Many consider Opaa! the food management company by which all others are measured. The reason for this client loyalty is simple: since 1978, Opaa! has strived to be a humanistic food service company. This basic belief - doing the right thing, not the most opportunistic nor the most profitable thing - has made Opaa! Food Management a leader in the school food service industry. The overwhelming trust of our clients has deepened Opaa!'s commitment to customer service and is the catalyst for our mission statement... "Make Their Day." This rare level of commitment owes its deep roots to the Short family and the company's special niche in school food service.

In 1978, Kenneth L. Short entered Opaa! into its first school contract with the Kemper Military School. His idea was to present a new concept in school dining: highly superior service at the best possible price. Mr. Short had an extensive food service background and brought to Opaa! a combination of business and hands-on experience. Introducing the concepts of "daily choices" and "scratch cooking and baking", he offered a variety of selections to our clients with a taste just like mom used to make.

The company has prospered with this philosophy and continues to grow at a controlled but constant rate, ensuring that the right people are in the right places to provide the high level of service that our clients have come to expect.

The fall of 1991 brought the opening of 19 school districts and the untimely passing of Mr. Short. Later that year, the transition to a second generation of family ownership, professional service and humanistic values occurred with the naming of Kevin L. Short as President.

Today, Opaa! continues as a family owned and operated business and a Missouri based company. This gives each client access to all Opaa! staff, from the local Director of Nutrition Services, to the company's President who's only a short drive away.