News Summary
The Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association has introduced the Influencer of the Year Award to honor local food influencers. Nominations from the public led to over 100 nominees, with a committee narrowing it down to five finalists. Each finalist showcases unique contributions to Kansas City’s culinary scene. Voting is now open for the community to select the winner, highlighting the importance of local voices in promoting the city’s vibrant food culture.
Greater Kansas City Celebrates Local Food Influencers with a New Award
Ah, Kansas City! Known for its rich culture, delicious barbecue, and vibrant culinary scene, it just got a little more exciting! The Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association has decided to shine the spotlight on the local culinary stars we all love with a new initiative—the Influencer of the Year Award. That’s right, folks! Finally, our food influencers, who have been spreading the love for local dining, are getting some well-deserved recognition!
A New Tradition Blooms
What’s the buzz all about? The association rolled out this award to celebrate local food influencers who are dedicated to showcasing the flavors of Kansas City. They have opened up nominations to the public, making it a truly community-driven event. And let me tell you, the response was incredible! Over 100 individuals were nominated by their fans, friends, and followers. Talk about a foodie love fest!
Who Gets to Shine?
After sifting through the nominations, a dedicated committee has shortlisted five finalists. To be eligible, nominees had to steer clear of any ties to advertising or news outlets, and had to show off their love for restaurants through content creation for a minimum of six months. It’s all about authentic connections and genuine passion for the local culinary scene!
Meet the Finalists
Now, let’s meet the brilliant five vying for this shiny accolade!
Adriana Davalos (@kclifestylegirl)
Clocking in at 67.9K Instagram followers, Adriana has her finger on the pulse of Kansas City life. This fashionista turned content creator helps locals live their best lives by sharing captivating stories about local restaurants. Her vast experience, including three lifestyle television shows, has allowed her to track trends and connect with her audience. Plus, she’s got a heart of gold, initiating community fundraising efforts during tough times.
Brenda Cortes (@bbcortess)
With 23.8K Instagram followers and 22.1K TikTok followers, Brenda’s journey began as she explored and crafted itineraries for Kansas City. She gained a wave of popularity with a post about Sinkers Lounge that went semi-viral! With a knack for travel hacks and adventures on a budget, she aims to share experiences that make traveling accessible and fun.
Emma Ezzell (@kansascityplaces.em)
Emma has captured the attention of 65.5K Instagram followers and 52.4K TikTok followers since she launched her content in 2020. Her engaging videos showcase the hidden gems and local dining options, building engaging top ten lists that leave viewers drooling and eager to explore! Emma values the connections she has created with restaurant owners and the greater community.
Glenn Robinson (@theepitomekc)
Glenn burst onto the scene in 2017 and has gained a loyal following of 10.6K Instagram followers and 11.5K TikTok followers. His unique food reviews focus on highlighting underrepresented local eateries, promoting a sense of community through his personable content. A friend encouraged him to take his passion for reviews seriously earlier this year, leading him to become a noteworthy influencer.
Rebecca Burkhart (@through.becs.specs)
Finally, we have Rebecca, who has gathered 25.7K Instagram followers. With a passion for travel content since 2018, she shares her adventures both abroad and in Kansas City. Her mission? To inspire her followers to conquer their travel anxieties and embrace new experiences!
Time to Vote!
Now that the finalists have been announced, it’s time for the public to cast their votes and choose the winner of the Influencer of the Year Award. Each finalist brings a unique flair and story to the table, making this a tough yet exciting decision for the community.
Why This Matters
This initiative not only highlights the dynamic food influencers of our region but also underscores the growing importance of local voices in promoting Kansas City’s culinary treasures. These influencers have cultivated a rich narrative that showcases our city’s food culture, connecting us all over a good meal. So let’s rally together as a community and celebrate our local foodies!
As the voting unfolds, keep your eyes on these talented individuals and the positive impact they’re having on our beloved culinary scene. Cheers to delicious eats and inspired creators!
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