By CHRISTINE BOATWRIGHT / Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO – When Mike Checchi moved from Kansas City, Mo. to Alabaster four years ago, he missed the particular type of barbecue only Kansas City can produce.

Therefore, Checchi decided to sell his construction business and equipment to begin KC’s Finest BBQ in Montevallo.

Checchi said Kansas City barbecue is different than traditional Southern barbecue because the sauce is not vinegar based, and the meat is cooked longer and at a lower temperature.

Checchi said the difference between his ribs and traditional Southern ribs is that his ribs are “extremely tender and juicy.”

“It doesn’t go out the window unless it falls off the bone,” he said.

Checchi started the business with David Dickison and Randall “Bubba” Sims, who worked with him during his construction days.

The mobile truck sells everything from rib and chicken plates to homemade potato salad and JoJo dogs.

Checchi said JoJo dogs are hotdogs with a bun, JoJo sauce, which his wife makes, and burnt ends.

“The question I get the most is ‘What are burnt ends?’” Checchi said. “It’s the same meat as pulled pork, but cooked differently.”

KC’s Finest BBQ has been open about a month, and Checchi said he’s already doing more business than he expected.

The mobile food restaurant also offers catering.

“We’re all about making people happy,” Checchi said.

KC’s Finest BBQ is open from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. seven days a week. It’s located next to the Crossroads Texaco gas station at the intersection of Alabama 119 and Shelby County 22, north of downtown Montevallo. For more information, call 354-6109.