Barely a year old and having recently opened a shop dedicated to barbecue chicken, Denver’s Riot BBQ has brought its smoked meats to a country music venue and restaurant in Sedalia.
The operation, led by pitmaster Patrick Klaiber and chef Manny Barella, a former “Top Chef” contestant, first partnered with the owners of Wide Open Saloon during this year’s National Western Stock Show. That business relationship was formalized this month with Riot BBQ becoming the main food vendor at the saloon, 5607 US-85, Sedalia.
“Food, music, and atmosphere all have to work together,” Leah Hills, COO of Wide Open Saloon, said in a statement. “With Riot BBQ, we’re building something that feels complete – a place where guests can come for dinner, stay for the music, and spend the entire evening here.”
A representative for Shamrock Foods brought the two businesses together for a pop-up installation at the Stockyards Event Center in January. The Riot BBQ crew and Wide Open Saloon’s owners shared a similar work ethic and dreams of expansion, Barella said.
In addition to smoked meats by the pound, the menu in Sedelila includes smoked wings, loaded brisket nachos with cheese, a brisket cheesesteak and double-patty smash burgers made with beef trimmings.
Riot BBQ’s original smokehouse opened in May 2025 at 2180 S. Delaware St. Chicken Riot, home of its pollo asado, opened in March at 2906 E. 6th Ave.
A slate of summer concerts is scheduled for Wide Open Saloon this year. Many of them are free.
