Kansas City, August 5, 2025
Blind Box BBQ
Blind Box BBQ is a popular barbecue restaurant located in Shawnee, Kansas, known for its high-quality smoked meats and welcoming atmosphere. Founded on a passion for authentic barbecue, it has become a staple in the Kansas City food scene, emphasizing local flavors and community engagement. The restaurant continually evolves through collaborations and partnerships with local sports figures and other businesses, enhancing its offerings with special events, themed menu items, and fan experiences. The owner, Joe Tulipana, has fostered a strong connection with the community, making Blind Box BBQ a key contributor to Kansas City’s acclaimed barbecue culture and vibrant local food environment.
News Summary
Rashee Rice of the Kansas City Chiefs has partnered with Blind Box BBQ, a popular local barbecue restaurant, to engage fans with unique experiences. This collaboration includes special in-store appearances, Rice-inspired menu items, and VIP giveaways throughout the NFL season. Owner Joe Tulipana expressed enthusiasm about working with Rice, aiming to enhance the connection between the team and the local food community. The Kansas City food scene is also buzzing with new openings and partnerships, including Dolce Bakery and Cosmo Burger, as local barbecue culture thrives during Chiefs games.
Kansas City, Missouri
Rashee Rice, a wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs, has announced an exciting partnership with Blind Box BBQ, a popular barbecue restaurant located at 13214 W. 62nd Terrace in Shawnee. As his go-to spot in Kansas City, Rice praised the restaurant for its delicious food and welcoming atmosphere, describing it as “fire” and a place that feels like home. This partnership will bring fans a variety of unique experiences throughout the NFL season.
The collaboration between Rice and Blind Box BBQ is set to include a series of special in-store appearances and events featuring the player. Fans can look forward to Rice-inspired menu items, as well as VIP giveaways and other special fan experiences designed to enhance their game-day enjoyment.
Owner of Blind Box BBQ, Joe Tulipana, expressed enthusiasm about working with Rice, highlighting the player’s authenticity and deep love for Kansas City. This partnership is aimed at creating engaging and enjoyable experiences for both BBQ enthusiasts and Chiefs fans, fostering a stronger connection between the local food culture and the team.
In addition to this partnership, Kansas City continues to see vibrant developments in its food scene. Dolce Bakery, known for its delicious baked goods, is partnering with Made in KC to sell its items at the Made in KC location in the Plaza instead of opening a new store. This arrangement will feature a selection of cookies and exclusive products along with plans for pop-up events and custom sprinkle mixes.
Another recent opening in the city is Cosmo Burger, which has established its first dedicated location at 1815 Locust St. This expansion allows the burger joint to offer an extensive menu alongside its reputation for smash burgers. The new location features a large bar that serves boozy milkshakes and pickle margaritas, enhancing the dining experience.
On a different note, the Indianapolis-based food delivery service ClusterTruck has closed its Kansas City operations after focusing on franchising opportunities. ClusterTruck began its venture in Kansas City in 2016, making its exit notable for local food delivery options.
Kansas City is widely celebrated for its rich barbecue culture, a culinary tradition where multiple stories frequently cover new restaurant openings and collaborations. The demand for local barbecue intensifies during Kansas City Chiefs playoff games, significantly boosting business for BBQ establishments. For instance, Joe’s Kansas City BBQ expects to serve close to 400 slabs of ribs on Chiefs playoff weekends, nearly double the usual amount served on a regular Saturday.
Local fans have made a tradition of enjoying barbecue on game days, thereby creating a symbiotic relationship between Kansas City’s popular barbecue cuisine and Chiefs football.
FAQ
What is the partnership between Rashee Rice and Blind Box BBQ?
Rashee Rice has partnered with Blind Box BBQ to create unique experiences for fans, including in-store appearances, Rice-inspired menu items, and VIP giveaways throughout the NFL season.
Where is Blind Box BBQ located?
Blind Box BBQ is located at 13214 W. 62nd Terrace in Shawnee, Kansas.
What other food establishments are currently opening or partnering in Kansas City?
Dolce Bakery has partnered with Made in KC to sell its sweets at their Plaza location, while Cosmo Burger has opened a new dedicated location featuring an expanded menu.
How do the Kansas City Chiefs’ games affect local BBQ sales?
During Chiefs playoff weekends, local BBQ restaurants see a significant increase in demand, with some establishments like Joe’s Kansas City BBQ expecting to serve nearly double the amount of ribs compared to a regular Saturday.
Key Features of the News Article
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Partnership | Rashee Rice teams up with Blind Box BBQ for fan engagement. |
| Location | Blind Box BBQ at 13214 W. 62nd Terrace, Shawnee. |
| Events | Exclusive in-store appearances, VIP giveaways, and Rice-inspired menu items. |
| Other Developments | Dolce Bakery collaborates with Made in KC; Cosmo Burger opens new location. |
| Impact of Chiefs Games | Significant increase in BBQ sales during playoff games. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Kansas City Magazine: What’s New in Kansas City Food and Drink
- Wikipedia: Kansas City
- Pure Wow: Super Bowl Recipes for Chiefs Fans
- Google Search: Kansas City food scene
- KSHB: Home Playoff Games Mean Better Business for Joe’s Kansas City BBQ
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kansas City
- KMBC: Joe’s Kansas City BBQ Increase in Customers
- Google News: Kansas City barbecue
- Startland News: Off the Hook BBQ
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
