Hidden Gems: Meet Heather White of Tailleur Restaurant

Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather White

Hi Heather, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Where Design Meets Dining

Heather White is the creative force behind some of Kansas City’s most beloved dining destinations, including The Russell, Enchanté, The Bakery, Tailleur Restaurant, and Cheval, The Cocktail Lounge. As both an interior designer and restaurateur, Heather brings a rare blend of vision, warmth, and intentionality to every space she touches—both in design and on the plate.

Since launching Tailleur in early 2020—set in a beautifully restored 3,800-square-foot historic building at 3933 Main Street—Heather has been shaping immersive spaces where guests feel transported. With soaring ceilings, antique details, and equestrian flourishes, her signature style infuses every room with timeless elegance. Her vision extends into the culinary experience as well, where Chef Jeffery Workman leads the kitchen in a “Modern French Movement”—merging classical French technique with contemporary flair.

Heather’s design work also spans well beyond her own restaurants. She has helped reimagine several iconic Kansas City spaces, including Bo Lings on the Plaza (now Heritage), Merchants in Lawrence, Taco Republic, The Rivers Hunt Lodge event space, and boutique Hotels and Airbnb stays like Oak Street Mansion and The Lofts at 300.

Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Heather made Kansas City her home in 2016. It was here that she launched her first venture in the restaurant and catering world—a step that ignited her deep passion for curation, design, and entrepreneurship.

To Heather, a curated space is more than just beautiful—it’s meaningful. It’s about creating intentional environments that feel cohesive, comfortable, and emotionally resonant. Whether she’s designing a restaurant, boutique hotel, or private residence, Heather’s goal remains the same: to create spaces that feel as good as they look.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Resilience on Main Street: A Business Owner’s Fight to Stay Open

Running a restaurant, bar, and bakery is no small feat—but doing it in the middle of a years-long construction zone has tested every limit of what it means to be a small business owner. Since opening our doors on Main Street, we’ve poured our hearts into creating welcoming, beautiful spaces where guests can gather, dine, and connect. But for years, the ongoing streetcar construction has made simply reaching us a challenge.

Guests have had to navigate blocked-off roads, torn-up sidewalks, and confusing detours—just to get to Tailleur for dinner or cross the street to Cheval for a cocktail. At times, the street has felt less like a vibrant corridor and more like a forgotten construction site—one that’s become increasingly transient and unsafe.

In the last two years alone, I’ve experienced 11 break-ins across my businesses. After countless police reports, pleas for help, and no response from the city, I had no choice but to install iron gates in front of each location—an emotional and financial decision no business owner wants to make. The cost of safety has come out of my own pocket, while the city has remained silent.

The disruptions haven’t stopped there. Faulty infrastructure work, including gas leaks, water main breaks, and careless digging, has led to full-day closures—with little to no warning. The Main Street and Westport Road intersection had to be redesigned entirely (more than once) due to poor planning, forcing even more downtime and lost revenue. Each closure chips away at the momentum we’ve worked so hard to build, and still, the city offers no relief, no support, and no acknowledgment of the toll this has taken on small businesses.

We’ve stayed open not because it’s easy, but because we believe in what we’ve created—because our guests matter, our team matters, and our presence in this community matters. But the path hasn’t been paved with support; it’s been paved with setbacks, delays, and disappointment from the very city that claims to champion local business.

Through it all, we continue to show up—lighting candles, baking bread, mixing cocktails, and welcoming each guest who makes the effort to find us through the maze. Because that’s what resilience looks like on Main Street.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At the heart of everything I do, as an owner and operator, I have a deep commitment to craftsmanship, hospitality, and beauty—whether it’s on the plate, in the glass, or throughout the thoughtfully designed spaces Ive created.
As a restauranteur and design-driven brand, Ive spent my time through my time in Kansas City specializing in creating immersive, elegant experiences that blend timeless European influences with modern sensibilities. From the refined French cuisine at Tailleur to the intimate charm of Cheval cocktail lounge, the warmth of Enchanté bakery, and beyond, each concept is rooted in intentionality, detail, and genuine connection. What sets us apart is our holistic approach—every element, from interior design to the food itself, is curated with care to evoke a feeling, tell a story, and leave a lasting impression. I am most proud of the ability to transport guests—to create spaces that feel like an escape, yet remain grounded in community and craft. Whether you’re joining us for a cocktail, a croissant, or a candlelit dinner, we want you to feel welcomed, seen, and inspired.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The quality I believe has been most essential to my success is a blend of resilience and the ability to pivot at any given moment. In a world where things rarely go as planned—especially in the restaurant and design industries—being able to shift direction quickly and gracefully has been key. From unexpected closures and construction setbacks to break-ins and the daily challenges of managing multiple businesses, I’ve learned to adapt without losing sight of my vision. That flexibility allows me to stay creative under pressure, to find opportunity in disruption, and to continue crafting beautiful, intentional spaces and experiences no matter the circumstances. It’s this mindset that keeps me moving forward—welcoming guests, building community, and turning obstacles into momentum.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tailleuronmain.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/tailleuronmain