Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce Face Dual Off-Field Challenges with 1587 Prime Steakhouse
Kansas City Chiefs superstars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce are encountering significant turbulence with their first major restaurant venture, 1587 Prime. The off-field brand they helped launch is now embroiled in a federal trademark lawsuit while simultaneously receiving harsh criticism from a prominent food critic, creating a perfect storm of negative publicity for the high-profile athletes.
Trademark Battle Puts 1587 Prime on Legal Defense
The legal challenge arrived in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, where sneaker company 1587 Sneakers filed a lawsuit alleging trademark and apparel infringement against Mahomes, Kelce, and their hospitality partner Noble 33. The complaint centers on the restaurant's use of the "1587" name, which the sneaker brand claims creates consumer confusion and infringes upon their established mark.
According to the lawsuit filed by attorney Ezra Salami, 1587 Sneakers has been using the "1587" trademark in commerce since April 13, 2023, selling footwear and apparel nationwide through its website. The company gained national recognition through media coverage and even appeared on the television show "Shark Tank," establishing what they argue is prior rights to the numerical combination.
The legal filing contends that Mahomes, Kelce, and Noble 33 launched 1587 Prime around September 2025 without conducting proper due diligence. The complaint specifically alleges that the restaurant group sells apparel that "wholly adopt and incorporate" the "1587" mark, creating potential confusion about sponsorship or connection between the sneaker brand and the steakhouse.
Legal experts note the complexity of this trademark dispute. While 1587 Sneakers applied for their "1587" trademark in October 2025 for clothing categories, Mahomes and Kelce's team had applied for the "1587 Prime" mark in December 2023 for bar and restaurant services. Trademark attorney Josh Gerben explained to ESPN that the core legal question revolves around whether consumers would reasonably associate a steakhouse and a sneaker brand using the same numerical combination, particularly when both entities sell clothing items.
The lawsuit claims that "scores of consumers" have already contacted 1587 Sneakers believing the company is connected to 1587 Prime. While the plaintiffs' attorney has declined to publicly share this evidence, they indicated it would be produced if the case proceeds to trial.
1587 Sneakers co-founder Adam King expressed hope for an amicable resolution, stating, "From the onset, we have communicated a sincere belief that there is room for mutual respect and understanding. That belief has not changed, and we continue to hope to resolve this matter amicably."
Representatives for Kelce declined to comment on the lawsuit, while Mahomes' team did not respond to ESPN's inquiries. The silence from the athletes' camps contrasts with the sudden national attention being received by a sneaker brand that was relatively unknown outside specialized circles just a year ago.
Scathing Restaurant Review Questions 1587 Prime's Quality and Value
Even before the trademark lawsuit became public on February 17, 1587 Prime was facing criticism from food critic Liz Cook, who published a detailed review for Defector after visiting the steakhouse twice. Her assessment delivers a devastating blow to the restaurant's reputation, particularly questioning whether the establishment lives up to its premium pricing and celebrity backing.
Cook's opening critique sets the tone for her entire review: "The main trouble with 1587 Prime isn't its childlike idea of luxury. It's that it's a steakhouse that doesn't nail the steaks." This fundamental criticism strikes at the heart of what should be the restaurant's primary offering.
The review details multiple shortcomings observed during Cook's visits:
- Steaks arrived either too thin or overcooked
- Service failed to provide a steak knife at one point
- Overall service quality was described as mediocre rather than matching the restaurant's premium price point
- The menu's attempt at celebrity-inspired cocktails received particularly harsh criticism
One of the restaurant's signature cocktails, "The Alchemy"—a nod to Travis Kelce's relationship with Taylor Swift—received what Cook described as tasting "like a Cosmo someone had strained through a French Vanilla Yankee Candle."
The pricing structure drew specific scrutiny from the critic. Cook noted paying $78 for the most expensive steak ordered, $15 for "three small ramekins of ketchup, one of which was pure uncut Heinz," and $22 for The Alchemy cocktail. Her final assessment was even more damning than her initial observations, describing 1587 Prime as "a parched vision of luxury, simultaneously overreliant on ChatGPT-grade luxury tropes, rehashed ideas from its outside restaurant group, and lazy local outsourcing for stations that a top-tier restaurant should staff."
Despite this negative publicity, the restaurant continues to attract curious diners drawn by the star power of Mahomes and Kelce, whose jersey numbers (15 and 87) inspired the restaurant's name. The open question remains whether the establishment can overcome its early reputation challenges and establish itself as a legitimate dining destination beyond its celebrity connections.
Broader Implications for Mahomes and Kelce's Business Ventures
The timing of these challenges comes during significant career transitions for both athletes. Patrick Mahomes is currently rehabilitating and restructuring his contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, while Travis Kelce is contemplating the next phase of his professional football career. Their first major joint restaurant investment now faces simultaneous pressure from a federal lawsuit and widespread critical review.
This situation highlights the complexities athletes face when expanding their brand beyond sports. While celebrity-backed restaurants often benefit from initial curiosity and fan support, they must ultimately deliver quality experiences to sustain success. The dual challenges facing 1587 Prime—legal and reputational—create a particularly difficult environment for the restaurant to establish itself in the competitive Kansas City dining scene.
The outcome of the trademark lawsuit could set important precedents for how numerical combinations are protected across different industries, while the restaurant's ability to address the criticisms raised in Cook's review will determine whether it can evolve from a celebrity curiosity to a respected dining establishment.
