By Meryl Feld / Editor
On Tuesday, BurgerFi in Leawood provided 465 lunches to St. Joseph Medical Center. This was made possible by a partnership with Marcum LLP, a national accounting firm, that is donating 20,000 meals across the country.
This is not the local restaurant’s first act of kindness in response to the pandemic. Roughly two weeks into our initial stay-at-home order, BurgerFi donated 50 meals to Menorah Medical Center. “It was early on in the crisis and we wanted to express our appreciation,” Josh Kurzban told The Chronicle. “We just wanted to get out there and do something.” Josh and his wife Michelle own BurgerFi in Park Place.
Due to their close proximity, many Menorah employees are BurgerFi regulars, so donating to Menorah was an easy choice.
“People are working really hard and they appreciate the small token of a meal. And we appreciate all they do, putting themselves in harm’s way,” Kurzban said.
Shortly after their first donation, Cerner’s employees put together a charity and selected BurgerFi. They brought 300 meals for Truman Medical Center. BurgerFi only charged 85% of their normal prices for these meals. In response to COVID-19, BurgerFi has expanded its military and uniform 15% off discount to include first responders and hospital workers.
Some of BurgerFi’s vendors have also stepped up to help support our community during this difficult time. Intrepid Direct Insurance, BurgerFi’s property casualty insurance company, bought BurgerFi meals for Ronald McDonald House guests and their families, which assists families who have a critically-ill or injured child by providing them with a home away from home.
“We’ve been fortunate to be the recipient of several government programs to keep our people working and paid,” Kurzban said, “We’re doing all we can to survive and hopefully thrive in that post-COVID world.”
BurgerFi is taking all health precautions recommended by the CDC and local authorities. They currently have tables inside and outside spaced six feet apart, in accordance with local restrictions. They can have a maximum of six people from the same household at a table. Kurzban had a plexi-glass barrier installed, to separate the person ordering from the cashier. They’re open for pickup and delivery, too.
BurgerFi isn’t your run of the mill fast-food burger joint. “Although it’s not health food, it’s certainly healthier food,” Kurzban said. Their food is freshly prepared, all natural (no hormones, antibiotics or steroids), is made from scratch and focuses on using basic ingredients. They also have vegetarian and vegan options, as well as a lettuce wrapped bread-less option. They support local breweries by having their beer on tap. They also serve wine.
Josh and Michelle Kurzban moved to the Kansas City area roughly a decade ago. They regularly sponsor synagogue events at their restaurant — like a men’s group fishing derby and a young parent’s night.
For the owners of BurgerFi, what they’re doing isn’t about making money. “We’re trying to keep as many people gainfully employed as possible,” Kurzban said, “And we want the community to know we care.”
The Kurzban family belongs to The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah. Michelle and Josh Kurzban have three children: Isabel (23), Max (21) and Olivia (18). All went to Blue Valley West.
To get involved or support BurgerFi’s efforts to feed medical professionals, email .
You can order from BurgerFi (pickup or delivery) by visiting www.BurgerFi.com.