New seafood spot coming from well-known KC restaurateurs. And that’s not all
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- Todd Schulte and Cory Dannehl will open Sea Capitán, a Mexican seafood restaurant.
- In addition, Earl’s Provisions will launch as a grab-and-go market beside Earl’s Premier.
- New venues expand duo’s KC footprint, joining Earl's Premier and Bacaro Primo.
Todd Schulte and Cory Dannehl — owners of restaurants Earl’s Premier and Bacaro Primo — are gearing up for a busy summer.
In early June they’ll open Earl’s Provisions, a coastal-themed grab-and-go market next to their oyster bar, Earl’s Premier.
Then, later that month or early July, they’ll also welcome a brand-new concept to their family of restaurants across Kansas City: Upscale Mexican seafood restaurant Sea Capitán Cocina Costera will move into the former Blu Hwy spot at 5070 Main St., in the South Plaza neighborhood.
The stylish restaurant with a long, brass bar and leather banquettes will serve ceviche, aguachiles and some oysters.
“Bright, fresh flavors,” Schulte said, after rattling off a few of the menu items.
Fret not, fish-haters. There will be non-seafood items at Sea Capitán, too. Schulte teased entrees with duck, lamb and chicken.
He estimates the space will seat about 130 people.
“We got a huge bar, a huge restaurant. … It’s gonna be awesome,” Schulte said.
Both Schulte and Dannehl have traveled to coastal Mexico multiple times and took inspiration from their visits. While there are several Mexican restaurants in the KC area, there aren’t as many that are seafood-centric.
As for Earl’s Provisions, the pair plans to offer some Earl’s favorites to take home: chowder, gumbo, salads and more. They may even offer Bacaro menu options as well, like shrimp scampi and meatballs. They’ll likely offer cheese, wine, cookies and cakes alongside everything.
“The options are endless there,” Schulte said.
After the pair recently purchased the building that Earl’s Premier lives in, 651 E. 59th St., they decided to expand the space by opening their sister concept.
Dannehl likened the concept to French Market in Prairie Village, which has a sit-down area on one side and a grab-and-go market on the other.
For the duo, two new concepts means twice the fun.
“We’re in the hospitality business because we like being around people and try to show them a good time,” Schulte said. “Hopefully they like what we do and keep coming back.”
The longtime friends turned business partners opened Earl’s Premier in 2022, serving shrimp cocktails, po’boys, oysters on the half shell and lobster.
The following year, the opened Italian restaurant Bacaro Primo at 4928 Main St. It offers risotto, fusilloni giganti and mussels.
Before hopping on deck with Dannehl, Schulte was the original owner of Happy Gillis Cafe + Hangout in Columbus Park and Genessee Royale Bistro in the West Bottoms.
The two restaurateurs aren’t the only ones operating a modern Mexican concept. Last year, modern Mexican-American restaurant T’aha opened at 4814 Roanoke Parkway.
At Leawood’s Park Place, the old Session Taco space is undergoing transformation to become Lapez Mod Mex — a full-service, somewhat upscale Mexican restaurant.
Next year, the owners of ice cream bar company Palacana plan to open an authentic, upscale Mexican cantina called Urbana Sur in the Pennway Point district.
Americana restaurant Blu Hwy closed in the soon-to-be Sea Capitán space last year, though ownership did not give a reason for the closure at the time. It had been there for three years.
This story was originally published May 21, 2025 at 2:14 PM.