“We never introduced an item with the idea of making instant money. And the Jack Stacks greatly expanded their menu offering over the years, adding steaks, seafood, salads and wings. The company now also has restaurants on the Country Club Plaza, Overland Park and the Freight House District. He changed the name to Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue so he could expand. In late 1974, their son Jack Fiorella went out on his own, opening a Smokestack location in Martin City. Customers would bang on their apartment door after hours demanding barbecue, but the Fiorellas were trying to build their business so they didn't mind. The family of seven - including a newborn - moved from a 23-room Brookside house into a six-room apartment above the restaurant. I gave them 2 stars because, for the money you pay, it was just too big of a disappointment to go any higher.Less than a year later, in 1957, Russell and Flora Fiorella opened the first Smokestack Barbeque. I don't go there for just the potatoes and beans, though, as it's their RIBS that they base their brand on. The baked potatoes and the beans were great as always though. I did not call and complain a second time, because what's the point? They'll just keep sending me a gift card for dried out, leathery ribs. It seems that this world is going to hell in a handbasket - and so is Jack Stack in Lees Summit.

Maybe it's their 'new normal'? We ate it but each bite was a sad one. Sadly, what we got the second time wasn't quite 'shoe leather' or AS inedible, but it was still dry and chewy. I ordered over the phone and told the order taker specifically WHY we were using a gift card, hoping to avoid a similar scenario (like maybe they purposefully give their old stuff to the to-go orders rather than in person dining?). Two weeks or so later, we decided to try it again, using the card. I called and complained to the manager who immediately offered me a gift card to comp the meal. The first time this happened it was like eating shoe leather and I couldn't believe they actually let a product like that go out the door!! It was pretty much inedible and we threw most of it out. They were dried out as if they had overcooked them or something. The last two times we got it, the ribs were NOT good. My husband I always order the baby back rib meal for two. When they first opened, they were great! And still, many aspects are good.BUT. I don't run either of my businesses this way but then again I appreciate my customers. As this was at 7 ( I had been trying to call since 6:30, getting an automated answer and hang up) I equally loudly informed her that it was obvious they were too busy for any more business and I will inform everyone I know not to eat there as they don't care enough to answer the phone or make reservations. She repeated they wouldn't make a reservation for later in the evening. I informed her no one was picking up the phone so how am I supposed to make a reservation.

I kept asking for a much later reservation when a female manager stepped in and loudly informed me they don't make reservations unless they are at least two hours out from the current time. The young lady at the front desk kept trying to put me on a waiting list. They refused to pick up the phone so I thought, we are out I'll stop by, make a reservation. I tried calling in a reservation for over half an hour as we were out and about. I thought Jack Stack would be a great experience for them but it can't be done.

Jack stack menu lees summit mo