Iconic Kansas City BBQ Restaurant's New Name Actually Makes Sense Now

Kansas City-based barbecue chainlet Oklahoma Joe's Bar-B-Que is dropping the Oklahoma from its name. The Associated Press writes that the restaurant will change its name to Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que "by the end of the year." Owner Jeff Stehney tells the Kansas City Star that the name change isn't "a knock on Oklahoma or the Oklahoma name" but to reflect that "it has been 17 years that it has been 100 percent Kansas City owned." Stehney adds that "this will better represent the city as one of the top — I think it's the best — barbecue destinations."

The small chain started phasing out the Oklahoma in its name three years ago: It launched a line of barbecue sauces and seasonings under their new name. The restaurant — which has been visited by everyone from President Barack Obama to New Jersey Governor Chris Christie — currently has three locations in the Kansas City area. The restaurant's business cards and menus will feature the name change beginning on November 17 and its outdoor signs are slated to change by December.

· Famous Barbecue Restaurant Dropping Oklahoma Name [AP]
· Oklahoma Joe's will become Joe's Kansas City [Kansas City Star]
· All Barbecue Coverage on Eater [-E-]