The pitmaster of one of Kansas City’s most iconic BBQ joints has died
A pitmaster at one of Kansas City’s most famous barbecue joints recently died.
Wayne Garrett had worked at Arthur Bryant’s BBQ, 1727 Brooklyn Ave., for nearly 30 years, and was known for his wealth of knowledge and his dedication to his work, Arthur Bryant’s said in a Facebook post.
“We are forever grateful for his loyalty, his work ethic, his friendship and the legacy he leaves behind. Please keep his family and friends in your prayers. His spirit will live on in every pit we fire,” the post said.
The restaurant is considered the birthplace of burnt ends. The bits of charred brisket started as a free side given to customers and evolved into Kansas City’s barbecue calling card.
For 28 years, Garrett would get up before dawn to prepare the ribs, briskets, pork butts and the rest of the barbecue that guests came to try from around the world. He did everything with a smile on his face, the post said.
Arthur Bryant’s BBQ traces its roots to 1908, which it had a different name and in a different location. It was created by Henry Perry, known as the father of Kansas City barbecue, who cooked and sold barbecue from the Garment District and moving around to locations near downtown, like 18th and Vine, 19th and Vine, and 19th and Highland streets.
Brothers Arthur and Charlie Bryant learned their techniques under Perry, and Charlie Bryant took over after Perry died in 1940. Charlie Bryant retired from the business in 1946, leaving it all to Arthur Bryant, who would later rename the restaurant to his name and move it to where it currently stands.
MMD Acquisitions LLC in Kansas City bought the restaurant from the Rauschelbach family in 2023. The family had acquired it from Arthur Bryant’s family after he died in 1982.
The restaurant has seen its fair share of celebrities and leaders walk through its doors. Patrons of the barbecue joint include Steven Spielberg, Michael Landon, Robert Redford, Jack Nicholson, Wilt Chamberlain, Bryant Gumbel, and Presidents Barack Obama, Jimmy Carter and Harry Truman.
Previous reporting from the Star’s Joseph Hernandez was used in this piece.
