KSHB 41 reporter Fernanda Silva covers stories in the Northland, including Liberty. She has also been covering the World Cup. Fernanda learned about Joe's KC BBQ's expansion while working on a story about restaurants preparing for the global competition. Share your story idea with Fernanda.
—
Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que is opening a new permanent location in Kansas City, Kansas, ahead of the World Cup.
Joe's Next Door will be located across the street from the original gas station location, where Taco Republic used to operate. Both locations will operate simultaneously.
The new location is designed with locals in mind, offering a faster dining experience.
"Our neighbors probably don't visit us as much as they used to because it's sometimes a little bit of a hassle to get in and out," said Ryan Barrows, vice president at Joe's KC BBQ. "What we're thinking about and really trying to do is create something nice for the community."
The restaurant wants to help with a situation customer Jason Lewis has seen before on busy Chiefs game days.
"A lot of the opposing fans will take up the entire restaurant for the whole day," he said. "As a Kansas City local, you probably wouldn't have the opportunity to even get in unless you're taking it to go."
Joe's KC BBQ's goal is to create a place for neighbors to hang out, which will come in handy when many visitors arrive this summer.
"With Kansas City being on the big stage, that means Joe's is going to be on a big stage as well," Barrows said.
The new spot will feature a smaller barbecue menu alongside a more diverse offering for the surrounding neighborhood. Don't worry, certain staples, like the Z-Man and french fries, will still be available, too.
"I read online it was what you're supposed to try," said Raul Ramirez, a first-time visitor from Oregon.
Joe's Next Door will have indoor and several outdoor seating areas, with fire pits and TVs to cultivate the perfect date night or weekend hangout, per Barrows.
"The best barbecue I've ever had," said Jaena Allen, who lives in Kansas City but was at the restaurant for the first time on Tuesday.
Construction and remodeling are already underway, as Joe's KC BBQ hopes to open Joe's Next Door in May. Once open, the new joint will operate seven days a week.
Visitors to Kansas City — and neighbors — can continue to enjoy the original gas station location and celebrate 30 years of business.
"This area means so much to us, and we want to add another great restaurant that the local community can enjoy," Joe's owner Jeff Stehney shared in a news release.
—
