15 and FARE Initiative Marks Major Milestone as Iconic Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que Becomes First to Earn FARE Approved Partner Recognition
More than 10 additional Kansas City-area restaurants currently advancing through food allergy program
McLEAN, Va. — Nov. 5, 2026 — FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) in partnership with 15 and the Mahomies Foundation today announced a major milestone in the organizations’ joint 15 and FARE initiative as the iconic Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que becomes the first area restaurant to complete food allergy training through the 15 and FARE Restaurant Partner program.
By earning FARE Approved Restaurant Partner recognition, Joe’s has set a new standard for area restaurants, demonstrating that food allergy safety and great hospitality go hand in hand. Currently, more than 10 restaurants and bakeries across the Kansas City metro area are going through the program, including Joe’s Next Door, Three Bears Bakery KC, 1587 Prime, Affäre, W. Vinzant Restaurant Group, The Littlest Bakeshop, InnaCup Cafe, Morgana's Gluten Free Bakery and Wolfpack BBQ & Burgers, with several dozen more expressing interest.
“Having an institution like Joe’s step up first and set a new standard is meaningful, not just for our program, but for everyone who has hesitated to dine out, wondering if they’ll be safe there,” said Sung Poblete, PhD, RN, CEO of FARE. “We’re grateful for Joe’s leadership and we’re thrilled that so many more restaurants are close behind. This initiative was built to give restaurants the resources they need to better welcome guests with food allergy and create the confidence for diners that better training and communication can provide.”
Designed to be achievable for any size restaurant or food service establishment, the 15 and FARE Restaurant Partner Program accommodates a full range of businesses from food trucks to fine-dining venues. The FARE Restaurant Partner Program covers food allergy management for front- and back-of-house staff as well as how to recognize and respond to an allergic reaction. Requirements include that restaurants train at least 90 percent of their food service staff in food allergy safety; complete on-site audits; maintain a written food allergy management policy; and provide allergen transparency on their menus.
“At Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, taking care of our guests has always come first,” said Eric Tadda, Director of Marketing for Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que. “Food allergies affect so many families, and we wanted to make sure our team had the training and tools needed to serve those guests with confidence. We’re proud to be the first restaurant in the region to earn FARE Approved Restaurant Partner recognition and encourage other local businesses to join us.”
Through 15 and FARE, participating Kansas City-area restaurants receive the training and resources needed to complete the program at no cost.
The designation of FARE Approved Restaurant Partner will be indicated on participating restaurants’ websites and listed on the FARECheck Map available here.
For more information about the program, visit FARE’s website.
About 15 and the Mahomies Foundation
15 and the Mahomies is dedicated to improving the lives of children. The Foundation supports initiatives that focus on health, wellness, communities in need of resources and other charitable causes. It was established by NFL MVP, Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes in 2019.
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About FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education)
FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) is the leading nonprofit organization that empowers the food allergy patient across the journey of managing their disease. FARE delivers innovation by focusing on three strategic pillars—research, education, and advocacy. FARE's initiatives strive for a future free from food allergy through effective policies and legislation, novel strategies toward prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, and building awareness and community. To learn more, visit FoodAllergy.org.