August 7, 2021
By Fred Liggett
Owner and founder Greg Hastie’s vision for a local barbecue store is now a reality and open in the Pine Tree Plaza in Lee’s Summit. The new store is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The new business has already celebrated some key dates such as a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 26 sponsored by Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce. Another was on May 8 the first day the store was open to the public.
Hastie chose Lee’s Summit as a location for his business due to what he calls “a growing population” found in the city. Another big reason was there’s “not a store on the Missouri side like ours.” Greg, who is from Belton, Mo., would always shop in Kansas for his BBQ supplies before. Other reasons for choosing his store’s location at 342 SW Blue Parkway was due to the wide demographic he found in Lee’s Summit and being so close to the highway.
The future is bright for the store as they plan to do demonstrations and host classes fit for pro classes to introduction to grilling. In the back of the store is a kitchen area meant to hold classes. Greg and his staff at this time is planning on holding two to four hour classes. The future for American Fire BBQ will include an outdoor patio for customers to enjoy. The city has already approved the build out for the patio in a revamped store front.
American Fire BBQ offers visitors great products thanks to the efforts of Hastie. Greg states he “chose vendors from knowing them.” His staff is “happy to help people with their selections of rubs and sauces.” Just inside the front door one can find a variety of sizes of grills from a number of companies. In addition to well-known Traeger and Napoleon grills, the store stocks American made and Missouri made grills. An example is Gateway drum smokers made in Washington, Mo.
The store has a three-person staff at the moment which is Greg Hastie, the owner, his wife and his son Devin Holt. The venue is open seven days a week and is looking to add part time staff as the store continues to grow. For BBQ lovers and those who enjoy grilling, make plans soon to visit
American Fire BBQ & Grilling Supply. You can learn more by giving them a call at (816) 600-5653 or visiting them online at http://www.americanfirebbq.com. Gary and his staff look forward to welcoming you to the world of BBQ soon.