Meet Henry Perry
Kansas City barbecue originated with restaurateur Henry Perry. He was born in Shelby County, Tennessee, near Memphis, and worked on steamboat restaurants on the Mississippi River and Missouri River before arriving in Kansas City, Missouri in 1907.
Perry was an entrepreneur, teacher, mentor, astute businessman, and marketer. In 1908 he began serving smoked meats to workers in the Garment District in Downtown Kansas City from an alley stand. Customers paid 25 cents for hot meat smoked over hickory and wrapped in newsprint. Perry's sauce was described as "harsh peppery" (rather than sweet). His menu included such barbecue standards of the day as beef and wild game (such as possum, woodchuck, and raccoon). He shared his craft of cooking meats low and slow with others (this technique is used by many well-known establishments nationwide). He was a generous man and loved his community. He was respected by all. Both blacks and whites stood in line to buy his meats.
In 1920 he bore all the expenses and fed 1,000 veterans, widows, and orphaned children.
In 2014 he was posthumously inducted into the American Royal BBQ Hall of Fame.
A proclamation was issued by Mayor Quinton Lucas and the city of Kansas City, MO on July 3, 2020 proclaiming every July 3 as Henry Perry Day.
In 2022, KCUR radio, Kansas City, celebrated his contribution to Kansas City at the Gem Theatre with Henry Perry Day.
Learn More About The “Father of KC Barbeque”
Meet Henry Perry, the Black entrepreneur who created Kansas City barbecue in the early 1900s.
Taking a 'Cue from the Master: Henry Perry, Barbecue King of Kansas City
Henry Perry, Kansas City’s Barbecue King
Barbecue Beginnings
Kansas City Mayor Declares July 3 'Henry Perry Day' to Honor The Father of KC Barbecue
Our Founder and Board of Directors
Bernetta McKindra, Founder of the Henry Perry Foundation
Bernetta McKindra grew up in Kansas City, Kansas. She is a mother, grandmother, and pastor. Her husband passed several years ago. Bernetta is passionate about serving people, enhancing communication, and building community. She enjoys reading, cooking, and discovering new things. Using her Master's in Education degree, she is an adjunct instructor and has spent a large part of her career in higher education and the nonprofit world; bringing people together while helping them discover their gifts and talents. Several years ago, she wrote a curriculum for those seeking a career in pastoral ministry.
Henry Perry is regarded as “The Father of Kansas City BBQ" and is Bernetta's grandfather. He died many years before Bernetta was born. She grew up knowing of her grandfather’s reputation, but not much else. Since learning about her grandfather's impact on others, and his love for people and community, Bernetta is continuing his legacy; believing this is now her calling.
In 2022, she established the Henry Perry Foundation where the mission is "to help build better lives for children, youth and adults." Bernetta is grateful and blessed to continue her grandfather’s legacy of generosity, community and service.
Board of Directors
Bernetta McKindra - Founder/CEO
Lorna Jackson - Treasurer
Jerry Gladbach - Member
Priscilla Williams - Member
Lorene Wilkins - Member
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