A new Kansas City area barbecue restaurant is opening soon. ‘The best ribs’
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- American Way Smokehouse opens Aug. 1 next to Merchant Square in Independence.
- Menu features brisket, pulled pork, burnt ends and freshly baked cookies.
- Owners aim to blend shopping with dining to boost foot traffic and engagement.
Jace Sanders knows Kansas City has plenty of quality options in the way of pulled pork and burnt ends — he’s not looking to replace the likes of Arthur Bryant’s, Joe’s, et al.
He is, however, confident that his new restaurant will impress BBQ-loving Kansas Citians. He’s already gotten plenty of positive feedback from the pop-up meals he’s done over the past few weeks.
“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard, ‘These are the best ribs I’ve ever had,’” Sanders said. “It’s low and slow, and just a lot of good flavors.”
On Aug. 1, American Way Smokehouse will open at 17710 E. 39th St. S. in Independence. It will neighbor antique mall Merchant Square, and while it will have its own entrance, the spaces will be adjoining.
Sanders is the manager of both Merchant Square and American Way, owned by Mike and Patricia Moore in Arizona.
The Moores first opened Merchant Square in Chandler, Arizona, in 2002. Fourteen years later, they decided to open a Kansas City-style barbecue joint in the same space, serving tangy, molasses-based sauce and brown sugar-paprika rubs to give a slight sweetness.
They chose KC-style over other regions because, as Sanders put it, “Kansas City is better.”
The restaurant quickly became a community favorite (it was named “The best restaurant in Chandler” four years in a row by TripAdvisor).
“Everyone that’s tried it has just raved about it,” Sanders said.
When they sent Sanders to the Kansas City area more than two years ago to open the Independence Merchant Square, the plan was always to open a neighboring barbecue restaurant.
When it finally does open to the public, it’ll have the same hours as Merchant Square: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.
It’ll have many of the same menu items as the original location: pulled pork sandwiches, brisket, smoked pastrami sandwiches, baked beans and coleslaw.
One addition: The Independence location will have burnt ends. Sanders’ team didn’t want to open a Kansas City area restaurant without the metro’s most loved dish.
Like the Arizona spot, the Independence restaurant will double as a bakery specializing in freshly baked cookies.
The 52,000 square foot antique mall sells antiques, vintage clothing, art pieces, craft supplies “and everything in between,” according to Sanders.
While customers can certainly come in just for the barbecue, the hope is to entice shoppers to stay for lunch.
“You can come, hang out, shop — it’s a fun experience,” Sanders said. “Then, take a break, have some barbecue and a really nice cookie.”
This story was originally published July 10, 2025 at 5:00 AM.