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Who,
WHAT, WHERE
Meet Mary Holland
Who:
Mary Holland owns and operates Hereford House Restaurants and Pierpont’s at Union Station, along with her business partner. There are four area Hereford House Restaurants in Leawood, Independence, Shawnee, and Zona Rosa. They are a locally owned, women-owned restaurant group. She is also president of the Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association (GKCRA).
“After many years as room mom, chairing Nativity, Rockhurst, and Notre Dame de Sion fundraising events, organizing, coaching and driving my children to sporting and other activities, I invested in the restaurant business with good friends,” smiles Mary. “Years later as a silent partner, my best friend and business partner Camillia and I found ourselves taking over and running the business.”
What: Mary was born and raised
For the past 10 years, they have continued the tradition of the Hereford House Restaurants and Pierpont’s at Union Station in Kansas City and look forward to many more years to come. “I am the first woman GKCRA president in many years, and am humbled and honored to be chosen,” she says.
in Kansas City, attending Shawnee Mission South then heading to Texas to attend Texas Christian University. She received her BBA in Business and Marketing and began her career in hospital administration at Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas, as office manager for nine intensive care units and the newly established Kidney Transplant Program. She attained her MBA in Healthcare Administration while managing and overseeing Guest Services, Volunteer Services, Human Resources, and Physician Services at the new Harris Methodist Southwest Hospital in Fort Worth. She met and married her husband, Scott, and they returned to Kansas City to begin his career and raise a family. Scott and Mary have four children, Joe (Caroline), Mitch, Sam, and Emma.
“As president, I oversee all aspects of the association, including the promotion of our member restaurants, the fundraising and special events such as our annual golf tournament and GKCRA Day at the K,” she continues. “During the pandemic, the association was crucial for keeping us up-to-date on the ever-changing guidelines. Nothing is more important than assuring the safety of our team members and guests. We administer over $25,000 annually in scholarship support to local deserving students, and further support women in culinary through our annual donation to Les Dames d’Escoffier Scholarships.”
Holland loves the Chiefs, Royals, Sporting KC, and Dallas Mavericks teams, and enjoys spending time with friends and family in Texas with a cold beer on the front porch!
Where:
FAVORITE PLACE TO DINE Jasper’s! I can’t get enough of the tableside caprese when in season. Waldo Pizza, Blue Bird Bistro, and of course our own Hereford House Restaurants and Pierpont’s at Union Station! FAVORITE PLACE TO SHOP Nell Hill’s! I love walking through and seeing all of the colorful and seasonal changes. A stroll through Nell Hill’s can clear my head like nothing else! Painted Sofa, Spruce Home, Olive Tree—such great little shops with every flavor of vinegars and oils, candles, gadgets, and personalized cutting boards. FAVORITE HIDDEN GEMS IN KC Conductor’s Club pop-up bar at Union Station. Current theme is Prom “Forever Young,” upcoming theme will be Tiki for the summer. Past themes have been Willy Wonka, Christmas Home Alone, Love Shack in February. Really fun atmosphere and decoration. INCREDIBLE and unique cocktail creations. FAVORITE PLACE TO TAKE OUTOF-TOWN GUESTS Union Station, of course! Not a more beautiful building in KC/River Market area. I love Harry’s Country Club and Brown and Loe for brunch or lunch. Wine tasting at Pierpont’s and first and third Fridays. WWI Museum has fascinating and interesting guided tours.
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