Arthur Bryant (restaurateur) facts for kids
| Born | 1900 Branchville, Texas, U.S. |
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| Died | December 1982 (aged 81–82) Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. |
| Cooking style | Kansas City barbecue |
| Education | Prairie View A&M College |
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Current restaurant(s)
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Arthur Bryant (born 1900, died 1982) was a famous American chef. He was known for his amazing Kansas City-style barbecue. He owned and ran his own restaurant called Arthur Bryant's in Kansas City, Missouri.
Contents
Early Life and Learning
Arthur Bryant was born on a farm in Branchville, Texas. This was in a place called Milam County, Texas. He went to Prairie View A&M College. This college was in Texas. He finished school in 1931. He studied agriculture, which is about farming.
Starting His Barbecue Journey
After college, Arthur came to Kansas City. He visited his brother, Charlie Bryant. Charlie was working for a barbecue expert named Henry Perry. Perry was a very important person in Kansas City barbecue history.
Henry Perry offered Arthur a job. So, Arthur decided to stay in Kansas City in 1931. When Henry Perry passed away in 1940, Charlie took over the barbecue business. Then, in 1946, Charlie retired. That's when Arthur Bryant became the owner.
Arthur's Special Sauce
Arthur Bryant made some changes to Henry Perry's original barbecue sauce. Perry's sauce was mostly made with vinegar. Arthur added molasses to make it sweeter. He once said, "I make it so you can put it on bread and eat it." This shows how much he loved his sauce.
The Famous Restaurant
For many years, Arthur Bryant's restaurant was at 18th and Euclid Streets. This was in the 18th and Vine neighborhood. In 1958, Arthur moved the restaurant to its current spot at 1727 Brooklyn.
In the 1950s and 1960s, many people visited the restaurant. Fans and players from Municipal Stadium would often stop by.
A World-Famous Spot
In 1974, a writer from Kansas City named Calvin Trillin wrote about the restaurant. He called it the "single best restaurant in the world" in a magazine. Other well-known magazines like Bon Appétit and Gourmet also wrote about Arthur Bryant's.
Many famous people came to eat there. Harry S. Truman, who lived nearby, was a regular customer. President Jimmy Carter visited without telling anyone in 1979. Even John McCain and Sarah Palin stopped by during their 2008 presidential campaign.
The restaurant always kept its simple look. It had Formica tables and bright lights. Large jugs of barbecue sauce were often placed in the windows.
Legacy and Recognition
Arthur Bryant passed away in 1982. He was found at his restaurant. He was buried back in Branchville, Texas.
In 2021, Arthur Bryant was honored for his contributions to barbecue. He was inducted into the Barbecue Hall of Fame. His restaurant continues to be a popular place for barbecue lovers.
