Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey Merrigan.
Hi Kelsey, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in Kansas City, MO, and food has always played a central role in my life. Like many people, some of my most cherished memories are tied to meals and the people I shared them with. From both of my grandmothers played a big role in my appreciation of food and its power to bring people together.
Every year around Christmas, my grandparents on my dad’s side would take us out for a fancy dinner—a tradition I looked forward to more than anything. It wasn’t just about the food; it was about the experience, the togetherness, and the sense of occasion. One year, I remember my grandmother pulling me aside and saying, “I want you to understand the importance of a nice meal.. I want you to know what good food is” That moment stuck with me.
On the other side of my family, my other grandmother was an incredible home cook. Her fried chicken and pies were amazing, and she made even the simplest food feel special. Some of my best memories are of us baking pies together in her kitchen. Everyone who tasted her cooking was always so impressed even though it was simple fare. Watching her bring people together through food left a lasting impression on me.
Those two women shaped the way I view food and meals. Because of them, I’ve always felt drawn to the restaurant world. But like many people, I took a more traditional route first. I started my career in engineering—it felt like a safer bet at the time. Fortunately, that path eventually gave me the freedom and resources to pursue my true passion.
By 2019, I had spent over six years working in engineering and was completely burnt out. I decided to take a teaching position at a community college, where I taught engineering technology. That career shift gave me the time and flexibility to pursue a new venture Cashew Creamery, a vegan cheese business I had dreamed up years earlier. Launching Cashew Creamery was so fun and so amazingly hard. My husband likes to remind me the I peeled the almonds I used by had for the first few batches of cheese—I met so many amazing people who helped me grow and ultimately led me to where I am now, as the proud owner of The Fix.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There are always challenges but I am fortunate to have a great team and a supportive family which has been amazing. In restaurants there are always pieces of equipment that break so learning how to fix things is super helpful.
We’ve been impressed with The Fix, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
he Fix is a vegan eatery specializing in plant-based comfort food. Located near the lively Martini Corner in Kansas City. Our food menu is mainly centered around comfort food. Our best sellers are our housemade chicken sammies and they are really something special!
I am really proud of the growth The Fix has seen since I joined The Fix and took over. I am also really proud of the team that we have, they are so fun and hard working. They respect each other and have so many amazing ideas. Whether it be a new special, a new cleaning protocol, or something to streamline operations they always have new great ideas!
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My family really deserves a shout out they are always there to help! And my husband gets a call at least once a week from me asking him to go do a store run because I forgot something and he drops everything hes got going on to help me every time. On top of that, business can be really hard and I like many people can get really bad imposter syndrome, and having my husband, team, friends, and family show up for me and believe in my vision and goals is really amazing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thefixkc.com
- Instagram: @thefixkc
