Missouri’s Best Family-Run Restaurant is Rabbits with Antlers?

Here's an unusual combination of words that normally don't have much to do with each other, but in this case they do. A new ranking says the best family-run restaurant in Missouri involves rabbits, antlers and spaghetti.

I have a special place in my heart for family-run businesses. That's why I greatly appreciate Love Food for taking the time to honor the restaurants in each state that are not part of a chain, but are owned and taken care of by families. Their choice for Missouri is a mom and pop place in Kansas City.

This is the Antler Room located at 2506 Holmes St in Kansas City, Missouri. Love Food honored owners Leslie and Nicholas Goellner for having such a "chic" place hiding in an unassuming red-brick building.

The official website for this Missouri restaurant says Leslie has spent 20 years in the hospitality business in the Kansas City area while Nick began his career at the French Culinary Institute in New York. That's quite a pedigree for both of them. They describe their restaurant as a neighborhood place where they want everyone to feel like they're a friend. They must be doing a fine job to get this national shout out.

They are much more than just a spaghetti place, by the way. Their menu changes daily according to the Antler Room site.

Lots of love for these family-owned Missouri places. It's not an easy business these days and to be successful without a chain supporting you is quite a challenge.