Cafe Reflections is now open at 7016 Troost Ave., serving breakfast and lunch five days a week. But it’s more than just day-time dining; Cafe Reflections is also part of an accredited culinary program and offers evening cooking classes to the public. 

The restaurant features a menu of classics focusing on fresh, local ingredients. You can get items like “Momma B’s Biscuits and Gravy” or a custom omelet for breakfast. The lunch menu has a litany of loaded baked potatoes, salads, sandwiches, and creative “Mason Jar Meals.”

In homage to the previous tenant —New York Bakery & Delicatessen that had been at that location  since 1905—Cafe Reflections also offers Jim’s New York Deli Reuben, with homemade corned beef and bread baked in the traditions of the historic deli.  

“We want people to come in and eat, try some of our great coffee, smoothies, and fresh drinks,” says Cafe Reflections owner Mark Byrd. “We have a garden-to-the-table concept, so all our ingredients are as fresh as possible.”

The menu offers vegan and vegetarian options and an impressive selection of artisan-blend coffee, smoothies, and fresh juice. 

Job Training Program

More than just a restaurant, Cafe Reflections is the physical manifestation of the culinary training program at New Reflections Technical Institute. 

New Reflections Technical Institute is a Missouri and US-accredited school focusing on lifting people out of poverty. They offer certifications for CDL training, construction, information technology, bookkeeping & accounting, and culinary arts. 

New Reflections culinary program is a six-week course where students learn all  aspects of the culinary arts, including how to cook, run inventories, restaurant management, and skills needed to successfully operate both a restaurant’s front and back of the house.  

Cafe Reflections offers the institute’s culinary arts students a real world opportunity to hone their classroom-learned skills. Students who complete the program receive a certification and are linked to job opportunities with partnered restaurants and catering companies in the area. 

“If you’re looking to change your life, start a new career, or advance yourself: go to newreflectionskc.org, click on the culinary program, and get the enrollment process started,” says Byrd.

Byrd says that while there is tuition for the institute’s  job training programs, funding is available from KC Scholars, The Full Employment Council, and others to cover most or all costs. If you make under $23k a year and have a birth certificate, ID, and social security card, you qualify for full funding toward accreditation. Byrd says scholarships are also available to those with children that can help cover costs. 

Cooking Classes

Cafe Reflections also offers cooking classes in the evenings for groups or couples wanting to improve their cooking skills. 

There is a theme for each evening’s cooking class. Tuesday night classes focus on Mexican dishes. Wednesday is Italian night, where you can learn to cook pasta and classic Italian dishes, while Thursday’s lessons teach pastries. Friday night dives into seafood and poultry. 

More information

Cafe Reflections 

7016 Troost Ave. in KCMO

Open Tuesday through Saturday 

Breakfast & Lunch Service 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

To sign up for cooking classes or learn more, visit cafereflectionskc.org

To enroll in the culinary program, visit newreflectionskc.org