Chef Shanita

Chef Shanita is an entrepreneur, mother, and proud Kansas City Native. Chef Shanita opened her first restaurant, Magnolia’s, to rave reviews.

Shanita is an incredibly talented chef and was the winner of the competitive cooking challenge Cutthroat Kitchen! She then launched a successful food truck and eventually came back to her passion of using food to help and inspire others. Along the way, Chef Shanita has been featured in large media outlets like NPR’s How We Eat, Recommended Daily, Ebony Magazine, Honest Cooking, Broadway World, and

Feast to name a few. She has also been invited to The Test Kitchen, was awarded the prestigious “Midwest Tastemaker” title, is a member of the distinguished invite-only Les Dames d'Escoffier International, and has served on the board of the National Minority Chef’s Summit.

04/04/2024

🎉 A Warm Welcome and a Hearty Update from Chef Shanita 🎉

Hello, wonderful people! It’s been a minute, and I’m thrilled to reconnect with each of you here. Whether you’ve been part of my journey from the start or are just joining in, grab a seat at the table. You’re in for a treat!

I’m Chef Shanita, a Kansas City chef with a big dream: to make the world a better place, one meal at a time. From falling in love with cooking as a teen to embarking on a professional culinary adventure at Johnson County Community College, every step has been a leap towards making a difference.

Through The Prospect KC, launched in 2019, my goal is to serve up solutions to food insecurity, unemployment, and housing instability, all while stirring in some serious love and dedication. 🍲❤️

Serving on the boards of Harvesters, the Greater KC Food Policy Coalition, and Lazarus Ministries KC, I’m pouring my heart into every endeavor. From attending a James Beard Foundation’s Chef Bootcamp to being part of the historic White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health, it’s been an incredible ride.

Thank you for being here, for sharing this journey with me, and for believing in the power of change through community and cuisine. Let’s continue to cook up some magic together!

Photo Credit:Phon Willis Photo

02/10/2024

Thank you goodwill for your partnership !!

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/TT4Ts3vb8D1o9KTu/?mibextid=I6gGtw

12/30/2023

Start your year on a refreshing note!
Join us for an exclusive New Year's Day Yoga Pop-Up event to help you rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. Embrace the promise of a fresh start and set your intentions for a healthier, happier you in 2024!
Monday, January 1st, 2024
2010 vine Street KCMO 64108
Register Now:
816-721-9704

10/06/2023

🎶 We're thrilled to announce our amazing music lineup for The Prospect KC 2nd Annual Gumbo Fest! Get ready to groove to the sounds of Malek Azreal & The Vibes, Back Alley Brass, Band & The Phantastics!! Music + Gumbo = A recipe for a perfect day! Stay tuned for more updates.

09/11/2023

Check out Four Inane Questions, a feature by Michael Mackie - MichaelMackie.com
https://www.thepitchkc.com/four-inane-questions-with-the-spot-kcs-shanita-mcafee-bryant/

09/05/2023

Check out the show and then head to The Spot, a coffeeshop, cafe and fresh grocer at 2010 Vine St.
https://www.kcur.org/podcast/up-to-date/2023-08-15/kansas-city-chef-wants-to-expand-food-access-by-teaching-students-how-to-cook

08/30/2023

📣 This Friday, we're bringing back everyone's favorite OG Dr. Pepper Glazed Wings! 🍗 Join us all day as we celebrate with the same great wing special that you know and love. But wait, there's more! In the evening, we have two amazing pop-ups joining us. is back with us, and this week we're excited to welcome Sisters Blessed and Crafty. Make sure to swing by for a delicious food experience you won't want to miss! 🎉

08/17/2023

Happy 816 Day KC !!! I’m a child of the metro but KC has my heart and I love repping my city any and every where !!

07/26/2023

🎉 Join us in celebrating the birthday of our fearless and driven leader, Shanita! 🎂 We're so excited to honor her all week long, starting with our grand opening this Friday and a special birthday dinner on Saturday. Don't forget to grab your tickets for this amazing event, just click the link in our bio. Let's make this a celebration she'll never forget! 🥳

07/25/2023

Yes my dad absolutely made the shrimp this way we’ll with maybe a little less old bay 🤣https://www.facebook.com/100064717174883/posts/668165515350682/?mibextid=cr9u03

07/22/2023

Hey KC! Looking for a cozy spot to relax this Saturday? Swing by The Spot on Vine Street for delicious crafted lattes and handcraftedsandwiches! We're open from 9am-7pm. Enjoy our scrumptious pastries all day, and make sure to stick around for lunch starting at 11am. See you soon! 😊☕🥪

07/18/2023

Join me for my Annual Birthday Fundraiser Dinner in celebration of the Grand Opening of The Spot!

Hosted during our Grand Opening Weekend on Saturday, July 29th at 6pm, experience a five-course meal with specialty cocktails, wine, and beer pairings at The Spot (2010 Vine St.).

Today we are featuring Chef Adrian Lipscombe from Austin, Texas.

Here is a portion of her biography -

Adrian is a founding member of the Muloma Heritage Center, a non-profit organization that is an educational, culinary and pastoral destination exploring the African Atlantic influences in American culture, and its contribution to American cuisines in addition to serving on the board of the Edna Lewis Foundation. Adrian is currently a PhD candidate in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Texas at Austin.

In her return to Austin, she is now working for a multimillion-dollar Food Tech company as a Director of Culinary Operations and looks forward to continuing to showcase the African American influences on food culture today and to feed friends, family, and the community.

We are so excited to host Chef Adrian Lipscombe and the other selected Chefs here in Kansas City. Tickets are now available for purchase starting at $100 per person - you can find the link in bio.
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07/17/2023

Join us for Chef Shanita’s Birthday Fundraiser Dinner in celebration of the Grand Opening of The Spot!

Hosted during our Grand Opening Weekend on Saturday, July 29th at 6pm, experience a five-course meal with specialty cocktails, wine, and beer pairings at The Spot (2010 Vine St.).

Today we are featuring Chef Vicky Colas from South Florida.

Here is a portion of her biography -

Chef Vicky was awarded in 2012, a silver medal for Caribbean Chef of The Year from the Caribbean and Tourism Association in their Annual Olympic stage. In 2012 she was called to represent her country and be a part of the Culinary Team Haiti as a culinary chef ambassador competing with 10 other Caribbean nations. The team was also awarded a silver medal for Caribbean Team of the Year and received an Award for “Best Team for Taste of the Islands”. A published nutrition researcher, her study was selected in 2013 in the International Journal of Child Nutrition. Her recipe and interview have been featured in Essence Magazine online, and featured in a cookbook, Toques in Black: A Celebration of 101 Black Chefs in America. Recently, she was nominated in the 2019 “40 under 40” Legacy class magazine as one of South Florida’s “Black Leaders of Today and Tomorrow".

We are so excited to host Chef Vicky Colas and the other selected Chefs here in Kansas City. You can read her extended bio on our page. Tickets are now available for purchase starting at $100 per person - you can find the link here.

07/10/2023

JUST ANNOUNCED! Join us for Chef Shanita’s Birthday Fundraiser Dinner in celebration of the Grand Opening of The Spot!

Hosted during our Grand Opening Weekend on Saturday, July 29th at 6pm, experience a five-course meal with specialty cocktails, wine, and beer pairings at The Spot 2010 Vine St.

Our featured guest Chefs include:
Chef Ji Hye Kim
Chef Vicky Colas
Chef Adrian Lipscombe
Chef Toni Elkhouri
Chef Terra Rodgers
Chef Stephanie Echeverry

With cocktails made by Mari Matsumoto and live music from Malek Azrael & the Vibez

Not only will this event be an exceptional celebration of Chef Shanita’s birthday, but also a toast to the grand opening of The Spot with an evening of culinary bliss and entertainment! We hope to see you there and dressed in the suggested pink cocktail theme.

Tickets are now available for purchase starting at $100 per person - you can find the in our bio! linktr.ee/theprospectkc

03/18/2023

recently demonstrated how to make cola-braised peanuts on in preparation for The Prospect KC's FIRST celebrity chef dinner!

Check out tickets for and taste Roasted Beets, Microgreens, Cola-Braised Peanuts and Lemon Sumac Dressing!

Tickets at /events.

02/17/2023

Join us for the kickoff dinner for The Prospect KC’s Cookbook Fundraising Series featuring a can’t-miss lineup of notable chefs of color from across the country. Make your reservation today to dine with “Top Chef” alum Chris Scott, chef and co-founder of Butterfunk Biscuit Company in Harlem. Chef Scott grew up outside of Philadelphia and draws his culinary inspiration from by his grandmother and the German and Dutch influences from Amish country. He has also cooked for President Obama and British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Cost of the five-course dinner (keep an eye out for menu details!) on Saturday, March 25, 2023, will include Chef Scott’s new Homage (fall 2022) cookbook. Proceeds from the dinner will be deposited in The Prospect KC’s Neighborhood Account to fund nutrition education and community outreach programs serving Eastside residents experiencing food apartheid.
https://secure.everyaction.com/y5U_lGNRpkOX4R80Zw2pog2

01/04/2023

Man looking back last year was Amazing a whole vibe !! I am looking forward to 2023 it’s gonna be 🔥🔥🔥

12/20/2022

OPERATION MEATBALL = TWO CHEFS ARE BETTER THAN ONE: Chef Shanita McAfee-Bryant of and Chef Alex Pope of have teamed up for a Buy-One-Give-One Operation Meatball holiday fundraiser. Buy two dozen meatballs and two dozen meatballs will be gifted to someone in need. Order through Dec. 24.

10/08/2022

Meet Our Esteemed Panel Of Judges.. They are getting geared up to crown Kc’s Best gumbo!! You don‘t wanna miss The Prospectkc‘s Inaugural Gumbo Festival happing on Vine St. Sunday Oct. 9th 2022

10/08/2022

It‘s Goin‘ Down for real Kansas City!!! Our teams are getting ready to dazzle your tastebuds and Wow the judges…. You don‘t wanna miss The Prospectkc‘s Inaugural Gumbo Festival happing on Vine St. Sunday Oct. 9th 2022

10/07/2022

We are SOOO beyond GRATEFUL for this year's Gumbo Festival Sponsors!!! Without you, and all your generosity our event Would not be possible. The Prospect Kc thanks you for your generosity and support. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday!!! If you haven’t yet purchased your tickets they are still available via our Website or Eventbrite.
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09/28/2022

✨️ TROOSTAPALOOZA & GUMBO FEST ✨️

Hey KC!! We've got 2 special events coming up Oct 8 & 9th!!

In collaboration with and we're bringing you 2 Days 2 Festivals - An Eastside Collab ❤️ Celebrating arts & culture in

Join us for amazing food, music, shopping, games & more!

Follow and to learn more!

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09/27/2022

Chef Shanita & Keno G Ink present our 1st “Strokes & Snacks” Paint party. Keno will be instructing the painting portion of this event while you get to enjoy a taco bar prepared by Chef Shanita. Music and entertainment will be available as well. This is a BYOB event, so bring along your favorite libations. Ticket options are available for those who want to participate in painting and those who just choose to vibe with the group while snacking and sipping.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/strokes-and-snacks-tickets-420764446787

09/18/2022

06/17/2022

Support our culinary scholarships with the purchase of this tasty bag !!

Address

7044 W. 105th Street
Overland Park, KS
66212

Website

http://www.shanitamcafeebryant.com/

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Videos

Happy 816 Day KC !!! I’m a child of the metro but KC has my heart and I love repping my city any and every where !! #816day #kansascity

Man looking back last year was Amazing a whole vibe !! I am looking forward to 2023 it’s gonna be 🔥🔥🔥

📣Now Announcing 📣 TheProspectKC’s First Annual Gumbo Fest! Keep your 👀 peeled for more details to come 😎😉

Have y’all seen all this cuteness !!! I couldn’t help but to repost It !! @montybtv is doing a GIVEAWAY!!! A DIY Donut Kit from Donutology in Westport is so fun and easy to use! We had so much fun making our own mini donuts together! (And by together I mean she made them and I ate them 😂) It makes a great stocking stuffer or Christmas breakfast treat !! ENTER TO WIN your own Donutology DIY Kit and a $15 Donutology gift card by 1️⃣ Following @donutologykc @chefshanita and @montybtv and 2️⃣ Tag unlimited friends and donut lovers in separate comments for add’l entries to be drawn! Winner will be announced on Monday! #donutologykc #donutshop #donuts #kcmo #chefshanita

l am so excited about what going on at @The Prospect, and have a big announcement to share with you! On October 23rd at The Nelle in the Crossroads area of Kansas City. We will be hosting a fundraiser in support of The New Prospect Incubator at 2000 vine. Local chefs will be preparing appetizers using reduced produce for you to enjoy while DJ Nuevo is on deck to ensure you have a lively evening. Specialty cocktails will be provided by Lifted Spirits. There will be an exciting chef appearance from Chef Wayne Johnson, Catalyst Kitchen Vice President of Culinary Operations, who'll be preparing a special dish for our VIP tickets. We can't wait--it's going to be incredible!! EAT .. THINK ..SAVE !!! #WASTEDKC #THEPROSPECTKC #ZEROWASTE #FOODACCESS #CULINARYTRAINING

The Conversation Episode 11 Featuring Chef Roderick Smith

The week we are chatting it up with Chef Roderick Smith !! Jacksonville native graduated from Wolfson High School in 1998 before attending the Southeast Institute of Culinary Arts in St. Augustine, Florida. When graduating in 2000. Chef Pete has been exposed to various areas of the culinary industry, including managing a gourmet food truck and resort restaurants, owning restaurants, developing restaurants, bar/lounge design concepts, baking, and pastries. Chef Pete went on to become a Chef de Cuisine at the young age of 22 at Restaurant Medure in Ponte Vedra Beach Florida. At a Four Diamond Restaurant, he was the youngest African-American chef ever to run a Four-star restaurant in the state of Florida at that time. Now with over 22 years of professional experience, Chef Smith has directed many areas of Food & Beverage Divisions at the Forbes Five-Star level. His first passion for cooking is complemented by his experience which spans across the entire spectrum of the culinary industry.

Season 2 Episode 10 Chef Jeff Crittenden

This week we are so excited to have a conversation with Chef Jeff Crittenden, Chicago - Born, Bahamian - Bred, classically-french trained and inspired to cook by his grandparents that raised me. I apprenticed at Atlantis Resort and Casino and The Ritz Carlton - Chicago before I graduated from Kendall College. I studied in France for 3 years where I worked for a few notable chefs such as Alain Ducasse and Dominique Toulousy. I have worked for The Four Seasons, The Wit Hotel, and Compass Group. I held my first executive position at The SkyLine Club in Chicago where I was the Head Chef. Presently, I am a Private Caterer based in Chicago. He is a husband and father of 3. Jeff enjoys bike riding, reading, and spending time with family.

The Conversation Featuring Adrian Lipscombe

The Conversation Featuring Chef Tiffany Derry

The Conversation featuring Chef Wayne Johnson

The Conversation Episode 21 Kirk Wardy

The Conversation Episode 6: Black and Vegan

This week we have 3 fantastic plant base Vegan Chefs joining us to share there Perspective. Plant Base is something we are both fascinated with but it's sort of a world of it's own!! #tapin Tuesday at 6:00pm for The Conversation