Slaps BBQ

Brothers Joe and Mike Pearce began competing in barbecue competitions in 2013. Their competition team, Squeal Like a Pig, successfully competed on BBQ Pitmasters, and opened the award-winning Slap’s BBQ restaurant in 2014. Slap’s still competes on the Kansas City Barbecue Society circuit each year, averaging 25-35 contests each season. 

Squeal Like a Pig, Joe and Mike Pearce’s barbecue competition team, won 2^nd place on the 5^th season of Destination America’s BBQ Pitmasters. The Pearce brothers’ team also appeared on Food Network’s BBQ Brawl. From the beginning, the Pearce family’s roots go deep in KC barbecue. Joe Pearce grew up watching his father barbecue, and knew he wanted to join the tradition as a kid. After successfully competing in some of the largest barbecue competitions in the country, Joe and Mike opened what they consider their biggest accomplishment: a sit-down restaurant committed to the same fresh flavors and cuts they are famous for. The restaurant has been ranked alongside iconic joints like Arthur Bryant’s as a top destination for Kansas City barbecue by Food & Wine magazine.

Donnelly, Kate. Where to Find the Best Barbecue in Kansas City, Food & Wine. August 9th, 2022. Accessed June 6th, 2024. https://www.foodandwine.com/travel/best-bbq-kansas-city.

Slap's BBQ (Joe Pearce), BBQ Spot. Accessed June 6th, 2024. https://bbqspot.com/pages/slap-s-bbq-joe-pearce.

Slap's BBQ - About Us, Slap's BBQ. Accessed June 6th, 2024. https://slapsbbqkc.com/about-us/.