Henry Perry
Henry Perry began his career on the Missouri and Mississippi rivers by working in a series of different kitchens in the early twentieth century. One day, Mr. Perry got the idea that smoking different meats would be a good idea and in which in 1908, he started smoking different meats in an alley in Kansas City Garment District. This was a great creation because smoked meat over oak or hickory wood was unheard of at the time. Mr. Perry made a sauce that was considered harsh and peppery that customers could not stay away from.
In 1910, Mr. Perry had enough funds for selling smoked meat in the alley that led into a shop called "Eat Shop". With this new business up and running, business begin moving into the right direction with sales and people of all races lined up for Mr. Perry. Despite racism, white people found themselves in line from Mr. Perry business and continued supporting his business. A decade owning his business, Mr. Perry noticed the word of mouth traveled into both directions geographically. As a result of Mr. Perry becoming known for his barbecue, he painted on his window, "Henry Perry- King of Barbecue".
As the King of barbecue started serving his customers, he also had a kind heart. As a strong, powerful business owner, he never took his success for granted. Just a decade into his business, Perry hosted a free barbecue dinner for the 4th of July for customers who were sixty-five and older or under the age of twelve. He served beef, pork, mutton sandwiches, lemonade, soda and watermelon for desert. Mr. Perry had over a thousand attendees and Perry continued the dinner for years after.
