Henry Perry (restaurateur) facts for kids

Henry Perry (March 16, 1874 – March 22, 1940) was a famous American chef and restaurant owner. He is known as the "Father of Kansas City Barbecue" because he started the barbecue style that Kansas City is famous for today.

The Story of Henry Perry

From Rivers to Kansas City

Henry Perry was born in Shelby County, Tennessee, near Memphis. Before he became famous for barbecue, he worked on steamboats. These boats had restaurants and traveled on the Mississippi River and Missouri River. In 1907, he moved to Kansas City, Missouri.

Starting the Barbecue Tradition

In 1908, Henry Perry started his barbecue business. He began by selling smoked meats from a small stand in an alley. His first customers were workers in the Garment District of Downtown Kansas City.

He later moved his stand, called "Perry's Barbecue," to 17th and Lydia. This was in the 18th Street and Vine neighborhood. He had a sign that said, "my business is to serve you, not to entertain you." People knew his place for its amazing barbecue smells. Henry Perry was also known for being very generous. He often gave food to people for free.

Barbecue in a Trolley Barn

Later, Henry Perry moved his business a few blocks away to 19th and Highland. He ran his restaurant out of an old trolley barn. This was during the 1920s and 1930s. At that time, the neighborhood became famous for its Kansas City Jazz music.

Customers would pay 25 cents for hot, smoked meat. The meat was cooked over oak and hickory wood. It was then wrapped in newsprint paper. Perry's special barbecue sauce was described as "harsh" and "peppery," not sweet. His menu included beef and wild game like possum, woodchuck, and raccoon.

Henry Perry's Legacy

Henry Perry passed away on March 22, 1940, in Kansas City. He died from pneumonia and an infection.

After his death, his business was taken over by Charlie Bryant. Charlie then sold it to his brother, Arthur Bryant. Arthur made the sauce a little sweeter. He also moved the restaurant, now called Arthur Bryant's, to 1727 Brooklyn. Another person who worked for Perry, Arthur Pinkard, helped George Gates start Gates Bar-B-Q.

Because of his big impact on barbecue in Kansas City, Henry Perry became known as the "Father of Kansas City Barbecue." In 2014, he was honored by being added to the American Royal Barbecue Hall of Fame.