Anita Moore
Chef Anita Moore is a force to be reckoned with in the culinary world. With over 10+ years of success in culinary education, event hospitality, casual dining, and catering, Chef Anita is a dynamic, resourceful, and highly skilled chef who has dedicated her life to the art of cooking.
Currently serving as the Head Chef at Soirée Steak and Oyster Houses for multiple locations in Kansas City, MO, the Head Chef at Cafe Reflections, the Head Instructor at New Reflections Culinary Institute, and now a new location at the KCI Airport, Chef Anita has established herself as one of the most sought-after chefs in the industry.
One of Chef Anita's greatest achievements is the opening of Soirée Steak & Oyster House, located at the western end of 18th and Vine Jazz District in Kansas City. With her uniquely Southern cooking style, Chef Anita has applied her culinary skills to steak and oysters, creating an incredible fusion of traditional flavors of the Deep South, spices, and staples from Cajun cuisine with a contemporary flair. The result is an exquisite and unforgettable dining experience that has drawn praise from diners and food critics from all over.
Chef Anita's culinary expertise has also earned her the opportunity to serve some of the most well-known celebrities in the world. With a list of clients that includes Bonnie Raitt, Guns N’ Roses, New Edition, and El DeBarge, Chef Anita has proven time and time again that she is the go-to chef for those who demand the very best.
But Chef Anita's journey to the top of the culinary world was not an easy one. As a dedicated wife, mother of four, grandmother, and daughter, Chef Anita's passion for cooking began with her love of healthy food options and weekly meal preparation for her parents. This led her to start a weekly-food service, "Food on the Run", providing healthy meals to Kansas City families.
Following her passion, Chef Anita 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, she made her way into the KC restaurant scene as the lead chef at The Westin Crown Center Hotel. From there, she became the Demi Chef at Journey Steak House at Argosy Casino and then assisted in the opening of Argosy’s 99 Hops House.
Through it all, Chef Anita has maintained her commitment to creating food that is made with a lot of souls. As she likes to say, "Our food is not just food. It's an experience, an expression, and an opportunity to bring people together."
With her unique style, extensive culinary knowledge, and incredible dedication to her craft, Chef Anita Moore is the perfect choice to lead the culinary program at New Reflections Culinary Institute. Join us and start your journey toward a successful career in the culinary industry today!
Mark Byrd
Mark Byrd, President & CEO of New Reflections Technical Institute, has dedicated his life to making a positive impact on the Kansas City, MO community. Over the past 20 years, he has become a true pillar of the community, working tirelessly to provide education and employment opportunities to local residents.
Mark first became involved in community work through his construction program, which aimed to revitalize the neighborhood and provide job training for local residents. He quickly realized that many of the people in his community lacked basic education credentials such as a high school diploma or GED. This realization inspired him to start a GED program, which started with just four students and grew to help over 3,000 graduates obtain their diplomas.
But Mark didn't stop there. He recognized that education was just the first step in breaking the cycle of poverty and creating real opportunities for local residents. With his sights set on providing even more job opportunities, he worked tirelessly to obtain certification from the Department of Education and Secondary Education, allowing NRTI to offer courses that would give students the skills and certifications they needed to secure good jobs.
Through Mark's efforts, NRTI has become a vital resource for local residents seeking to improve their lives through education and employment. He has formed partnerships with local employers to ensure that when students complete their courses and certifications, job opportunities are waiting for them. And he has continued to expand NRTI's offerings, obtaining certification from Workforce Innovation and Opportunity (WIOA), the Veterans Administration (VA), and Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), and partnering with a number of community groups to assist their targeted demographics with education.
Mark's tireless efforts have made him a true hero to the Kansas City community, and his impact will be felt for generations to come.