The $16 Side Dish Scandal: Why Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes’ Restaurant is Facing a Culinary Backlash

On the football field, Kansas City Chiefs superstars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce have achieved a nearly untouchable status, their synergy translating into Super Bowl rings and unprecedented success. Off the field, however, their latest collaboration is proving that championship pedigree doesn’t automatically guarantee five-star reviews. The duo’s highly anticipated, upscale Kansas City steakhouse, 1587 Prime, has hit its first major public relations snag—a viral online outrage sparked by a seemingly innocuous menu item: the humble mashed potato.

A recent photo, shared widely across social media and Reddit, featured a modest serving of mashed potatoes from the restaurant, accompanied by a staggering price tag of $16. The image instantly ignited a firestorm, with fans and critics alike decrying the pricing as an egregious example of celebrity inflation. Online commenters quickly dubbed the situation “Super Bowl pricing gone wild” and questioned whether the quality of the dish could possibly justify its cost.

The Price of Celebrity vs. Culinary Value

Named after their respective jersey numbers, 15 and 87, the steakhouse was launched with the intention of creating a luxury dining experience that rivals the best in the world, blended with the spirit of Kansas City. The menu features premium items, including high-end steaks like a $345 Wagyu Tomahawk, alongside signature sides. While the cost of a top-tier steak is expected to be high at a fine-dining establishment, the backlash against a basic side dish underscores a broader public skepticism toward celebrity-backed ventures.

The outrage is less about the mashed potatoes themselves and more about the perceived value proposition. Fans felt the photo displayed a dish that looked small and, according to some online commentary, even “soupy” or “powdered,” fueling the sentiment that they were paying a premium for the names Kelce and Mahomes, not for genuine culinary excellence. For many local Kansas City residents, the price point for a simple side felt like a significant disconnect from the community they are celebrated for representing.

The Dual Reality of 1587 Prime

The controversy highlights the dual reality the restaurant is facing in its early months. On one hand, 1587 Prime has garnered praise for its luxurious, Chiefs-inspired ambiance, its meticulously designed interiors, and the overall “experience” of dining in a celebrity hotspot. Initial reviews have complimented the service and the quality of some of the main courses, such as the Wagyu and seafood options.

However, the scrutiny over the $16 mashed potatoes points to an undeniable issue with pricing consistency and perceived quality in the side dish department. Other potato items, such as the twice-baked potato, have also faced criticism from diners who described them as disappointing or over-seasoned, further compounding the negative sentiment.

Mahomes and Kelce’s Next Play

In a swift move to address the mounting criticism, which had begun to overshadow the restaurant’s grand opening fanfare, Travis Kelce recently weighed in on the issue via his popular podcast. While acknowledging the viral photo, Kelce stood firmly behind the establishment, reportedly defending the menu’s overall quality and urging fans to focus on other unique dishes.

The challenge for the NFL stars and their hospitality partner, Noble 33, is significant. They must now navigate the treacherous waters of public opinion, ensuring that their high-end pricing is backed by undeniable quality across the entire menu, from the main steaks down to the simplest side. While their dominance on the football field remains unquestioned, their venture into the culinary arena proves to be a different kind of high-stakes game—one where even a small bowl of potatoes can spark a full-blown controversy.