Block & Company announces the recipient of the annual James H. Block Scholarship

October 1, 2017

Block & Company, Inc., Realtors and The Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association are proud to announce that Rebecca Shields is the recipient of this years James H. Block Scholarship. Rebecca is 23 years old and will be a Sophomore at Johnson County Community College. Her major is Chef Apprenticeship. Rebecca has been on the Dean's list for 3 years. She has been Vice President, Secretary, and Treasure of the Hospitality Management Association at the University of Central Missouri. Rebecca feels she deserved this scholarship because she is so passionate about the hospitality industry and this is helping her achieve her dream. Rebecca's favorite place to eat is Jack Stack Barbecue. If Rebecca could change one thing in the world it would be to make processed/packaged food more expensive than fruits and vegetables, so people could eat healthier. When Asked who she is most thankful for Rebecca says, "her parents, as they have supported and encouraged her every step of the way."

Rebecca Shields (center) with David M. Block of Block & Company, Inc., Realtors and his wife Vicki

The $4,000 scholarship has been awarded annually to promising students specializing in the restaurant/food service industry who are enrolled in the Hospitality Program at Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, Kansas. The Scholarship was presented at The Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association's annual Gilbert Robinson Leadership and Awards Dinner on Sunday, October 1, 2017 at the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art Atrium at Johnson County Community College.

James H. Block, an icon in Kansas City Commercial Real Estate and Restaurant Development, started his career in 1946 at the newly formed and family owned Block & Company, Inc., Realtors. As an active broker and developer in the Kansas City area and the Midwest, James "Jimmy" Block completed a wide variety of commercial projects including over thirty shopping centers all of which incorporated multiple restaurants. He also developed numerous office, warehouse, and industrial buildings. Jimmy's passion was restaurant development and expansion, he was a pioneer responsible for building, opening, and operating franchised restaurants throughout the Kansas City region. During his career, Jimmy owned and operated over 43 restaurants before selling them back to their respective parent companies. He was involved with the operation of restaurants including Applebee's, Lums, Taco Cabana, and Hotsie's Hot Dogs just to name a few. Of his many accomplishments, Jimmy was responsible for building, opening, and operating Kansas City's original franchises for Pizza Hut and Taco Bell along with Robert "Bob" Lewellen.

James H. Block

James H. Block was a man who did business with brilliance, experience, heart, and witty humor; he loved to teach others and was always there to lend a helping hand to people of all ages and backgrounds. Jimmy's son, David M. Block, the current President of Block & Company, Inc., Realtors and the rest of the Block family are hoping to carry on his tradition by donating this scholarship to an up and coming Kansas City restaurateur.

For more information please contact: David M. Block

Full Press Release