Terry Hyer: Leading Zarda Bar-B-Q & the Future of Kansas City Barbecue

Kansas City barbecue is built on legacy, and few names carry that weight like Zarda.In this episode of There’s Just Something About Kansas City, we sit down with Terry Hyer, COO of Zarda, to talk about leading one of the region’s most recognizable barbecue brands into its next chapter.Terry shares his path into the business and what it means to help steward a multi-generational Kansas City staple. We explore how Zarda balances tradition with the realities of modern growth, from operations and maintaining consistency across locations to adapting to evolving customer expectations.We also dig into the competitive Kansas City barbecue landscape, the decisions that shape what ends up on your plate, and the behind-the-scenes challenges of running a legacy restaurant brand.Along the way, Terry shares memorable stories - like how a 1970 Camaro inspired his storied journey, and how his mother recruited Mike Zarda to sell Terry on a college degree - and offers insight into what it takes to keep a beloved brand relevant in a city known as the Barbecue Capital of the World.🎧 A must-listen for BBQ lovers, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in the future of Kansas City food culture.