Wichita has country’s best local BBQ store, survey finds. A ‘destination stop’
Wichita is home to the country’s best — and the 77th best — independent barbecue stores, according to a new survey.
“Across the country, independent BBQ stores, butcher shops, smokehouse suppliers, grill dealers, rub makers, and sauce specialists continue to play an outsized role in how Americans cook, shop, and gather,” financial media company MarketBeat said in a news release. “These are the places people go when they want sharper advice, better ingredients, specialist equipment, local flavor, and a more personal experience than they can get from a national chain.”
To find the best local stores across America, MarketBeat said it surveyed 3,009 consumers and asked them to identify the best independent shops.
The survey found the 135 best locally-owned barbecue stores, according to the July 7 report. Three of them are in Kansas — including the country’s favorite.
Best independent BBQ stores in Kansas
Coming in at No. 1 is Wichita’s All Things Barbecue.
“It’s rare for a local shop to have this kind of broader name recognition, but All Things Barbecue in Wichita’s Delano District has built a national following thanks to Chef Tom’s YouTube channel, and the brick-and-mortar shop itself is just as serious, stocked deep with Yoder grills, smokers, rubs, and sauces,” MarketBeat said. “A genuine destination stop for serious barbecue fans passing through Kansas.”
The Kansas City BBQ Store in Olathe came in at No. 9.
“The Kansas City BBQ Store in Olathe stocks grills, smokers, rubs, sauces, and even meat, making it a true one-stop shop for a full cookout,” MarketBeat said. “Kansas City takes its barbecue seriously, and this shop reflects that with a deep, well-curated selection. A reliable pick for anybody in the KC metro looking to stock up properly.”
And the last Kansas store to make the list, in 77th place, is Wichita BBQ Store.
“Wichita BBQ Store keeps its focus tight on pellet grills, smokers, and the accessories and seasonings that go with them,” MarketBeat said. “That specialty focus means the staff really knows their pellet grills inside and out. A dependable choice for Wichita locals who’ve already decided pellet is the way to go.”