American Royal, Zarda Bar-B-Q and Hy-Vee Celebrate the Fifth National Burnt Ends Day on September 1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

American Royal, Zarda Bar-B-Q and Hy-Vee Celebrate the Fifth
National Burnt Ends Day on September 1
Kansas Citians can enjoy $10 burnt ends sandwiches while supporting the American Royal scholarship fund

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Aug. 26, 2025) – On National Burnt Ends Day, Monday, September 1, the American Royal, Zarda Bar-B-Q and Hy-Vee are joining forces to honor one of Kansas City’s signature barbecue delicacies, burnt ends, by offering a $10 sandwich at all Kansas City-area Hy-Vee stores and both Zarda Bar-B-Q locations. Proceeds from the day’s sandwich sales will benefit the American Royal’s mission of supporting agriculture education through scholarships, competitions and events.

In 2021, September 1 was officially proclaimed as National Burnt Ends Day, thanks to the efforts of Kansas City’s Zarda Bar-B-Q and the American Royal. This year marks the fifth year of celebrating this delicious local tradition.

“National Burnt Ends Day is more than just a tasty celebration—it is a way to connect Kansas City’s love of barbecue with the future of agriculture,” said Allyssa King, director of communications at the American Royal. “When you buy a burnt ends sandwich on September 1, you are not just enjoying one of KC’s favorite flavors. You are also helping us invest in supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders.”

The $10 sandwiches will be available for one day only, Labor Day, Monday, September 1, beginning at 11 a.m. at all Kansas City-area Hy-Vee locations, Zarda Bar-B-Q in Lenexa (87th Street & I-35) and Zarda Bar-B-Q in Blue Springs (214 NW Hwy 7).

“We believe food connects people, so Zarda is more than thrilled to once again celebrate National Burnt Ends Day, this year with a special $10 Burnt Ends sandwich offer and donation to promote and support the American Royal Scholarship Fund,” said Terry Hyer, chief operating officer at Zarda Bar-B-Q. “A made-in-KC classic, burnt ends are a great representation of one of the great things about KC barbecue. There’s a lot of creativity and pride within the Kansas City barbecue community and National Burnt Ends Day is a great way to bring this to the national forefront.”

Barbecue enthusiasts can also mark their calendars to celebrate barbecue from around the world at the World Series of Barbecue in Kansas City, Kansas, November 5-9, 2025.

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About the American Royal Association
A Kansas City tradition since 1899, the American Royal is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization whose mission is to be the nation’s leader for food and agriculture education, events, and engagement. The American Royal provides opportunities for nearly half a million youth and adults from around the world to engage in high-quality events and experiences, including nationally competitive livestock shows, the world’s largest barbecue competition, regional and national equine shows, youth and professional rodeos, and elementary and secondary education outreach. Support from partners, members, and volunteers help the American Royal achieve its vision of a world where food and agriculture are celebrated, and all generations are committed to its future.

About Zarda Bar-B-Q
Since 1976, Zarda Bar-B-Q has been serving up legendary Bar-B-Q in Kansas City, slow smoking our meats with Ozark Hickory – just the way you like ‘em! In fact, Zarda was voted “Best Burnt Ends” by readers of the Kansas City Star in the Chow Town “Burnt End Bracket” competition. And, if you’ve not tasted Zarda baked beans – get ready for a treat. For party and event catering, whether you’re feeding 10 or 10,000, Zarda has you covered. Zarda Bar-B-Q Blue Springs is located at 214 NW Hwy 7; Zarda Bar-B-Q Lenexa is located just off 87th Street at I-35.

About Hy-Vee, Inc.
Hy-Vee, Inc. is an employee-owned corporation operating more than 570 business units across nine Midwestern states with sales of more than $13 billion annually. The supermarket chain is synonymous with quality, variety, convenience, healthy lifestyles, culinary expertise and superior customer service. Hy-Vee was recently named the No. 1 grocery store in America by USA TODAY. The company’s more than 75,000 employees provide “A Helpful Smile in Every Aisle” to customers every day. For additional information, visit www.hy-vee.com.

Media Contact:
Julie Warner
AdFarm
417-298-5968
[email protected]