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Joe's KC Bar-B-Que became famous serving 'oxes from a neighborhood gas station.
But it is their dedication to their craft that has made them legends.
Joy Stehney, co-founder of Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que, exemplifies the true spirit of entrepreneurial grit and passion. Along with her husband Jeff, a BBQ Hall of Famer, they transformed a humble gas station kitchen into a legendary barbecue destination that now stands as a beacon of excellence in Kansas City's celebrated culinary landscape.
The Stehneys began their barbecue journey as competitors on the popular Kansas City barbecue scene.
Their success in BBQ competitions created a fan base that encouraged them to start a catering business. This led them to rent kitchen space at a local gas station and partner with Joe Don Davidson (Oklahoma Joe's Smoker Company).
Their venture began with a restaurant in Stillwater, Oklahoma, followed by their iconic Kansas City location in 1996. Despite early challenges and a name change from Oklahoma Joe's Bar-B-Que to Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que , they successfully established themselves in the barbecue community.
“My husband had the crazy idea to quit his job and we're going to go into the restaurant business,” Joy Stehney told the host. Shawn Walchef e Cali BBQ Media. “We opened our second restaurant in Kansas City at the gas station in 1996. And we've been going ever since.”
Maintaining high food quality has been central to the brand, particularly in its catering business.
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Despite her personal aversion to food, Stehney and the team have perfected the art of providing exceptional food and service to their customers. Through rigorous testing and experienced staff, they ensure their barbecue reaches guests in perfect condition, maintaining the high standards that keep people coming back.
“Good food and good service. It's very important when the food is going to leave the building,” she explained. “We have excellent quality control in our restaurants and the quality of the food is the most important thing.”
Joe's KC Barbecue has become a beloved Kansas City staple, attracting fans from all walks of life, including Kansas City Chiefs superstar and Super Bowl champion Travis Kelce. Stehney is ready to extend her hospitality to Kelce and his superstar girlfriend Taylor Swift, should they decide to tie the knot.
“I mean this. Travis and Taylor, I'll take care of the wedding. I'll take care of the rehearsal dinner. Whatever you want. Okay? Call me,” Joy offered enthusiastically.
From humble beginnings in a gas station to barbecue icons, Joy Stehney's dedication to quality and hospitality has solidified Joe's KC Bar-B-Que as an exemplary family business and standout in the industry.
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