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Joe's KC Bar-B-Que has become famous for serving up neighborhood gas station barbecue.
But it's their dedication to their craft that has made them legends.
Co-founder of Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que, Joy Stehney, embodies true entrepreneurial spirit and passion. Along with her husband, BBQ Hall of Famer Jeff, they transformed a humble gas station kitchen into a legendary barbecue joint that now stands as a symbol of excellence in Kansas City's renowned culinary scene.
The Steney family embarked on their barbecue journey as competitors in the famous Kansas City barbecue scene.
Their success at barbecue competitions helped them gain a fan base and inspired them to start a catering business, renting kitchen space in a local gas station and partnering with Joe Don Davidson (Oklahoma Joe's Smoker Company).
Their business began with a restaurant in Stillwater, Oklahoma, followed by their iconic Kansas City location in 1996. Despite early difficulties and a subsequent name change from Oklahoma Joe's Bar-B-Que to Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que, they found success in the barbecue community.
“My husband had this crazy idea to quit his job and start a restaurant business,” Joy Steney told Cali BBQ Media host Chef Shawn Wal, “and we opened a second restaurant in a gas station in Kansas City in 1996, and it's been open ever since.”
Maintaining high food quality is of utmost importance to the brand, especially in the catering business.
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With an aversion to takeaway, Steney and his team have perfected the art of serving great food and service to their customers. Rigorous testing and experienced staff ensure the BBQ reaches customers in perfect condition, maintaining high standards that keep customers coming back.
“Good food and good service. The timing of when the food leaves the store is very important,” she explained. “We have strict quality control in our restaurants, so the quality of the food is paramount.”
Joe's KC BBQ has become a beloved Kansas City staple, attracting fans from all walks of life, including Kansas City Chiefs superstar and Super Bowl winner Travis Kelce, who Steny said would be thrilled to host Kelce and his superstar girlfriend, Taylor Swift, if they were to ever tie the knot.
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“I just want to tell you this: Travis and Taylor, I'll cater the wedding. I'll cater the rehearsal dinner. Anything you want. Okay? Just call,” Joy offered eagerly.
From humble beginnings in a gas station to becoming a barbecue icon, Joy Stehney's dedication to quality and hospitality has established Joe's KC Bar-B-Que as an exemplary family-owned business and set it apart in the industry.
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