Mayor Garner Recognizes 14 BBQ Trailblazers for the BBQ Trail

Published on July 14, 2025

Mayor Garner Honors 14 BBQ Trailblazers with “Dotte Proud” Recognition and declares Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas “Home of the BBQ Trail”

In front of the Commission and community on July 10th, Mayor Tyrone A. Garner honored 13 distinguished local BBQ establishments and the American Royal with the Dotte Proud Recognition Award for their contributions to the community’s rich culinary identity and the lasting tradition of Kansas City–style barbecue.

As part of the recognition, the mayor also presented a formal proclamation to Visit KCK, which is actively developing the Wyandotte County BBQ Trail to launch later this year, much like our successful Taco Trail. The trail will highlight the region's historic, diverse, and authentic barbecue scene — one that includes iconic pitmasters, emerging brands, and multi-generational family recipes.

"Kansas City, Kansas is a proud home to some of the most beloved and time-honored BBQ traditions in the country,” said Mayor Garner. “From wood-fired smokers to sauce-dripped burnt ends, our community continues to set the standard — not just locally, but nationally — and we’re thrilled to celebrate that legacy.”

We are honored to celebrate something that brings us all together—great food, great people, and great pride in our community. As the host city for the prestigious American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Wyandotte County/KCK plays a major role in cementing the Kansas City metro area’s status as a global barbecue capital.

The honorees included:

BBQ Trail 1