EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, Mo. — The remote control has stopped on Excelsior Springs. One of Clay County’s favorite restaurants plays host to cameras from the Travel Channel, and for this diner, it means worldwide notoriety.
The show ‘Food Paradise’ travels the world looking for restaurants that outshine their competitors. Managers at Wabash Barbecue in Excelsior Springs say they’re happy to open their doors to the show’s six-person crew, which is based out of Los Angeles.
When the network’s lights shine, it’s not uncommon for the entire town to turn out. Wabash Barbecue started smoking ribs and brisket 17 years ago, and has become a popular spot in Clay County.
Cheri McCullough is a co-owner of the restaurant, who saw a golden opportunity when the Travel Channel’s producers called.
“You can’t ever be too busy,” McCullough said. “I think we’re in pretty good competition with some of the older BBQs that have been around for years.”
‘Food Paradise’ is like many cable cuisine shows. It sends its cameras to various American locales to seek out restaurants travelers may enjoy.
Freelance television producer Sean O’Malley calls the shots for this crew. He and his crew began shooting before 8 a.m. for a show that has seen it all, in terms of regional grub.
“They always have that unique signature dish that the locals rave about,” O’Malley said. “For instance, the burnt ends here in Kansas City.”
And when the tapes are finally ready to air, McCullough says she’ll celebrate seeing her native region on worldwide television.
“It’s a great feeling. What better town than Excelsior Springs because they all came out to support us,” McCullough said.
As for what O’Malley and his crew plan to include in that show on the Travel Channel, he’s not allowed to say. He’s sworn to secrecy, and can’t even say for sure when the show will air.
Mitchell Dickey, the other co-owner at Wabash Barbecue, says his smokehouse goes through 2,500 lbs. of meat each week.
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