August 31, 2026
Celebrate National Burnt Ends Day with Zarda Bar-B-Q, Hy-Vee, and the American Royal.
Celebrate National Burnt Ends Day with Zarda Bar-B-Q,
Hy-Vee, and the American Royal.
For Immediate Release
National Burnt Ends Day is Tuesday, September 1st, 2026.
The American Royal, Zarda BBQ, and Hy-Vee are once again partnering to celebrate National Burnt Ends Day – on Tuesday, September 1, 2026! For one day only, enjoy Burnt End sandwiches at the low, low price of just $7.99 at both Zarda Bar-B-Q locations and all Kansas City area Hy-Vee stores starting at 11 a.m. until supplies for the day run out! What’s more, a portion of proceeds from Burnt End Sandwich sales on September 1 will benefit the American Royal’s mission of supporting agriculture education through scholarships, competitions and events.
Media is invited to visit Zarda Bar-B-Q in Blue Springs, 214 NW Hwy 7, Blue Springs, Missouri, during the afternoon of Monday, August 31st, 2026, to get a day-before Burnt Ends Day preview of pitmaster preparation for National Burnt Ends Day, speak to Zarda COO Terry Hyer about Burnt Ends Day – and sample Zarda’s delicious award-winning Ltd. Reserve Burnt Ends! Representatives from the American Royal will also be available for comment. Interested media may contact Emily Lewis at 816-531-9014 or [email protected] to schedule a time.
The American Royal and Zarda Bar-B-Q founded National Burnt Ends Day in 2021, and now September 1 is nationally recognized annually by the National Day Calendar as the official day to celebrate Kansas City-style Burnt Ends barbecue!
“We believe food connects people, so Zarda is more than thrilled to once again celebrate National Burnt Ends Day this year with $7.99 Burnt Ends sandwiches and a donation to promote and support the American Royal Scholarship Fund,” said Zarda Bar-B-Q Chief Operating Officer, Terry Hyer. “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.”
“National Burnt Ends Day is more than just a celebration of great barbecue. It is a way to connect Kansas City’s rich barbecue tradition and love of barbecue with the future of agriculture,” said Allyssa King, director of communications at the American Royal. “When you purchase 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 and support the next generation of agricultural leaders.”
National Burnt Ends Day sandwiches will be available for purchase for $7.99 at Zarda Bar-B-Q locations in Blue Springs, Missouri, and Lenexa, Kansas, and at the 19 Hy-Vee Market Grilles within Hy-Vee locations in the Kansas City metro area.
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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
Hy-Vee, Inc. is an employee-owned corporation operating more than 540 business units across nine Midwestern states with sales of more than $14 billion annually. The supermarket chain is synonymous with quality, variety, convenience, healthy lifestyles, culinary expertise and superior customer service. Hy-Vee was recently named one of the top grocery stores in America by USA TODAY. The company’s more than 70,000 employees provide “A Helpful Smile in Every Aisle” to customers every day. For additional information, visit www.hy-vee.com.
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 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 helps the American Royal achieve its vision of a world where food and agriculture are celebrated, and all generations are committed to its future.
Media wishing to cover the event may contact Emily Lewis with Zarda Marketing at (816) 531-9014 or [email protected] to schedule or discuss interview opportunities.