Harvey’s at Union Station in Kansas City’s Union Station carries a rich history that intertwines with the legacy of Fred Harvey’s dining empire and the iconic 1946 film The Harvey Girls, starring Judy Garland.
Fred Harvey, a freight agent turned restaurateur, revolutionized railroad dining in the late 19th century by establishing the Harvey House chain. These establishments offered travelers quality meals, a significant improvement over the typical station fare of canned beans and cold coffee. The Harvey House at Union Station opened in 1914, seating 300 diners and featuring a remodeled dining room known as the Westport Room by 1936. This location operated until December 31, 1968, marking the end of an era when the Fred Harvey Company was sold to Amfac Inc.
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