Herschel McWilliams
FOUNDER
Herschel McWilliams is a life long resident the Kansas City area. Born and raised in Kansas City, KS. growing up the son of musicians (father who is a drummer & mother a pianist) he was introduced to many musical influences at an early age. He started learning piano at 8 years old and saxophone at 10 years old. He works as a Performance Manager for a software company and serves as Entertainment Director for Soiree Restaurant Group as well as being involved as Director of Digital & Social Media Strategy for Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors and in his free time enjoys playing gigs, coaching sports football and basketball and playing golf. Herschel married his wife Rebecca in November 2005 and they have four children (Harrison, Benjamin, Vivian, & Christian) & they currently reside in Shawnee, Kansas.
Chef Anita Moore
Founder
Owner & Founder of Soiree Restaurant Group which curently has two concepts (Soiree New Orleans Bistro & Soiree Steak and Oyster House). With her latest Soiree Steak & Oyster House location in the Historic 18th & Vine district Anita has committed to keeping true to the heritage and vibrancy of Kansas City’s jazz history. The Kansas City native has crafted vibrant, savory dishes in KC’s finest five-star restaurants and is now embarking on a life-long dream to open her own restaurants. Moore dove into the professional culinary world in 2006 by partnering with a local company to provide backstage catering to the stars. She has served celebrities including Bonny Rait, Guns N’ Roses, New Edition and El DeBarge. Following her passion, Moore began attending culinary school in 2013 and graduated from Kansas City’s LeCole Culinary School in 2016 at the top of her class. Quickly progressing, Moore made her way into the KC restaurant scene as the lead chef at The Westin Crown Center Hotel.