World’s first Museum of BBQ is opening in Kansas City in 2025

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – The world’s first museum dedicated to all things BBQ will open at Crown Center’s former Function Junction store front location in the spring of 2025.

The 4200+ square foot Museum of BBQ is founded by Jonathan Bender, a long-time writer and judge at the American Royal, and Chef Alex Pope, owner and chef at the Local Pig.

“Kansas City is a natural home for the Museum of BBQ,” says Bender. “Barbecue is synonymous with the city because of the rich traditions here and we’re proud to bring the world’s first museum dedicated to barbecue to KC.”

The museum is described as an “immersive experience” featuring rooms dedicated to the elements and regions of barbecue, alongside a gift shop featuring rubs, sauces, and BBQ-themed goods.

“Here in one of the BBQ capitals of the world, we’re creating a place where you can immerse yourself in the stories of barbecue,” says founder Jonathan Bender.

Museumgoers will learn about the elements of barbecue then, they’ll travel through the main American regions of barbecue to discover how each place has developed its own flavor.

“Kansas City is a natural home for the Museum of BBQ,” says Bender. “Barbecue is synonymous with the city because of the rich traditions here and we’re proud to bring the

world’s first museum dedicated to barbecue to KC.”

Copyright 2024 KCTV. All rights reserved.