20 years ago, an incomplete pass that Drew Lock threw caught the attention of his father, Andy Lock. The kid’s drop-back was awkward as he was tall and lanky, but his pass hit another player right in the chest. “I knew he was blessed with a gift that a lot of kids don’t have and it was all starting to fall into place,” Andy said, as he knew what football talent should look like. After all, the father was a former offensive lineman at Missouri and even played for Andy Reid in 1989.

“He was the prettiest offensive linemen I’ve ever coached,” Reid joked about Andy Lock in 2015 and continued, “I only had a chance to coach him for that one year.” But ever since that day 20 years ago, when Andy Lock recognized his son’s abilities, the proud father made sure his son received the right kind of training in order to develop his football flair. Step one was trusting instructor Justin Hoover and Lee’s Summit (Mo.) High School coach Eric Thomas. From school to the NFL, Drew Lock has come a long way—All thanks to his father’s eye for talent. But that’s not where his contributions ended. Andy Lock’s name is forever etched into Kansas City’s history and culture.

If you have been a regular at Summit Grill in Kansas City and felt like the waiter knew your name, your favourite beverage, and how crispy you prefer your fries—chances are, Andy Lock had something to do with it. The entrepreneur behind Third Street Social, Boru, Pearl Tavern, and many other restaurants created a community of regulars, which felt like family. And now, they’re grieving like one. Kansas City lost more than just a restaurateur Thursday morning, and Drew Lock lost more than a father. Andy Lock died in the company of his loved ones. He was 57. Summit Grill and Bar announced the news of Andy’s passing on Instagram and wrote:

“It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our founder and co-owner, Andy Lock, who left us peacefully on the morning of April 3, surrounded by his family. Andy was the heart and soul of Summit Hospitality Group—a visionary, a leader, and a friend to so many. From the early days of opening Summit Grill to the launch of Third Street Social, Boru, Pearl Tavern, South of Summit, and Neighborhood Cafe, Andy’s passion for food, people, and community shaped everything we do.

“He believed restaurants should feel like home—and that every guest, team member, and meal mattered. His legacy lives on in every dish we serve, every warm welcome we offer, and every moment we share across our restaurants. We’ll be sharing more soon about how we’ll honor Andy’s incredible life and legacy. For now, we invite you to help us carry forward his spirit—through great food, heartfelt hospitality, and making sure the music is always just right.”

Back in 2017, Lock, along with his business partner, Domhnall Molloy, was given the title ‘Restaurateurs of the Year’ by the Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association. While he accomplished a lot in his area of expertise, fatherhood and family were Andy’s proudest achievements. He was known for almost never missing a single football game, as he would stand on the sidelines and cheer loudly.

He is survived by his wife, Laura, his son Drew, his daughter Claire, and his grandson, Layton Andrew Lock; parents Jerry and Carolyn Lock; siblings Adam Lock and Amy Kaiser. As per Andy’s obituary, all services will be held at Our Lady of the Presentation Catholic Church, 130 NW Murray Road, Lee’s Summit, MO, on Saturday, April 12. From 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. is the visitation time, which will be followed by Mass of Christian Burial.

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Additionally, the Lock family has requested memorial contributions to help them establish the Andy Lock Foundation, care of Muehlebach Funeral Care, 6800 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64131. The contributions will be used to continue the passion he had for the hospitality industry and to care for the local community charities.

Kansas City lost more than a business giant. It lost a heartbeat. And that’s what this is—a great one gone too soon; Not just for the Lock family, but for every single person who ever found comfort in his food, warmth in his welcome, or mentorship in his methods.

Andy Lock was the real MVP, and now, the huddle feels empty…

When Drew Lock was busy making his name in the NCAA stat books and NFL scouting reports, Andy was never far from the sideline. He would watch on and reminisce about his own days as a football player. Football fans couldn’t help but feel sad. “Our deepest condolences to the Lock family on the passing of former Tiger and team captain Andy Lock (1986-89) on Thursday morning. Our heart goes out to the entire family, including his son Drew (2015-18) and nephew Tommy (current QB). A True Son forever,” Mizzou Football posted.

Andy Lock didn’t care if his son Drew was throwing spirals in the backyard or on ESPN. The reason he loved the game was that his son loved it. Jim Nagy said it best in his tribute on X: “Prayers go out to @DrewLock23 and his family. Didn’t know Andy as well as many did, but he was like all football dads—he just loved watching his boy play ball. RIP, Andy.”

His legacy goes beyond football and the hospitality industry. He wasn’t just a name on a restaurant door—he was the one inside, talking to guests, checking on the cooks and staff members as if they were his offensive line. And it was like a gut punch when Summit Grill announced his passing. And the Kansas City Star, Sam McDowell, summed it up well: “Andy Lock left his imprint on CoMo, Kansas City, Lee’s Summit and wherever he traveled. A great man who couldn’t talk enough about his kids. This is a significant loss for KC.” 

Andy Lock was an institution, more than just a name. “Sad to hear the news about Andy Lock. Truly a proud father of Drew and ‘True Son’ of Mizzou. Will certainly be missed in the Lee’s Summit community,” wrote another person. Even Mizzou fans couldn’t hold back: “RIP to #trueson Andy Lock. Mizzou nation lost a great one…”

Legacy is not something that people like Andy Lock dreamt about. They built it. Silently. Plate by plate. Day by day. Rest in peace, Andy Lock.