about

In May 1988, Ed Gieselman opened the original, flagship Jose Peppers at 103rd and metcalf . Ed saw a need for an elevated standard in mexican cuisine. His vision to provide quality food and exceptional service in Overland Park and his dedication to his employees would be the cornerstone of Jose Peppers future. 

thirty-five years later, Jose Peppers has grown to eleven locations throughout the kansas city metro area, topeka and east wichita. 

our 100% scratch kitchens are famous for the best espinaca con queso in the midwest. we offer a variety of mexican cuisine featuring unique twist on classic favorite dishes to showcasing our pride and joy, the Pollo magnifico.

We've been refining and evolving the margarita since 1988.  jose peppers margaritas feature 100% agave tequila with all natural lemon and lime juices and agave nectar.

Sharing a meal together should be fun and relaxing. we offer complimentary ultra-thin chips and zesty salsa in an inviting, casual atmosphere.

A FICTIONAL TALE, AND SO THE STORY GOES....

Jose Pepper was born the seventh son of his father, a Tijuana physician (Dr. Pepper), and his mother, the finest and most revered cook south of the Rio Grande. Jose grew up in his mother’s kitchen witnessing the sights and smells of Tex-Mex, specialty cooking. As the seventh son of a seventh son, some unusual circumstances had often influenced Jose’s life.

In the spring of 1986, tragedy struck Jose’s parents, Dr., and Mrs. Pepper, disappeared in a mysterious accident. The Pepper family fortune, as it was, was divided equally between the seven surviving Pepper brothers.

According to the terms of the will, Jose inherited 52,000 pesos ($26.00 US) and a special bequest: “To my dearest seventh son, Jose, I bequeath my recipes accumulated during generations of fine Tex-Mex cooking.”

With the clothes on his back, $26 US, his 1963 Chevy Impala and his mother’s recipes packed inside an old leather suitcase, Jose headed north to visit Niagara Falls. Sadly, before reaching his destination, misfortune struck again.

While passing through Kansas on I-435, Jose saw his first tornado and collided with several orange traffic barrels, crashing his Chevy Impala. A highway patrolperson found Jose’s treasured recipes written in his beloved mother’s handwriting scattered beside the road and returned them to Jose, weathered and dusty.

His legacy restored by fate, Jose stayed in Overland Park, married, and proudly opened “Jose Pepper’s,” a border grill and cantina. And on the seventh day, Jose created the “Pollo Magnifico,” the house specialty for the Tex-Mex aficionados of Kansas City.Jose Pepper’s…the Legacy Continues Established 1988