorabilia.  But unlike many sports bars that dot the corners of our hometowns, Jim’s place has achieved the unique blending of Cooperstown and Cheers.  It’s warm and cozy and immediately sets you at ease.  The memorabilia combined with the two fireplaces and wood paneling make people feel very comfortable.  It almost has the feel of the coolest basement in the world.

And Jim?  Well Jim is a combination of Bud Selig and Sam Malone. Tall, talkative, friendly and a wealth of information.  And not just about sports.  Jim can talk about anything. An avid reader, especially of American history, Jim also has a passion for the arts, and when not at the restaurant can often be found in an art gallery somewhere across the nation. He loves to golf and follow his favorite teams, the Royals, Chiefs and Iowa Hawkeyes, the team of his home state.  Chappell also loves politics and a visit to his office leaves no question that he is a tried and true Republican.  Says Jim, “I have had all the major politicians in both Kansas and Missouri in my restaurant.  In the 25 years I have had all the Governors and Senators from Missouri. Also congressmen, Kansas City Mayors and city councilmen.  U.S. Senator Kit Bond along with Bill Grigsby cut the ribbon for the opening of Chappell’s in 1986.”

After graduating from Drury in 1965, Chappell tried his hand at two or three professions before finally deciding that a career in insurance was his calling.  Seeing a vacant building across the street from his insurance office, Jim was struck with the idea of opening a political and sports bar, something he could run part time while still selling insurance.  The success of the restaurant and the enjoyment thereof were such that he soon closed down his agency and devoted himself to becoming a full-time restaurateur. A decision that he doesn’t regret.  The establishment is still in its original location but has seen expansion four times.

Once you’re seated and place your order, you’ll find yourself just walking through the restaurant admiring his collection.  Don’t worry about bothering the other patrons; they’re doing the same thing.  Jim has built upon his original collection in two ways; either by purchasing pieces or simply receiving them as gifts from athletes.  His favorite piece?  That’s about as tough a decision as trying to decide weather your going to have one of his mouth watering burgers or the London Broil.  Even Jim doesn’t know what his favorite piece is. But he has narrowed it down to the Oakland A’s 1974 World Series trophy, the Heisman trophy, a Gold Glove and the two Olympic Torches.

Chappell’s is family friendly and is a “must see” the next time your in Kansas City.  Great food, great atmosphere, and you just never know who you’ll see there.