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Here are 5 stories that reflect Kansas City’s barbecue roots and evolution

Stories by Kansas City Star journalists, with AI summarization

Kansas City's barbecue scene blends heritage and innovation.

Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue continues a multi-generational legacy, recently updating its Crossroads restaurant while Q39 makes waves as a modern, chef-driven spot. Newcomers like O.G. Bandits step up at the airport, bringing family recipes and fresh menu twists to travelers.

Meanwhile, Char Bar’s Burnt Heaven sandwich and rotating barbecue concessions at Kauffman Stadium show how local favorites keep evolving. Closures like Jousting Pigs BBQ remind us of the changing business landscape, but the city's barbecue spirit endures.

Kansas City Star reporter Jonathan Shorman chooses The Burnt Heaven Sandwich from the Char Bar in Westport as his Let’s Dish favorite. By Rich Sugg

NO. 1: THIS BIG BBQ SANDWICH PRACTICALLY FALLS APART WHEN YOU EAT IT. THAT’S HALF THE FUN

It’s the best-selling sandwich at this Westport restaurant with good reason. | Published February 23, 2023 | Read Full Story by Jonathan Shorman

Ribs and burnt ends smoked by John Atwell, co-owner of Jousting Pigs BBQ. By Tammy Ljungblad

NO. 2: ‘WE JUST COULDN’T CARRY ON.’ KANSAS CITY AREA BBQ EXPANDED A YEAR AGO. NOW IT’S CLOSED

The owner said he may do some pop-ups later. The menu included burnt ends, slabs, pulled pork, turkey breast, brisket chili and cheesy corn. | Published March 17, 2023 | Read Full Story by Joyce Smith

Smoak’s brisket plate with Black Diamond brisket, mustard potato salad, Smoak’d Sweet n Spicy Beans, pickles and fresh onion. By Zach Bauman

NO. 3: KC BBQ, KOREAN HOT DOGS, MEXICAN ICE POPS: NEW MENU ITEMS FOR ROYALS OPENING AT THE K

Three Kansas City barbecues will alternate at the new KCQ spot at Kauffman Stadium. It also will have sharable nachos. | Published March 27, 2023 | Read Full Story by Joyce Smith

Q39 offers jumbo chicken wings with a chipotle barbecue sauce.

NO. 4: THE LATEST ON KANSAS CITY BARBECUE: ONE BIG REMODELING, TWO BIG NATIONAL SHOUTOUTS

Anthony Bourdain had 13 international restaurants that he loved. One was in Johnson County. | Published May 10, 2023 | Read Full Story by Joyce Smith

A smoked half chicken with sausage at O.G. Bandits By David Hudnall

NO. 5: KANSAS CITY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT HAS A NEW BARBECUE JOINT. HERE’S WHAT TO KNOW

Highlights on the menu include smoked nachos (topped with pulled pork, chopped brisket and smoked chicken) and, naturally, burnt ends. | Published March 1, 2024 | Read Full Story by David Hudnall

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.