We recently had the chance to connect with Quentin Van Horn and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Quentin , it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
I think in general the style of Craft BBQ is misunderstood around KC. When you ask someone about BBQ in KC they think of Gates, Bryant’s, Jack Stacks, and Joes. I love those places but there is so much more to BBQ than just the traditional methods. Only a handful of guys in KC are doing true Craft BBQ. It’s a whole different process and technique to produce. The trim of the brisket is actually the most important part of the process. When trimming you do it more on the aggressive side. It’s all about making that brisket aerodynamic so that it cooks evenly on the smoker. To produce a slice of brisket that can stand alone on a tray with no sauce and no where to hide if it’s dry or simply not good takes alot of time and technique. When you slice into that brisket for the first time and lay out those beautiful slices for a customer it’s just a feeling of accomplishment knowing what it took to produce that. I love the BBQ scene here in KC and I respect and love all forms of BBQ as a KC native.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Quentin Van Horn I’m the owner and pitmaster of Point & Flat BBQ. I’m a small BBQ food truck business that does popups, catering, and really anything that needs great BBQ. I was honored to be named top 5 Craft BBQ by Kansas City Magazine and The Pitch in 2025. I’ve been featured in magazines, interviews, and instagram influencers over the years. Currently I do weekly popups inside Discourse Brewing on Wednesdays and Fridays at 5pm. I’m also popping up inside Friction Beer on Thursdays at 5pm as well. I will also be doing one Saturday a month at Friction Beer at 4pm. I’ve been self employed and in business since 2022 and that’s something I’m extremely proud of. It’s not easy running a food business solo let alone a BBQ business in the capital city of BBQ. Im known for and specialize in brisket. It’s a labor of love to produce brisket the way I do. I’ve learned from many great pitmasters around the city to get to the point I’m at and I’m eternally grateful for the BBQ family around the city. I’ve been on this journey for a while and I’m working on the next steps towards a brick and mortar in the near future.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
Growing up I watched my mom and brother cook. My mom was a fantastic cook and she could bake to. My brother worked at different restaurants and we cooked together at home growing up so that was a big influence and sharpened my skill set. In a past life I worked in retail as a clothing salesman for Men’s Wearhouse for 18 years. The customer service skills I learned there still apply to what I’m doing now. Now that I’m in the BBQ life there are a few dudes that have help set me out to a successful journey. I’m give massive credit to these two guys. Jared Wolfe comes to mind first. He has been a huge influence to my growth. I’d pick his brain about everything BBQ and running a small business. His advice has been pivotal to my success. Tyler Harp of Harp BBQ would be the other huge influence. Before I ventured out on this path I’d ask him anything and everything about getting my foot in the door in the BBQ world. He’s always willing to talk business and BBQ and I’m grateful to both of these men.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
That’s a great question. For all food business people the winter time is always a make or break period. Sometimes you feel down on yourself if you have a bad event or week. Food trucks especially can’t run in the winter so you have to get creative with it. I have been blessed to find two breweries that let me setup inside. Honestly running a small business is hard and sometimes can make you feel like giving up and going back to a life you had before. Especially if you fail at something you thought was going to turn out differently. The funny thing about all that is it motivates me to keep on this path and chase the dream. When you succeed at this it just gives you more confidence and power to keep going.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
It most definitely is. Being a genuinely good person and the same person in public and private is very important to me. It’s all about consistency and effort. You can win at life with the right attitude and approach.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I guess something like this. Throughout life this man persevered and believed in himself to build the life he wanted. He found the girl of his dreams. Befriended some amazing people along the way. Against all odds he built a successful business. He was a truly good person and and great friend to many. The man also made some killer brisket along the way.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Pointandflat_bbq
- Facebook: point and flat bbq
- Yelp: point and flat bbq
Image Credits
Quentin Van Horn
