Jul 16, 2025 - Food and Drink

Kansas City BBQ takes flight and wins big

Abbey Higginbotham

Illustration of a bottle of barbecue sauce with the letters KC made from rotated Axios logos on the label. — Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios

The BBQ Experience at Kansas City International Airport (KCI) won a big award for its smoked meats and hometown flavor.

Why it matters: The 2025 FAB Awards, held in Barcelona at the end of June and organized by The Moodie Davitt Report, spotlight the best airport dining and hospitality around the world.

The big picture: The BBQ Experience was named Airport Casual Dining Restaurant of the Year for airports under 20 million passengers.

Catch up quick: Operated by Outstanding Hospitality Management, the BBQ Experience at KCI first won the Americas regional title, then took the global Airport Casual Dining Restaurant of the Year award for airports with under 20 million passengers.

Judges praised its tender brisket, polished service and unmistakable sense of Kansas City; a restaurant that knows exactly where it comes from and brings travelers into it, bite by bite.

Between the lines: KCI's new terminal was designed to feel like Kansas City, and local food is a big part of that. About 80% of the shopping and dining spots at the airport are regionally based, according to the City of Kansas City.

Kansas City loves supporting Kansas City.

What they're saying: Airport director Melissa Cooper called the win "a testament to the authentic, welcoming experience" the city wants travelers to have.

Mayor Quinton Lucas said KC "smoked the competition."

The bottom line: Travelers flying through MCI don't have to leave the terminal to get a real taste of Kansas City.

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Kansas City BBQ takes flight and wins big

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