Good people. Great food. Pair these with big screens to watch the hometown team win multiple championships and a comfortable, family-friendly atmosphere, and pretty soon, your establishment becomes one of the best local spots around.
Owner Shane Miller had that in mind when he founded Sinclair's Restaurant in 2014. A Blue Springs native, Miller worked at Harry Starkers on the Country Club Plaza before moving to Atlanta to work at the Bristol. Returning in 2009, he was working as a residential appraiser but couldn't stop thinking about a delicious meal he'd eaten in Georgia. That particular bowl of tomato soup led him to consider opening a restaurant. And in 2014, that's just what he did.
Miller picked Blue Springs as a location, not only because he grew up here but because the city is rapidly expanding. This community has one of the youngest suburban populations in the Kansas City metro, and many are starting their own families. With rolling hills, public parks, and cycling and hiking trails, it's no wonder Blue Springs is growing so quickly. And the perfect spot to open a restaurant.
For restaurant-goers who like to read reviews before trying a new spot, the phrases repeatedly mentioned throughout numerous five-star reviews show how great the atmosphere and staff are at Sinclair's. The moment a guest steps through the door, the staff of Sinclair's wants them to feel like they're exactly where they're supposed to be. Miller prides his restaurant on the friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere. The staff's friendliness may have something to do with Miller's trust in his employees. The restaurant operates without a manager, leaving the staff to handle all the daily decisions and prioritize guest happiness.
Whether watching the game with your family or for those looking to cheer on their favorite local teams with friends, Sinclair's is open for every single Kansas City Chiefs game, even on Christmas Day. On game days, fans can show their team pride by sipping on Gameday Kool-Aid, made with colorful vodka to make the drink red or blue, depending on whether it's baseball or football season. But what else can you expect from a restaurant in the heart of Chiefs Kingdom?
While the restaurant is sports-centric, the food vastly differs from typical American bar food. Diners can expect to find an extensive, value-friendly kids' menu that will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. For the more adventurous eaters, Miller recommends Thai pizza with a peanut butter coconut spread and chicken, carrots, scallions, and mozzarella toppings. The pizza is then drizzled with a sweet and spicy sauce that wakes up taste buds.
For those who are gluten-free or have some intolerances, that is no problem when it comes to dining at Sinclair's. Pizza crusts, chicken sandwiches, burgers, and more are available as gluten-free—the extensive gluten-free menu, while atypical of sports bars, has received rave customer reviews.
At Sinclair's, guests can keep track of the days of the week by enjoying a daily lunch special. Think chicken alfredo on Mondays and tacos on Tuesdays. Look for the fried shrimp special, the restaurant's top seller. Diners can show up for the lunch specials and stay for happy hour, which runs from 3:00-7:00 p.m. daily. Find specials on drinks and some tasty bites like spicy green beans and Sinclair's Swedish meatballs. Don't forget the Sinclairita, their take on a margarita made with a house-made sweet and sour mix.
The goal in opening Sinclair's Restaurant was to be the place in town where people gathered for celebrations. Whether it is celebrating the final score of a game, meeting friends for lunch, or one of life's more significant events, this is the place to make those memories. Over the years, the space has held numerous wedding showers, rehearsal dinners, baby showers, and birthdays. Guests can book the private dining area for upcoming special events and work with the staff to customize a special menu. The staff is committed to making celebrations memorable with personalized menus and multiple bar options.
And what about the name? Miller borrowed the name "Sinclair" from one of his best friends' children, Ashley. He hopes that the name will convey a feeling of family and friendliness to every guest who walks through the door.
Blue Springs is lucky to have such a unique, locally owned spot with friendly staff who want to make guests feel celebrated. Miller hopes that the restaurant's reputation will continue to draw in new crowds and keep the place packed full of regulars.
"Our loyal locals keep Sinclair's Restaurant going. As a privately owned business, we rely on their continued support," Miller says.
Shane Miller states, "We love our loyal fellow Kansas City Chiefs fans, so we are open for every game of the season, even on Christmas Day. That's why we are rated as one of the premier locations in the metro for watching sports."