Viral Photo of $16 Mashed Potatoes Triggers Backlash Against Mahomes and Kelce’s 1587 Prime Restaurant

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI — NFL superstars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce are used to being at the center of attention on the football field. But this week, the two Kansas City Chiefs icons found themselves trending for something far less glamorous: a bowl of mashed potatoes.

Yes, mashed potatoes — a side dish that somehow managed to ignite one of the internet’s fiercest debates about celebrity restaurants, luxury pricing, and what “value” really means in 2025.

The $16 Side Dish That Broke the Internet

It all started when a diner at Mahomes and Kelce’s new high-end steakhouse, 1587 Prime, posted a photo on X (formerly Twitter) showing a small, elegant-looking bowl of mashed potatoes with a caption that read:

“$16 for this? Are these potatoes grown on Mars?”

Within hours, the post had gone viral, racking up over 4 million views, thousands of retweets, and an avalanche of memes mocking the dish — and, by extension, the restaurant’s celebrity owners.

Fans and critics alike flooded the comments.

“Bro, I could buy a whole bag of potatoes for $2,” one user joked.
“Did Mahomes mash them himself?” another added.

Others defended the restaurant, pointing out that 1587 Prime bills itself as a luxury dining experience, not a sports bar.

“It’s a fine-dining steakhouse, not an Applebee’s,” one commenter wrote. “You’re paying for the atmosphere — and maybe a touch of Mahomes magic.”

But for many, the viral photo became symbolic of a larger frustration: the growing trend of celebrity-backed restaurants charging premium prices for what appear to be basic dishes.

Inside 1587 Prime: A Steakhouse With Star Power

Opened in early 2025, 1587 Prime is the brainchild of Mahomes and Kelce — two of the NFL’s most recognizable faces and close friends both on and off the field. The name combines their jersey numbers (15 for Mahomes, 87 for Kelce) and reflects their vision of creating “an elevated dining experience that represents excellence, teamwork, and Kansas City pride.”

The restaurant, located in the upscale Power & Light District, features sleek decor, soft lighting, and a menu crafted by celebrity chef Howard Klein, known for his modern takes on classic American cuisine.

Signature dishes include wagyu ribeye ($165), lobster mac & cheese ($38), and the now-infamous Yukon Gold mashed potatoes ($16) — described on the menu as “whipped with roasted garlic and truffle butter.”

Before the viral post, reviews had been largely positive. Kansas City Life & Style called the restaurant “a touchdown for fine dining,” and fans praised its attention to detail and world-class service.

But after one photo — and a few thousand memes — the tone shifted.

The Internet’s Roast Session 🍽️🔥

By Friday morning, the hashtag #PotatoGate was trending nationwide. TikTok users began reenacting dramatic “$16 potato tastings,” while others created fake menus poking fun at the restaurant:

“Air-seasoned fries — $12. Water-aged steak — $98. Ice cubes (artisan) — $8.”

Even food influencers joined the discussion.

“We’re seeing a pushback against celebrity restaurants,” said culinary critic Jenna Thompson on her Food Unfiltered podcast. “People are tired of paying luxury prices just because a famous name is attached. The $16 mashed potatoes are just the spark that lit a larger fire.”

Still, not everyone agreed. Some diners defended 1587 Prime, arguing that truffle butter and premium ingredients justify the cost.

“If you go to a high-end steakhouse in New York or Vegas, $16 for sides is normal,” said Kansas City local Liam Porter, who dined there last week. “It’s not about the potatoes — it’s about the experience.”

Mahomes and Kelce Respond (Kind Of)

Neither Patrick Mahomes nor Travis Kelce issued an official statement, but both subtly addressed the situation with humor.

On Friday, Mahomes was asked about the controversy during a charity event. With a grin, he replied:

“Hey, they’re championship-level potatoes. What can I say?”

Kelce, on the other hand, took to Instagram Stories with a simple post: a picture of mashed potatoes and the caption “Still worth it 😎🥔.”

Fans applauded their lighthearted reactions, though some argued that the restaurant might need to address public perception more seriously.

“A laugh is fine,” one fan commented, “but maybe throw in a free side next week for the fans. It’d be a good PR move.”

The Celebrity Restaurant Dilemma

The 1587 Prime controversy taps into a growing cultural tension: the intersection of fame, food, and authenticity.

From Salt Bae’s infamous $1,000 steak to Gordon Ramsay’s $60 burgers, diners have become increasingly vocal about whether celebrity-backed dining experiences deliver genuine value — or simply capitalize on fame.

“When people see Mahomes’ name on the door, they expect something special,” said restaurant analyst Mark Delgado. “But if it feels like hype over substance, the internet will call it out instantly — and brutally.”

For many fans, it’s less about the price tag and more about the perception of sincerity. Mahomes and Kelce have built their brands on relatability — as hardworking, down-to-earth athletes who love their community. Seeing their names attached to a $16 side dish struck some as ironic.

“I love those guys, but $16 for potatoes? Come on, man,” one Chiefs fan tweeted. “That’s not the Kansas City I know.”

A Teachable Moment in the Spotlight

Despite the backlash, experts believe 1587 Prime will weather the storm. Viral outrage tends to fade fast, and the restaurant’s celebrity appeal remains strong.

“If anything, this kind of viral attention actually drives curiosity,” Delgado noted. “People will want to see what all the fuss is about. Expect reservations to spike.”

Indeed, as of Saturday morning, the restaurant’s booking page showed limited availability for the next two weekends — suggesting that the controversy might have, ironically, boosted business.

Still, the incident offers a lesson in optics and authenticity.

“Celebrities can’t forget that fans connect with them because they seem real,” Thompson said. “If your brand is about humility and heart — like Mahomes and Kelce — your restaurant needs to reflect that.”

The Final Takeaway

At the end of the day, the $16 mashed potatoes might just be another example of the internet’s love for overreacting — or a genuine critique of luxury culture disguised as humor.

For Mahomes and Kelce, it’s a reminder that in the age of social media, even the smallest detail — or the smallest bowl of potatoes — can become a national conversation.

As one fan perfectly summed it up:

“I still love them. But next time I’m paying $16 for mashed potatoes, they better come with an autograph.”

🥔 Because in 2025, nothing goes viral faster than a side of celebrity — especially when it’s served with a sprinkle of truffle butter.