Crossroads Hotel Announces Food & Beverage Team Updates – Food & Beverage Magazine
Crossroads Hotel, centered in the city’s bustling Arts District, has made several appointments and promotions within its food and beverage team. The boutique property is home to three dining outlets: XR, the property’s lobby café and bar known for its cocktails and pizza program, signature restaurant Lazia, showcasing traditional Italian cuisine with modern influence, and Percheron, one of Kansas City’s best seasonal rooftop bars.
Kyle Bobkowski, Beverage Manager
With a passion for crafting unique cocktails that tell a story, Kyle Bobkowski will oversee the property’s full beverage program, spanning all three bars on-site, leading seasonal menu development, and further building partnerships with distributors, suppliers, and the local beverage community. Before joining the Crossroads team, Bobkowski spent five years at Seven Grand in Colorado and leading the beverage programming for Five Nines at Clayton Members Club and Hotel, named Denver’s Best New Bar in 2022 by Westword Magazine. A creative and seasoned cocktail professional, Bobkowski is thrilled to tell a new story with Crossroads Hotel’s cocktail program, while implementing innovative preparation techniques and unique ways to incorporate new or under-utilized flavors across the outlets.
Kara Anderson, General Manager of XR
Anderson is bringing 15 years of hospitality experience to her new role and is excited to elevate the XR experience as General Manager. Anderson’s passion for guest experiences and hospitality moved her from the kitchen, working in some of the best restaurants around Kansas City including, Buck Tui and The Restaurant at 1900 – to working in the front of the house, as a seasoned hospitality professional. In her new role, Anderson is excited to bring her hospitality expertise to elevate XR, also known as Kansas City’s living room, for locals and travelers alike.
Chase West, General Manager of Lazia
Driven to make Lazia the best restaurant in Kansas City, West is stepping into the new role of General Manager with plans to continue to grow the magic that lives within Lazia’s walls. West has been working at Percheron in Crossroads Hotel for two years and previously served as a bartender at Darden and The Living Room in the Power & Light district. West will now lead the entire Lazia staff, ensuring the service is at peak standards and helping the team create memorable experiences for all guests. Every day, West is inspired by the General Managers before him and is excited to contribute to the overall success of Lazia, creating memorable dining experiences for all guests.
Michael Martinez, Chef de Cuisine
At Lazia, Martinez has already showcased his talent for innovative menu development by introducing modern techniques to authentic Italian cuisine. Promoted to Chef de Cuisine, Martinez will now be responsible for maintaining the entire culinary department and executing the standards and systems set in place by Executive Chef Aaron Wells-Morgan. Martinez has been an integral part of the Lazia team at Crossroads Hotel and plans to continue elevating the culinary program and seasonal menus. Chef Martinez is looking forward to having the opportunity to train the future generation of chefs, passing down the discipline and knowledge that he has received throughout his career.
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About Crossroads Hotel
Centered in the city’s bustling Arts District, the award-winning Crossroads Hotel serves as Kansas City’s intersection of art, culture, and history. Upon entry to the 131-room hotel, guests will be welcomed at the heart of the Crossroads Hotel, XR. A quintessential neighborhood bar and restaurant, XR breathes life into the property, serving as a natural meeting point for guests and locals alike offering a selection of elevated bites and signature cocktails that will satisfy cravings from breakfast to dinner. Guests can visit Crossroads Hotel’s signature restaurant, Lazia where they will undergo a unique dining experience that channels flavors from across different regions of Italy. At the top of the hotel sits the award-winning Percheron rooftop bar where patrons can enjoy a casual evening filled with craveable, refreshing cocktails, Mediterranean-inspired coastal cuisine, and the best views of Kansas City.
