Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill Rickart.
Hi Jill, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Ventana Gourmet Grill was started in 2002. Myself, Jill Rickart and my sister, Wendy Baldwin had a vision for a restaurant in our downtown that was beginning to be revitalized. Our building is in the historical part of downtown Excelsior Springs. It was built in the 1890’s, it has the original brick walls, wood floors and high tin ceilings. We began our journey and the rest is history. We have been operating for almost 24 years. We have built up our clientele over the years and have had many menu adaptations as well. We are now considered a fine dining establishment and a cornerstone of our downtown.
Some of our staff has been here long term and they have become part of our success story as well. We are all invested in continuing our legacy. We are prideful in what we have created and enjoy working alongside each other and interacting with new and old customers every day.
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?
One of the struggles we faced was the loss of interest in our downtown revitalization around 2007. Our Mayor at that time was more focused on our westside being grown and brought in several more restaurant chains. However, we had some people still dedicated to our downtown and its growth continued and Ventana did too. In 2009, we began a downtown organization based on the Mainstreet USA and Missouri Mainstreet guidelines. This helped us grow immensely. Next a CID was put into place for our downtown and this money helps with marketing and beautification projects for our downtown district. I truly believe that we could have continued to prosper but now with all the activities we have in our downtown my business is thriving. We have gone from about 5 stores since I started to well over 40 businesses.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Ventana Gourmet Grill?
Ventana Gourmet Grill has a menu that is great for everyone. Salads, Steaks, seafood, pastas, burgers and sandwiches. Our many flavors of cheesecake have become legendary along with our bread pudding. We have several appetizers but the all-time favorite is our burrata-chetta. However, we can’t forget our smoked chicken dip! Tuesday nights we offer all you can eat boiled shrimp, Wednesday night is our pasta night, Thirsty Thursdays we have half price bottles of wine with entree purchases, Friday and Saturday night we have 16-ounce Rib eyes and Prime rib.
We are known for our delicious food and great service! Reservations are recommended on Friday and Saturdays!
What’s next?
Our plan is to continue providing our city and the tourists a great place to dine with family, friends, and clients.
Pricing:
- Pricing- $$
- Parking available
- Closed on Sundays
- open for lunch on Fridays and Saturdays Dinner Mon- Sat
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ventanagourmetgrill.com
- Instagram: Ventana Gourmet Grill
- Facebook: Ventana Gourmet Grill
