Friday Find: A Taste of Kansas City History at LC's BBQ
Tausha Hammett continues her grandfather LC Richardson's legacy at LC's BBQ.
LC's BBQ is a Kansas City barbecue institution founded in 1986 by LC Richardson. Located adjacent to the Royals and Chiefs stadiums, it has become a must-stop for home and away fans on game days. Anthony Bourdain even filmed part of his 2012 Kansas City episode of No Reservations there and raved about the burnt ends.
In this video, Xplor Kansas City meets with Richardson's granddaughter Tausha Hammett, who took over the restaurant after his passing in 2021 but still maintains his original recipes. From his old, weathered office chair, she discusses what she learned from her grandfather and early memories of the restaurant and even gives some advice for aspiring restaurateurs. Staying true to her Kansas City roots, Tausha picks LC's burnt ends as her favorite dish from the restaurant.
Initially too small to see over the counter when she began helping out at 12, Tausha now oversees the entire operation while maintaining her grandfather's original recipes that she inherited along with the 38-year-old joint. That's not to say she didn't make some changes, though, starting with some much-needed upgrades to the ever-present three-tiered smokers in the middle of the restaurant.
Hammett hopes that the upgrade, plus her business sense, will help LC's BBQ last at least another 38 years. From the looks of it, the city of Kansas City is also hoping for the same as well.
Monk
Co-Founder, Barbecue Bros