Jonathan Bender, founder of the BBQ Museum, is a barbecue writer who has been writing about barbecue for over 15 years and has been a judge at the KC American Royal World Series of Barbecue and created the documentary “Burnt Legend” about Kansas City’s signature barbecue.
Kansas City has more than 100 local barbecue restaurants and many competitions, including the World Barbecue Championship, which kicks off in late October, are held here.
“Butchers and grillers are some of the best storytellers I’ve ever met,” Jonathan Bender tells CNN Travel. “Barbecuing is more than just food. It’s culture.”
The dishes will showcase different grilling styles after providing visitors with knowledge about the ingredients of grilling: meat, spices, wood, fire, smoke and sauces.
The gift shop will feature sauces, spices and other barbecue-themed items. Scheduled to open in spring 2025, the museum will occupy a large space at the Crown Center shopping mall in Kansas City.
“There is no denying the culture of grilling. Grilling is authentic and delicious. It cannot be rushed. It has also been a part of American culture for centuries, bringing people together for meals and marking or celebrating important community moments,” Bender said.
