Ollie Gates has been an innovative change agent for Kansas City since appearing on the scene in 1932. After years of working in the family restaurant, completing his Bachelors of Science degree at Lincoln University and serving his country in the United States Army, Gates became president and CEO of Gates Bar-B-Q in 1970. The first family restaurant opened in 1946, in a modest location at 19th & Vine, and under Gates' leadership, it expanded to six family operated locations. Gates Bar-B-Q is recognized worldwide for delectable meats and unparalleled customer service, including the famous, "Hi, may I help you" greeting as customers enter the restaurant.
Gates believes success and giving back go hand in hand, and his contributions to the community are vast, including building the Spirit of Freedom Fountain and the Black Veterans Memorial, and renovating the historic Satchel Paige Memorial Baseball Stadium.