The Missouri Restaurant Association (MRA) is advising Kansas City restaurants to add automatic 20% gratuity to checks this summer as the city hosts the World Cup.

Why it matters: 650,000 international visitors are expected in KC for the World Cup, many from countries where tipping isn't the norm.

What they're saying: It's a recommendation, not a mandate.

• "[International visitors] automatically figure that gratuity is looped into the bill," Trey Meyers, director of marketing and communications for the MRA, tells Axios.
• "We don't want servers to be slighted by any means just because different cultures are coming into our city," he says.
• He says most of the 450 KC businesses they represent are interested in adopting auto-gratuity this summer, though none have yet confirmed it. Their goal, he says, is to be as inclusive as possible.

By the numbers: In Missouri, restaurants can legally pay tipped employees a minimum of $7.50 an hour. The state allows tips to count toward the rest.

• Missouri restaurants using the Toast platform averaged 19.7% in restaurant tips in the second half of 2025, above the national full-service average of 19.2%, per Toast data.
• According to Meyers, the 20% recommendation reflects the industry's typical range of 18% to 22% and protects servers from being shorted by guests who simply don't know the custom.
• He credits the Midwest's lower cost of living, community culture and what he calls "Kansas City nice" for keeping local tips consistently strong.

Zoom in: If a restaurant goes the auto-gratuity route, Meyers says transparency is non-negotiable.

• Restaurants should post signage at the door and host stand, add a note to the menu or have servers tell guests up front.
• Whether a server keeps a tip left on top of an auto-gratuity depends on the restaurant's policy, Meyers says.
• At most KC restaurants, where servers are classified as tipped wage employees, any extra tip goes directly to them. But at some establishments, it could be pooled among all staff.

What's next: Once the World Cup wraps up mid-July, Meyers says, participating restaurants plan to revert to standard tipping.

• In the meantime, the Visit KC Foundation is holding training sessions to help hospitality workers understand international cultural norms.

Leaders of 18th & Vine unveiled the official district World Cup events and urged local businesses to get involved in the game this summer.

Why it matters: They want the district to be the city's party destination, showcasing Black culture through music, food, arts and activities.

Zoom in: It all starts with a kickoff celebration on June 11 at 2000 Vine, a gallery and event space that's home to Vine Street Brewing. That's the first day of World Cup matches.

• The district will also host watch parties for matches held in Kansas City: June 16 (Argentina vs. Algeria), June 25 (Netherlands vs. Tunisia), and July 11 (quarterfinal).

What they're saying: James McGee, who chairs the 18th & Vine Activation Committee, said yesterday that it's about reclaiming "authentic Kansas City culture" on a national stage.

• "This activation represents the heart of the African American community in Kansas City, past, present and future," he said.
• "Do Good" Foundation director Dennis Powell said 18th & Vine is one of the most important cultural corridors in the country.

The latest: A game called table soccer will appear at 2000 Vine as part of a unified branding strategy called Vine Street F.C.

• Players sit on their goals, look down through the transparent tabletop, and try to score on each other by kicking a small soccer ball.

Zoom out: At least 17 district businesses and organizations are involved with the World Cup activation committee, which is encouraging businesses to host events and extend hours.

• Organizers are seeking interest from retail and food vendors to add to what the district already offers.
• Juneteenth KC will host additional events in the area throughout June.
• Zhou B Art Center's creative director, Izzy Vivas, says the center is partnering with Juneteenth KC and also hosting a resident artist group show that month.

State of play: The district is under heavy construction as part of Revive the Vine, a mix of public and private restoration projects totaling more than $400 million.

What's next: City leaders plan to cut the ribbon on a new parking garage at 18th and Lydia on May 22.

• Workers are targeting a June opening for the 18th Street pedestrian mall.

🗳️ Kevin King, a former union leader and political newcomer, beat incumbent City Councilwoman Bridget McCandless for Independence mayor Tuesday, flipping the script from the primary, where McCandless led by nearly 17 points. (KSHB)

🏫 Six KC-area school districts — Hickman Mills, Center, Independence, Lee's Summit, Fort Osage and Grain Valley — approved nearly $200 million for building upgrades, debt relief and staff pay. (KCUR)

🗣️ A UMKC researcher found Americans are speaking 338 fewer words per year than in the past, a steady decline linked to technology replacing small everyday conversations. (KCUR)

👋 Axios Kansas City editor Chloe here! I recently started raising Vida, a service dog puppy in training for United Disabilities Services in Central Pennsylvania.

Why it matters: Volunteer puppy raisers help socialize and train future service dogs before they move on to advanced training and, eventually, a person who needs their help.

• Service dogs have many different jobs. Vida will learn skills like opening and closing doors, retrieving items and turning lights on and off.

Zoom in: Kansas City volunteer opportunities include the Canine Companions Heartland Chapter and KSDS Assistance Dogs.

The bottom line: Vida is still learning the ropes, but someday she'll help someone become more independent.