Q39 is a respected force in KC’s stellar barbecue scene (we even ranked it No. 3 on our 2023’s Best KC BBQ list). Now, the competition-style, chef-driven barbecue restaurant is expanding west. A third Q39 is expected to open in downtown Lawrence this October, at the site of the former Lawrence Journal-World building on 6th Street.
“I am thrilled to bring Q39 to such an historic space downtown,” says owner Kelly Magee, who attended the University of Kansas. “In college I waitressed at Smokehouse, so this is not my first time serving BBQ in Lawrence!”
Lawrence is a place near and dear to Magee, not only is it the home of her alter mater, but her parents and children are also KU alumni.
Plans for the new site are currently under city review. If approved, the new Q39 will join two existing locations in Midtown and Overland Park.
There’s a chance for potential pop-ups while Q39 waits to open its doors. The new restaurant, which will feature an outdoor patio, is part of a development project led by 3D Development. It will be joined by “office space and experiential components,” according to the press release.
March is Colon Cancer Awareness month and all month long the team at Q39 is working hard to raise awareness for the disease that took the life of Q39’s founder, Rob Magee.
For March only, Q39 has brought back Rob’s favorite Reuben sandwich for $15, with 100 percent of the profits from every sandwich sold going directly towards the Rob Magee Memorial Fund for Cancer Research.
