James Taylor '85

For James Taylor, Kappa Sigma’s Gamma-Omicron chapter was more than just a fraternity—it was the foundation for a lifelong pursuit of connection, leadership, and community. Initiated in the spring of 1985, James credits his time on Emery Road with shaping his character, values, and commitment to giving back.

James began his college years at the University of Kansas, pledging Kappa Sigma in 1984 and serving as Grand Scribe during his sophomore and junior years. During his time in the chapter, he helped reimagine and relaunch the historic Bud Man Volleyball Tournament to support the Special Olympics, an event that became a celebrated tradition on campus and continued for years after his departure. He later transferred to the University of Oklahoma, where he earned his B.A. in Architecture in 1989, while still maintaining his strong ties to Gamma-Omicron.

Professionally, James has spent more than three decades shaping Kansas City’s culinary, brewing, and hospitality landscape. As Managing Member of Let’s Eat Restaurant Group and La Bodega, LLC, James founded and operated some of Kansas City’s most beloved concepts, including La Bodega (Crossroads), a tapas landmark since 1997, and previously La Bodega Leawood and BLU HWY. He was also a founder and operator of 75th Street Brewery and KC Hopps, playing an instrumental role in changing Missouri and Kansas City laws to legalize brewpubs—helping pioneer the craft brewing movement in the Midwest.

Through KC Hopps, James and his partners opened eight operations in four years, including River Market Brewery, Barley’s, McCoy’s Public House, and several breweries in Cincinnati, Des Moines, Springfield, and beyond. He later transitioned his focus back to independent ventures, building La Bodega into a nationally recognized name, featured in outlets such as the New York Times, Food Network, and Miami Herald.

Beyond his work in restaurants and brewing, James has been deeply involved in event creation, cycling, and philanthropy. He co-founded the River Valley Music Festival—which later evolved into the Hoard Fest—and helped create Boulevardia, Kansas City’s premier craft beer and music festival. He has served in leadership roles with Medalist Sports and AEG for international cycling events, including the Tour of Missouri and the Amgen Tour of California, working alongside global sporting organizations like the UCI and ASO, the owners of the Tour de France.

James’ contributions to Kansas City’s cultural, culinary, and philanthropic scenes have been widely recognized. His accolades include:

Restaurateur of the Year (2024) – Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association & Missouri Restaurant Association

Young Entrepreneur of the Year (1996) – SBA, Kansas City, Missouri, and Regional

Named to Ingram’s “30 Under 30” and “40 Under 40” lists for business and entrepreneurship

Co-founder and supporter of numerous charitable events, including Jazzoo, Forks and Corks, Rose Brooks, Bud Man Volleyball Tournament, and Steps of Faith’s Thundergong

When James reflects on Gamma-Omicron’s influence, he describes it as the beginning of a lifelong journey of brotherhood and service:

“Gamma-O was the continuation—and the more formative maturation—of becoming a ‘Man for Others.’ Brotherhood taught me trust, social skills, and the drive to further the house in positive and competitive pursuits. Every time I drive up Emery Road, that bond comes rushing back. The sense of brotherhood has only grown stronger over the years.”

James lives in Kansas City, Missouri, with his fiancée, Kerry McDonnell, and is a proud stepfather to Finn McDonnell and Christian Barrett.