A southeast Missouri railroad town known across the state for its delicious barbecue would be designated as the “Rib City” of Missouri, under a bipartisan bill from an Advance lawmaker.
The Missouri House Special Committee on Tourism has voted 11-0 to approve the one-page House Bill 1651 from State Rep. Steve Jordan (R-Advance), which designates Dexter as Missouri’s Rib City.
Supporters include Dexter city administrator David Wyman, who says Dexter has a long history of excellent barbecue restaurants that have stood the test of time. Wyman notes the late St. Louis Cardinals broadcaster Jack Buck would occasionally talk during Cardinals broadcasts about eating ribs at Dexter’s famous Hickory Log. Wyman and other supporters say the designation would help market Dexter and could potentially increase tourism.
Dexter has about 7900 residents. There is no organized opposition to the bill.