I’m opting out of further participation in the ruckus in the comments section of this story about Mr. K’s Barbeque, but I did pick up one interesting little tidbit this morning that seems worth sharing.
I spoke with Ray Kendrick, who has handled the day-to-day operations of the original Mr. K’s on South Park, and he is not going to be involved in the new business. But here’s the really juicy detail: He says he never handed over the real barbeque sauce recipe, and he’s the only one who knows what’s in it.
That is some cold-ass sibling-style maneuvering, and I was a bit shocked to hear it. He says the original sauce created by Charles Kendrick has been tweaked over the years to perfection, and that he never kicked down the knowledge as far as what changes were made.
He also says he’s moving on with his barbecue career, and that Tucson hasn’t seen the last of him, although I’m not at liberty to get into it any deeper than that for the time being.
Barbeque is typically messy, but, honestly people, this is getting a bit ridiculous.
This article appears in Jun 30 – Jul 6, 2011.
Just to be clear the sauce is a family recipe thats has been in the family over 100 years the sauce “secrets” will stay that way. That is what they will be using at the new place an im sure they will “tweak” it to satisfy the different tastes of the clients that will frequent them. I use one version of it an that is what suits people who come to visit us. To be honest the sauce gets “tweaked” every week as i never use any measurements, you just kinda go with what feels an taste right an make changes to it that suit the customers taste. So no she doesnt have the right recipe but then neither do i. Some weeks its a little tangy others times maybe a bit on the peppery side. They will have an use different versions of the sauce that will be “tweaked” to what their customers like. Im sure they will offer alot more varity then i do an that is fine an part of the process.
My father is a great man who i have much respect for an so do alot of people in this community. The new venture is not an avenue that i wanted to follow. In the end yes tucson will have too great bbq places. This is about Mr. K! An incredible man in his own right! Forget the family drama, Mr. K has done much for the community here and I want to see him rewarded and remembered for it. Not for this, not for this family squabble, not for the he said, she said. But for the hard working man he has been, for the dedicated member of the community he has been. He deserves to be successful, and whomever rides with him I wish all the best!
Ray Kendrick
Class act Big Boy. We have much love and respect for you. I am committed to your father’s success and I believe you know that. Your fathers dream will be realized on Stone Ave as promised. If I have my way, Mr.K will never be forgotten. I hope someday soon you will join us. The door for you is always open. I have known you and your family a long time and I am here only because your Father asked me to be. He has me drinkin the kool aid 🙂 And you KNOW if he riding with me… I got his back. Much love bother.
Your family in BBQ… John Foster
Wow. I know I said I was ducking out of this conversation, but I am so absolutely touched by these sentiments gentlemen. Good luck to all, and I can’ wait to feed my family some barbeque from both of you.
This is about one man, that man being Charles Kendrick. Its not about a sauce or a location. I would think both Raymond and his sister both just want to live on Mr K and what he has brought to the Tucson community, be it in different ways. We all have family and we all know family isn’t around forever. I wish all of you the best in your adventures.