The Origins of Kansas City BBQ
Kansas City's barbecue cuisine began as early as the 1920's, resulting from a melting pot of sauces and traditions brought to this area from Texas and the Deep south. While Bryant's is perhaps the most famous barbecue establishment, the actual barbecue phenomenon began with a man named Henry Perry. During the Depression, Perry distributed slabs of barbecued ribs grilled in an outdoor pit and wrapped in newspaper to make ends meet. Customers were satisfied, and the trend caught on, influencing upcoming barbecue chefs such as Charlie and Arthur Bryant, George Gates, and Otis Boyd. Each of these men added his own flavor and style to barbecue, creating the barbecue that Kansas City has become famous for. Arthur and Charlie Bryant . Ribs from the renowned Bryant's Barbecue had their beginning back in the early 1930's, when Arthur Bryant, migrating from Texas, was asked to work with his brother Charlie at "Old Man Perry's" place on the 19th Street. Arthur ev...