Kansas City Union Station and Skyline

MISSOURI STATE SYMBOLS

 

STATE BARBECUE CAPITAL

 

Kansas City


In 2026, Gov. Mike Kehoe signed HB2576 and SB1544, doubly designating Kansas City as the official state barbecue capital.

As the home of one of the country’s largest livestock markets, the Kansas City Stockyards, it was almost inevitable that the city would become known for delectable meats. The success of barbecue in Kansas City can be traced to “The Barbecue King” Henry Perry, whose wood-smoked meats became a staple of Pendergast-era KC. Other barbecue pioneers followed Perry’s footsteps, including Arthur Bryant and George Gates, names still synonymous with local barbecue restaurants to this day.

Brisket, ribs, pulled pork and sausages are staples of Kansas City barbecue. Smoked slowly over a wood fire and served with thick sauces made from tomato, molasses, brown sugar and spices, KC barbecue has a distinct sweet and tangy flavor.

One particular dish that has become the standout among Kansas City-style barbecue is burnt ends. Just as the name implies, burnt ends are charred, fatty bits cut from the end of beef brisket. Arthur Bryant’s, is considered the originator of the dish, and burnt ends gained nationwide popularity after being praised in a 1972 article by writer Calvin Trillin.

More than a century after Henry Perry first sold smoked meats from a stand in the Garment District, barbecue continues to be one of Kansas City’s most popular exports. Today, there are over 100 barbecue restaurants across the Kansas City metro area.

 

Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSMo) 

§10.287. Kansas City, official barbecue capital. – The city of Kansas City is selected for and shall be known as the official “Barbecue Capital” of the state of Missouri. (L. 2026 H.B. 2576 merged with S.B. 1544)

approved 13 July 2026
effective 28 August 2026

 

Photo Gallery:

Click on an image below to enlarge and read a caption. This will open a new window in the Missouri State Symbols Flickr album.

Link to Flickr album photo of Kansas City Union Station and Skyline Flickr album link to barbecued ribs Flickr album link to Kansas City Stockyards image

 

Additional Resources:

Davis, Robert. “Kansas City Barbecue: Unveiling the Unique Flavors and Traditions of the Midwest,” EatandGeek. No date.

“The Origins of Kansas City Barbecue: From Stockyards to Smoke,” Delve Experiences. No date.

Wells, Michael. “KC Black History: Who Were the Pioneers Who Made Here the ‘BBQ Capital of the World?,’” Kansas City Public Library. 22 February 2022.

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