May 2011
Joplin
On May 22, 2011, an EF5 tornado tore through Joplin. Barbecue teams from across the country came to feed survivors and first responders, and Operation BBQ Relief was born.
Est. 2012 · Joplin, Missouri
Barbecue is family, community and passion.
Rockin' W BBQ is a veteran-owned, family-run caterer founded by husband-and-wife team Charles and Sylvia Ward, serving authentic Kansas City-style barbecue across Joplin and the Four States.
How it started
From Barbecue Relief to your next event.
After the storm
Barbecue Relief
Charles, a lifelong home builder, volunteered to serve meals with Operation BBQ Relief. That's where he discovered his love of barbecuing for people.
“I came to discover a love of barbecuing for people when I volunteered for Barbecue Relief.”
Charles Ward2012
The first smoker
Charles and Sylvia bought their first smoker, and Rockin' W BBQ was born.
On the circuit
Competition barbecue
As Kansas City Barbeque Society competitors at the American Royal, we bring the same award-winning techniques to every event we cater.
Today
Catering the Four States
From weddings to office lunches to fundraisers, we cater across Joplin, Carthage and the Four States.
How we cook
100% wood. Pecan and white oak.
We smoke all of our meats over 100% wood, pecan and white oak, for rich, bold flavor that reflects our dedication to quality.
What we stand for
Family run
A husband-and-wife company and a family-based business, from the first smoker on.
Community first
Our commitment to full community involvement is at the core of everything we do. Barbecue Relief is where we started, and we still love feeding a crowd for a good cause.
Veteran owned
A proud veteran-owned business.
Proud to have cooked for
- NRA Foundation
- Joplin Police Dept.
- Reddings Mill Fire Dept.
- O'Reilly Automotive
- Wild Turkey Federation
- BrandKamp
- Carl Junction Schools
- SMB Bank
Let us cook for your crowd.
Tell us the date, the headcount and what you're celebrating, and we'll help you build a menu that fits.