Four Inane Questions with restaurateur Todd Schulte
Chef and restaurateur Todd Schulte is the low-key culinary wizard who has been quietly shaping KC’s food scene for more than twenty years. This is the guy who turned an old sundries shop into Happy Gillis, the brunch spot that went national with a Thrillist shoutout. Then he waved his spatula and transformed a vintage gas station into Genessee Royale Bistro, the culty, lil’ café everyone claimed they discovered first. Basically, if it was humble, he made it essential. 
These days, Schulte is the co-owner and culinary engine behind one of Kansas City’s most talked-about mini-empires, partnered with owner Cory Dannehl. We’re talking Earl’s Premier, the improbable raw bar located smack dab in the metro. We’re talking Bacaro Primo, the cozy Italian eatery hiding out in Crestwood Shops. We’re talking Sea Capitán, his new coastal, Mexican-esque fever dream, and the most ambitious buildout of his career. And we’re talking Earl’s Provisions, the market café where he rolls out signature dishes and a greatest hits playlist from the restaurants that made him a name.
Schulte is known for obsessive sourcing, design-forward spaces, and a neighborhood-first instinct that never wavers. He’s evolved from soup-making scrapper to one of the city’s most influential chefs — still humble, still hands-on, and still creating places Kansas Citians sprint back to repeatedly.
We caught up with him in between the lunch and dinner rush to zing him with our zesty questionnaire. We also ate our weight in shrimp cocktail. Happens. Bless.
The Pitch: What’s your all-time, mostest favoritest scene from any movie?
Todd Schulte: That would probably be the monologue towards the end of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Benjamin Button’s letter to his daughter. I’ve always thought it to be sage advice for all when it comes to the way one might want to conduct their life. It’s a nice reminder of how to live intentionally and not by default. How to be present within one’s self and live the fullest life possible.
If you were a frog, what kind of frog would you be?
Jeremiah comes to mind. He was a bullfrog and I’d like to think he’d be a good friend of mine. That being said, even though he’s a frog that enjoys wine, which easily makes him one of the better frogs out there, I’d probably say that if I were a frog, I’d opt to be a red-eyed tree frog. They live in tropical environments which appeals to me.
Name a Christmas ornament that you covet … and desperately needs to be on your tree?
My wife Patricia stitched a small needlepoint ornament of the Earl’s Premier logo a few years back. Almost all of the ornaments on our tree come from her collection. My kids used to get pretty frustrated with me because I was usually content with small white lights, a tree skirt, and a bow of sorts to top the tree. Simple and clean, less to deal with when taking down the tree.
Someone once told me that ‘Earl’s was like your favorite pair of jeans, comfortable.’ I guess as long as the stitched ornament finds its way onto the tree, it’ll help me feel more comfortable with everything else.
In terms of culinary offerings, what’s the most underrated/underappreciated fish on the market today?
Hake. It’s often compared to cod in that it has a mild flavor and flaky white texture. It’s underrated in the States but received well in European countries such as Spain and Portugal. It’s great baked or sautéed and takes well to fresh herbs and light sauces.
We never really see it offered much here in the middle of America, so cod will have to do. However, should you find yourself with a chance to try it, don’t skip it.
Bonus 5th Question: You can pick three different girl groups to perform at your three restaurants. Who you choosin’ and where they performin’?
My short list? Destiny’s Child to perform at Sea Capitán because it’s the largest of the three restaurants—and it’s Beyoncé.
Next would be The Supremes at Bacaro Primo. That would be epic.
Last but not least—without question—TLC at Earl’s Premier. Crazy Sexy Cool from start to finish. That would be rad!
