Our origin story
Born from Kansas City tradition and built on heart, J's BBQ Smokehouse & Catering opened its doors in 2025—but it's story goes back nearly 50 years.
Our location was, up until just recently, home to the second Johnny's BBQ, opened in 2001 by Eric White, son of legendary pitmaster Johnny White, who first fired up the smoker in Merriam, KS in 1977. When Johnny's was shuttered by its new corporate owners, former employee and passionate pitmaster Josh Deal couldn't let the flame go out. With a background in the kitchen that started at the age of 14, Josh stepped in to breathe new life into the space—bringing back the original crew, preserving the beloved menu, and layering in his own signature style.
Now J's BBQ is more than a restaurant—it's a revival. A fun, family-friendly smokehouse where old-school flavor meets fresh energy, and everyone's welcome at the table.
What makes J’s unique
At J’s BBQ, we’re more than smoke and sauce—we’re soul and service. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to people: honoring the legacy that built this space, taking care of our crew, and treating every guest like a neighbor. We stick to the classics because they’re damn good—but we’re not afraid to bring something new to the table. From slow-smoked meats to fast smiles at the counter, this is BBQ done right—KC roots, community heart, and flavor that speaks for itself.
Featured In
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Johnson County Post
“New locally-owned barbecue joint opens in former Johnny’s BBQ spot in Olathe”.
Lucie Krisman
April 8, 2025 -
The Kansas City Star
“Johnson County BBQ restaurant closes, another replaces it. ‘The best burnt ends in KC’”.
Jenna Thompson
March 12, 2025
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We’re open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 AM to 8 PM and Sundays, 11 AM to 7 PM. We’re closed on Mondays to give our crew some well-earned rest.
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We sure do/ We have all the fan favorites perfect for your party or gameday tailgate (without any of the work)—burnt ends, ribs, BBQ beans, you name it—we’ll make sure it’s hot and ready for you.
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Absolutely! For delicious BBQ delivered straight to your door, pick the “Delivery” option from our online ordering link here.
Need a catering order delivered? We do that too! Just ask when placing your order and we’ll go over the delivery, setup, and service options.