Off The Hook BBQ

Off The Hook BBQ is a family-owned barbecue restaurant in Gladstone, Missouri, that opened its brick-and-mortar location in 2025 after more than a decade building the business through tailgating, catering, a food truck, and a walk-up window in Parkville. Owned by Wardell Hooks Jr. with his son Martell Hooks and mother Judy Jones, it is known for flavorful, tender barbecue made with a simple rub-and-spritz method and family recipes.

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| Stare coverage | Local food truck to restaurant success stories | emerging |

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Description

Off The Hook BBQ occupies a welcoming space on North Oak Trafficway in Gladstone. After more than ten years of building a loyal following through tailgate catering, a food truck, and a limited walk-up window in downtown Parkville, the family opened its first full brick-and-mortar restaurant in Gladstone in 2025. The menu focuses on classic Kansas City barbecue — brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and sides — executed with a straightforward approach that emphasizes flavor, tenderness, and consistency.

Ownership and history

Wardell Hooks Jr. began seriously pursuing barbecue about a decade before the Gladstone opening, starting with backyard smoking and tailgate parties while working full-time at UPS (where he spent 38 years, the last 25 in management). He progressed to catering, purchased a food truck, and later opened a limited walk-up window on Main Street in Parkville. In 2025 the family opened the Gladstone location at 7506 N Oak Trafficway. Wardell’s son Martell works alongside him (particularly on saucing), and his mother Judy Jones (approaching 80) contributes family recipes and works in the restaurant. The name “Off The Hook” reflects both the quality (“off the hook”) and the family’s journey.

Sources

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Disputes

(None recorded.)

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