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Joe’s KC Bar-B-Que became famous for serving “que” from a nearby gas station.
But it was their dedication to their craft that made them legends.
Joy Stehney, co-founder of Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, exemplifies true entrepreneurial spirit and passion. She and her husband, Jeff, a BBQ Hall of Famer, transformed a humble gas station kitchen into a legendary barbecue joint that now stands as a model of excellence in the Kansas City culinary landscape.
The Stehneys got their start in barbecue as competitors on Kansas City’s famed Barbecue scene.
Success in barbecue competitions built a fan base that encouraged them to start out 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 enterprise began with a restaurant in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and then in 1996 at their iconic Kansas City location. Despite early challenges and a subsequent 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 this crazy idea to quit his job and run the restaurant,” Joy Stehney told the host Shawn Walchef With California BBQ Media. “We opened our second restaurant in Kansas City in a gas station in 1996. And we’ve been going ever since.”
Maintaining top quality food was the most vital thing for the brand, especially in the catering business.
Despite his personal aversion to takeout, Stehney and the team have perfected the art of delivering exceptional food and service to their customers. Through rigorous testing and experienced staff, they be certain that their grill reaches guests in perfect condition, maintaining the high standards that keep people coming back.
“Good food and good service. This is extremely important once the food leaves the building,” she explained. “We have excellent quality control in our restaurants, and the quality of the food is paramount.”
Joe’s KC Barbecue has turn out to be a popular spot in Kansas City, attracting fans from all walks of life, including Kansas City Chiefs superstar and Super Bowl champion Travis Kelce. Stehney is willing to host Kelce and his superstar girlfriend Taylor Swift if they resolve to tie the knot.
“I want to say this. Travis and Taylor, I’ll handle the wedding. I’ll handle the rehearsal dinner. Whatever you want. APPROX? Call me,” Joy offered enthusiastically.
From humble beginnings at a gas station to becoming a barbecue icon, Joy Stehney’s commitment to quality and hospitality has established Joe’s KC Bar-B-Que as an exemplary family-owned business and an industry standout.
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