Oklahoma Joe’s Bar-B-Que isn’t any more. Well, at least it isn’t in Kansas. We smell a long-simmering beef.
Oklahoma Joe’s Bar-B-Que locations in Kansas have changed eatery names to Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que. The Kansas chain was co-founded by Jeff Stehney and wife Joy in 1996. However, the Stehney’s opened the first Oklahoma Joe’s location — in Stillwater — with partner Joe Don Davidson in 1995.
The two long ago parted ways, but not names. Until now.
“It’s not a knock on Oklahoma or the Oklahoma name,” Jeff Stehney told The Kansas City Star. “We are super proud of our Oklahoma beginnings.”
OK. Davidson’s still going strong, especially in the Tulsa area, where he’s hoping to grow his franchise.
“I’m actually surprised it took him this long to do it,” Davidson told The Tulsa World.
Both Tulsa-area locations opened in 2011. Maybe that influenced Stehney’s decision.
“We’ve been friends and always will be,” Davidson told the World. “He’s done a great job of building the Oklahoma Joe’s Bar-B-Que brand.”
You bet he has.
