Q39 pledges $100,000+ to community partners in honor of 10th anniversary
Q39 banquet & documentary premier // Photo by Sarah Sipple
In just ten years, Q39 has cemented its place among Kansas City barbeque favorites. In an effort to give back to the community that first welcomed their idea of combining competition-quality barbeque and a chef-driven environment in 2014, Q39 has introduced its 10-10-10 campaign.
The formal announcement came on Wednesday, April 17, at an anniversary banquet held at The Abbott in Crossroads. The event kicked off with a cocktail reception and dinner featuring Q39 favorites. Buffet tables included a Pork Belly Taco Bar, hand-carved Brisket and Burnt Ends, a Mac & Cheese Bar, and even a BBQ bar with four varieties of Q39 sauces. The celebration also debuted a mini-documentary focused on the legacy of Q39’s founders, Kelly Magee and her late husband, Rob Magee.
The midtown, Overland Park, and soon-to-be Lawrence eatery has an established philanthropic focus on colon cancer, children’s medical support, and youth development.
Q39’s leadership team, consisting of CEO Kelly Magee, President Randy Piebes, and Executive Chef Philip Thompson solicited feedback from staff regarding other causes to include. These were narrowed down to issues surrounding chronically unhoused persons, healthy and sustainable food, LGBTQ inclusivity, women and family crisis shelters, aging rescue pets, mental health, and suicide prevention.
In the coming year, Q39 has pledged at least $10,000 and 20 volunteer hours to ten area organizations. So far, the 10-10-10 campaign has reached agreements with Boys and Girls Club of Greater Kansas City, Eden Village, SafeHome, Synergy Services, KU Cancer Center, KU Endowment, Colon Cancer Coalition, Get Your Rear in Gear event, and Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Q39 President Randy Piebes said, “A decade in the restaurant world is like a lifetime,” pointing not only to the success of the restaurant but also the longevity of many employees. Magee and Piebes both credited their 200+ staff members with the strong reputation for hospitality. Q39 is looking forward to a year of giving back, as well as sustaining a future as a major KC barbecue player.
Diners can also take part in the nostalgia and celebration. Q39’s Throwback Menu kicked off this month, featuring the return of customer favorites like Pulled Pork Pretzel Bun, Buffalo Cauliflower, and Pretzel Apple Beer Cheese.
