KC is the (unofficial) barbecue capital of the world, so it’s only befitting that the world’s first Museum of BBQ is being slow-cooked up at Crown Center.
Slated to open spring 2025 in place of the defunct Function Junction, the immersive 4,223-sqft museum is the brainchild of two barbecue enthusiasts with credentials. Johnathan Bender is a certified American Royal World Series of Barbecue judge, and fellow co-founder Chef Alex Pope is the owner and restaurateur behind Local Pig.
“Barbecue is a feast for your senses,” says Bender. “We’re creating a place where you can immerse yourself in the stories of barbecue.”
The museum will host two unique paths: one dedicated to the US’ famous barbecue regions (North and South Carolina, Memphis, Texas, and KC), and the second focusing on the elements that go into making barbecue so finger-licking good. There will even be a pit stop where you can jump into an oversized crock pot of barbecued beans. Get ready to shout, “Bean me up, Scotty.”
After you’ve had your fill, you can traverse to the gift shop packed with sauces + rubs from the represented regions, alongside museum merch.
Want an appetizer before it opens? Stop by the museum’s entrance to view a tiny replica teasing its innards.
