World Cup crowds could bring long lines to iconic KC BBQ spot
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Kansas City, KS – As millions of football fans prepare to travel across North America for the FIFA World Cup, businesses in host cities are already preparing for an influx of international customers.
An iconic barbecue restaurant in Kansas City is expecting fans from around the world to line up between games for burnt meats, brisket and the famous Z Man sandwich.
Located inside a former gas station in Kansas City, Kansas, Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que has become one of the city’s best-known eateries.
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The Z Man sandwich and fries are served at Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que in Kansas City, Kansas. (Olivianna Calmes)
Restaurant leaders say many visitors from around the world have made the barbecue joint a “must-stop” place during their travels.
“We’ll have people who will come, get dropped off by Uber, put their bags behind the counter there and enjoy themselves,” said Victor Brummel, general manager of Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que gas station.
Customers are eating barbecue at Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que as businesses in World Cup host cities prepare for increased tourism. (Olivianna Calmes)
The FIFA World Cup is expected to attract millions of visitors from the United States, Canada and Mexico, with many fans traveling between multiple host cities throughout the tournament. Kansas City will host six matches, including one quarterfinal.
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Joe said the restaurant is already preparing for one of the busiest periods in its history.
“We are making a total of 185 slices of ribs today,” said a staff member who toured the restaurant’s smokehouse. “For the World Cup, for example, we will probably prepare 400 people everywhere.”
An employee prepares ribs in the kitchen at Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que. (Olivianna Calmes)
The restaurant also plans to open on Sundays during World Cup matches.
“Before this, the only thing that allowed us to open on Sundays was Patrick Mahomes and the Super Bowl,” Brummel said.
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In addition to increasing staff and increasing food production, Joe’s is opening a similar restaurant across the street ahead of the tournament.
Customers who have already visited the restaurant say it’s a can’t-miss spot for anyone coming to Kansas City.
A barbecue platter is prepared at Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que in Kansas City, Kansas. (Olivianna Calmes)
The tournament will kick off on June 11 in Mexico City, with matches to be played in 16 host cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
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This is the largest World Cup ever, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches.
