Now Open: Greedy Man’s Bar-B-Que

These may not be the most ideal economic times to open a new restaurant — even one serving Kansas City’s most iconic dish. After all, the new Famous Dave’s Barbecue in the Power & Light District (yes, an ill-chosen non-local chain, but that’s not the point) didn’t last a year — it’s already being turned into one of those raucous, saloon-like Old Chicago Pasta & Pizza operations.

But Steven Dawkins had a dream. “I wanted to own my own restaurant,” he says, “and the opportunity presented itself, so we did it.”

A few days before Christmas, Dawkins, his wife Tennille and his brother Joseph Hooker opened the door to a tiny storefront: Greedy Man’s Bar-B-Que at 5536-A Troost (it’s across the street from the venerable Troostwood Garage and Body Shop) which sells barbecue sandwiches, burgers, fried shrimp and a fried turkey chop sandwich, among other things.

With only three tables in the narrow room, most of the business is carry-out. Decorations include a few framed record albums and two electric guitars mounted on a wall. The musical memorabilia is a tribute to Dawkins’ cousin, the legendary blues artist John Lee Hooker. 

Dawkins called the restaurant Greedy Man’s because, for several years, he operated a mobile sandwich truck, Greedy Man’s Lunch Box, and he likes the name. The signature dish here is the hot and spicy chicken wings — and I can attest to their hot and spicy qualities, let me tell you. But the residents around the neighborhood — including students from UMKC and Rockhurst University — are coming in for cheeseburgers, the jumbo shrimp baskets and the hefty barbecued beef sandwich made with ground beef. Most of the sandwiches come with a side dish, including a choice of kick-ass baked beans or potato salad.

 When it’s available, Greedy Man sells a fine peach cobbler too. If they’re out of it, customers can go to Stretch’s Ice Cream Shop next store for a funnel cake.

Greedy Man’s Bar-B-Que is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. — By Charles Ferruzza