KC area BBQ restaurant opens its new Johnson County home, offering a ‘smorgasbord’
Late this summer, Raytown’s Harp Barbecue packed up its restaurant at 6633 Raytown Road and traversed across the state line to Overland Park.
After months of preparation, Harp opened about a week ago at 12094 W. 135th St.
Owner Tyler Harp made many longtime customers happy with the move — especially ones who had grown accustomed to long car rides for pulled pork and ribs.
“We already had a big Overland Park following, so that was a big part of why we moved up there,” Harp said. “So we’re seeing a lot of familiar faces.”
The 3,000 square foot space, with space for about 65 people inside, used to be Pizza Shuttle, which closed in April in search of a new location. Before that, it was Jon Russell’s Kansas City Barbecue.
Harp spoke highly of Jon Russell’s, recalling all the times he drove over there with his dad for burnt ends. It opened in 2012 and closed in 2019, but not before catching national attention from barbecue connoisseurs.
“And yeah, that’s my spot, which is kind of crazy,” Harp said. “I just thought it needed to still be a barbecue spot.”
His Overland Park space is much more open than his previous location, he said, with more lighting. The patio holds about 20 people — a major perk once the weather improves. Harp said he was glad to give the storefront a needed renovation.
He’s hoping the Scheels Overland Park Soccer Complex will be a major traffic driver, along with the Sykes/Lady Overland Park Golf Course.
Harp is serving his customers’ familiar favorites, pulling inspiration from other barbecue hubs: Texas brisket and Tennessee pulled pork.
The pastrami and sausages are popular items, Harp noted.
“We kind of got a smorgasbord on our menu,” he said. “I’ve been to over 400 barbecue restaurants around the country, just kind of picking from restaurants I like.”
Harp has been serving barbecue in 2016, starting in his driveway. He began selling it at Raytown’s Crane Brewing, 6515 Railroad St., in 2019 as a popup.
In 2022, he opened his first brick and mortar.
Sarah Rahn, a manager for the Overland Park location, joined Harp Barbecue when the new spot opened up. Even in her short time with the restaurant, she said she’s been impressed by his dedicated fan base.
“Everybody is so excited that we’re open,” she said. “He has a huge following. It’s wild.”
Harp Barbecue is open 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. It’s closed Mondays and Tuesdays.