The Story of Sturgess BBQ: A Journey of Authentic Flavors and Community Building
Sturgess BBQ is a labor of love that celebrates the rich flavor and tradition of classic barbecue. Our story began in a small town in Missouri, where our founder, Jack Sturgess, grew up learning the art of smoking meat from his grandpa. Jack’s passion for authentic barbecue led him to start a food truck, which he parked outside local events, fairs, and festivals. The response was overwhelming, and soon Jack realized that he had found his calling, bringing the best of Missouri barbecue to the masses.
What sets us apart at Sturgess BBQ is our commitment to using only the finest ingredients, coupled with our meticulous, time-honored cooking methods. We use only aged hickory wood, sourced sustainably from local forests, to smoke our meats for 18 to 24 hours. This marries the flavors of the wood and the meat, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth barbecue that has patrons coming back for more.
Our Menu: Slow-smoked Meats, Scratch-made Sides, and Specialty Sauces
Our menu is a tribute to Missouri barbecue traditions that features platters of smoked brisket, ribs, chicken and pork. Our sides are all made from scratch, with recipes that have been passed down in Jack’s family from generations. The mac and cheese, jalapeno cream corn, and smoky collard greens are a few of the fan-favorites. To pair with our meats, we offer specialty sauces, such as our spicy KC barbecue sauce, tangy vinegar sauce, and sweet and smoky molasses glaze.
One dish that our team takes great pride in serving is the burnt ends, which are prized in the barbecue world for their crispy exterior, juicy interior, and intense flavor. At Sturgess BBQ, we have perfected the art of making burnt ends. They require time, patience, and an understanding of meat science, and our pitmasters nail them every time. Our burnt ends are so famous that we often sell out by early afternoon.
Building Community Through Barbecue
At Sturgess BBQ, we are not just selling meat and sides; we are also building a community. When people come to our food truck or restaurant, they are greeted with a warm welcome, a casual atmosphere, and a sense of belonging. We believe that barbecue is about bringing people together, whether it’s a family gathering, a sports event, or a corporate party.
We feel fortunate to be in the barbecue business, which is known for its friendly competition, a strong sense of camaraderie, and a willingness to collaborate. We often participate in local barbecue competitions, where we get to meet other pitmasters, share tips and tricks, and learn from each other. We also support various community initiatives, such as sponsoring local teams or donating to food drives.
Expanding the Sturgess BBQ Reach
After years of building a loyal following in Missouri, we decided to broaden our horizons and bring our barbecue to more people. In 2020, we launched an online store that ships our meats, sides and sauces nationwide, so barbecue enthusiasts from coast to coast can taste our authentic flavors.
We are also planning on opening more brick and mortar locations, where we can create a comfortable, welcoming space for people to dine in or take out. We are excited to introduce our Missouri-style barbecue to new communities, while staying true to our roots and our mission: to serve the best barbecue in the country, made with passion, precision and love.
For us, barbecue is more than just a meal, it’s a way of life. And we invite you to join our journey and taste the difference in every bite.