Chef J BBQ makes big moves into Arrowhead Stadium and Pennway Point: 'Follow the smoke'

Justin Easterwood, aka "Chef J," opened his current location in the West Bottoms in 2020, just weeks before the world shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now he's "slangin" barbecue on the main concourse of Arrowhead Stadium, and will open another location inside the Pennway Point entertainment district.
Walking through the West Bottoms, the smell of smoke and spice will lead a hungry wanderer to one of Kansas City’s emerging barbecue hot spots: Chef J BBQ.

Restauranter and pitmaster Justin Easterwood, better known as “Chef J,” has made a name for himself — now that hard work has earned Chef J BBQ a location within the highly anticipated Pennway Point entertainment district, set to open in 2024.

And announced last week: Easterwood just scored another high-profile spot within Arrowhead Stadium — which boasted its first home preseason game last Saturday — “slangin” BBQ on the main concourse of the world champions’ home turf.

Chef J BBQ’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges, Easterwood said. He opened his current location in the West Bottoms in 2020, just weeks before the world shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic.