Update: A memorial for the late restaurateur John McClure will be held at RecordBar, 1020 Westport Road, on Monday night. The Facebook page created for this event reports that the gathering in McClure's honor will begin at 7 p.m. and end on the following Tuesday morning — October 25 — at 1 a.m. McClure was not only a respected member of Kansas City's restaurant community but also an engaging and vital young man with many friends who loved him dearly.
Fat City has learned that one of Kansas City's most gifted young restaurateurs, chef John McClure of Starker's Restaurant, was found dead in his home this morning. When McClure missed a morning meeting and failed to answer his cell phone, Starker's manager Dean Smith went to McClure's home and found the body of the 35-year-old chef. According to Starker's employee George Huber, McClure's body was taken to an area hospital. No cause of death has yet been reported.
The Kansas City restaurant community has been tweeting the news today. Huber says he, like all of the restaurant's employees, are in shock.
In addition to operating Starker's Restaurant on the Country Club Plaza, McClure was preparing to open a taqueria called Barrio in Westport. Fat City's Jonathan Bender profiled chef McClure in a series of interviews in February. We will report more details on this story as we learn them.
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I worked as a host at Starker's during the 2-plus years I lived in KC. John was a big booming talented man with a passion for making things work. I can't believe he's gone from this world, but he left his mark on all of us who knew him and I'm thankful I was one of the lucky ones. RIP, John!
Starkers is our favorite restaurant in KC. When we moved away for a couple of years we always talked about as soon as we returned we'd visit Starkers. John was always gracious and friendly, and he will be missed. I've met very few chefs with his talents and good humor and I'm sorry for both his work and personal family's loss.
Wow. I never met the man and I'm teary eyed from reading all these kind words.
May God comfort the McClure family in their time of sorrow.
This is a true tragedy for the KC food commmunity. John would have done many great things in his career. He was someone everyone seemed to like.
He will be remembered for his smile and wit. A true Chef and a true friend. Raise your glass. Salute!
My prayers, love and thoughts are with the McClure family. I babysat for this family almost every Sunday night while the kids were growing up and they are all incredible. My heart just aches for them.
I worked with John at Starkers for the first two years he owened Starkers. He poured all that he had into making all who graced his establishment feel special. I thank him for teaching me so much and allowing me to be a part of such a Kansas City landmark.
William D. Dowdell
What a huge loss. Deepest condolences for John's family, friends and everyone who worked with him. Such a great, fun and hilarious guy...this will be felt for a very long time.
My condolences to your family. I hope you can cook a great meal for Jesus in heaven. Rest in peace!
Starkers equals minus one-you are obviously a person with no heart or consideration...too bad you had a bad experience with John-you need to keep that to yourself and think about a whole city and family in mourning-I doubt there is anyone who would agree with your comment
We will miss you John! You brought such life to everything and everyone you touched
I am deeply sad that my friend John is gone!! There is a hole in my heart that won't be healed from this loss. Beyond my personal sadness is my grief for his parents, Marylin and Gilbert. They will be burying their son. I can't imagine what his family is going through today. My heart aches for them.
John will be incredibly missed! He had such a passion for food and wine and was uniquely able to separate himself from so many other high end restaurants/chefs in KC. I will miss his passion and enthusiasm for life and for this town.
Ironically, I was supposed to have dinner tonight with John to further discuss Barrio in more detail.
John, we, as a city, will miss you. I as a friend will miss you. I recall so fondly many meals that I had at Starker's, but what I will always cherish is your warmth, your passion for food and for your guests, and your love for life. What a sad day! I miss you already, my friend, and I hope you can look down down on us as we remember you, and know that we love you. Stejebeyu!
John was an incredible chef. I had plans to meet him next month and was truly looking forward to it. His death is a huge loss to Kansas City and the culinary world.
I'm aghast!
I'm left with a wonderful memory of my son's PERFECT rehearsal diner...
He left his mark on the Kansas City restaurant scene for sure.
This is so terrible! I remember the profile Fat City wrote about him, and I thought it was so awesome that such a young guy could be so successful at what he loved to do.
Prayers and thoughts go out to his family and friends. :(
Very sad, a great friend who lived life to the fullest, daily. Hard to see such a bright talent burn out so quickly, you may not be here but we won't forget you!
Horrible news...such a talented person! He cooked one of the top 5 meals of my entire life. May he rest in peace!
What a sad sad day, a huge loss. I barely got the chance to know him, but what I did know and heard. He was a great a loving man with such talent, a real tragedy.
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