Inducted April 16, 2009
It was Aristotle who said “Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work.”
Hayward Spears , who started Hayward’s Pit Bar-B-Q in Overland Park, Kansas in 1972 is the epitome of those very words. We have selected him for the KANSASCITYBARBECUE.COM – Barbecue Hall of Fame not just because he makes some of the best barbecue in Kansas City, but because he is a man who enjoys his work, and has perfected a great brand of barbecue through the love of that work.
It all started as a child growing up on a farm in Arkansas, when Hayward watched as his father would barbecue in the family yard. Barbecuing for his family was not only an event; it grew into a cherished family tradition. Hayward took that tradition with him to Overland Park, Kansas. After doing for his friends and family in Overland Park what his father did in Arkansas, he opened Hayward’s Pit Bar-B-Que.
For thirty- seven years he has been providing residents of Overland Park and greater Kansas City with some really outstanding barbecue. His specialty is providing great food, fantastic customer service, and a superior sauce that stands out among others in an extremely competitive market place.
Hayward Spears prides himself in taking a hands on approach and attention to detail in the operation of Hayward’s. This is evident in every aspect of the restaurant and the food served to his customers. There cannot be enough said for someone who has been in business as long as he has. No one really knows how many barbecue restaurants have come and gone over the years in Kansas City.
There is one thing for sure, Hayward’s has been a staple to not only local patrons who consistently come back for more, but for barbecue lovers all over the country who visit Hayward’s seeking great barbecue cuisine.
It’s no surprise that Hayward’s has been acknowledged over the years with many awards such as Best Barbecue by Squire Magazine.
Thank you Mr. Spears for being a true leader and legend in the Kansas City barbecue marketplace, and for consistently providing barbecue that reaches to the core of what connoisseurs of barbecue seek –
That Great Taste Of Barbecue!
