KANSAS CITY – Kansas City doesn’t mess around with barbecue. That’s why Doug Worgul was shocked when he saw a recent survey ranking Kansas City as only the third best place to get barbecue in the country.
“That’s silly. It’s silly for us to be ranked number three. We are the BBQ capital of the world,” said Worgul, the marketing director for Oklahoma Joe’s.
Memphis was ranked number one in the survey from U.S. News and World Report’s travel website.
“Memphis is great for ribs, and they’ve got a couple styles of ribs. They’ve got some very famous rib joints,” Worgul explained.
Lockhart, Texas, near Austin was ranked number two. While some K.C. fans say those other cities are good, they don’t compare.
“I’d say Kansas City one, Memphis two, and Texas three,” said BBQ fan Russel Griffith.
What’s the difference? According to U.S. News and World Report’s travel site, Memphis has a vinegar style sauce
“The vinegar sauce isn’t very good, I don’t think,” said Kevin Hopkins from Smokin’ Guns.
Texas focuses on the way the meat’s cooked, and in Kansas City the website says we’re known for our tomato-based sauce and our variety of styles.
“We’ve introduced burnt ends and our own style of sauce,” Worgul explained.
Besides Kansas City fans say it’s not just about the meat, but the people who cook it, and the taste that reminds us of home.
“It’s made with the heart I guess. It’s made from the heart,” said Penny Beers.
