Cuba, Missouri: On Sunday morning August 28, rumors spread Missouri Hick Bar-B-Q on Route 66 had suffered a middle-of -the-night blaze. Soon it was confirmed, and the news was that there was significant damage and the popular eatery would close for cleaning and construction of a new kitchen. Travelers and locals alike decried the loss of MO Hick’s smoked meats and tangy sauces. During the closing, cars would pull into the lot although a large, red lettered sign said “Closed due to Fire.” They would stare at the building like it might magically reopen. Disappointment was evident on their faces.
Owner Dennis Meiser is now ready to re-open Missouri Hick Bar-B-Q and show diners that it is back better than ever. Outwardly, the restaurant looks much the same, but two areas stand out with their improvements. Meiser’s new kitchen area is about 500 feet larger than what he had before with beautiful stainless cooking and serving areas. A new double-door smoker is in place to create the meats that his customers love. And Dennis has a snazzy new office just off the kitchen area.
The quick service at MO Hick, as it is known locally, should remain unchanged. “We continued to pay our workers while we were shut down. They helped with cleanup and other work to be done, ” Meiser stated today. Now, he starts back with his experienced staff in his upgraded facilities. The MO Hick Chicks, as the waitresses are called, are ready to take orders.The kitchen staff steps lightly along the new cooking line. The display case is filled with new stacks of T-shirts for sale, and the wrapped cookies set beside the register. Meats are smoking in the new smokers. A new guest book rests beside the door.
However, one more area where Meiser made improvements is on the front porch. Aware of the history of Route 66, which runs in front of the restaurant, Meiser commissioned local artist John Bland to paint a Route 66 mural that features Route 66 through the eight states that it covers. Bland also designed the Guinness World’s Largest Rocking Chair at the Fanning 66 Outpost General Store and painted the mural that is on the side of the Outpost. With his painting on the porch of Missouri Hick Bar-B-Q, the restaurant takes its place in Cuba’s “Route 66 Mural City,” as the town was designated by the Missouri legislature because of its extensive mural project.
Welcome back MO Hick. Customers from around the world have been waiting to hear about this Missouri landmark. And locals are ready for their MO Hick fix. Tonight is the soft opening, and tomorrow October 25th is the official re-opening. Don’t forget to sign the guestbook.
To read the original blog about the fire click here.
Update (October, 2015): MO Hick just built a covered, outdoor pavilion in its signature rustic style for extra seating. Besides its own sauces, MH now has its own beers. Success breeds success at MO Hick Bar B Que. Missouri Hick continues to win the Best BBQ designation from the Rural Missouri Magazine. Missouri Hick originally opened on February 12, 2002.
Missouri Hick Bar-B-Q also caters, and their number is 573-885-6791.
We ate at your establishment in May 2008 and enjoyed it very much. Good luck with your re-opening.
Ken Cooke Stevenage UK.
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Particularly instructive, look ahead to visiting again.
Missouri Hick has just added a covered, outdoor pavilion, built in their signature rustic style, for extra seating.
My wife and I finish our Route 66 trip 3 weeks ago and recently my son asked me what was the best meal we had along the way. We both said our dinner at Hicks. Thank you so much for taking care of us & providing us with a super meal along the way. Might want to redo you Route 66 Mural. It was looking a little sad around Okla and NM.
Cuba MO has many independently owned restaurants, cafes, etc, and MO Hick’s is very popular with locals and travelers. Glad you enjoyed it. We hope Cuba MO can be a regular stop on your travels.