Ashton Gillotte Relaunched KC Takeaway Sandwich

The annual charitable promotion returns to support Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City this football season.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Philanthropy

Screen-print poster illustration of a barbecue sandwich on a plate, rendered in a warm, vintage-inspired palette. — Ashton Gillotte has relaunched the KC Takeaway sandwich fundraiser to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City for the fifth consecutive football season. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Ashton Gillotte has officially relaunched the KC Takeaway sandwich, a recurring fundraiser that benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City. The promotion, which is entering its fifth season, continues a partnership involving Zarda Bar-B-Q and Hy-Vee.

Why it matters

The sandwich serves as a vital charitable fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City, providing ongoing financial support for the organization's youth mentorship programs. By partnering with local businesses, the initiative leverages regional interest in food and sports to generate sustained community donations.

The KC Takeaway, which features Zarda Limited Reserve Burnt Ends, pulled pork, ham, and Pepper Jack cheese on a toasted Roma bun, has raised over $65,000 during its first four years. A check for $12,000 was recently presented from the previous season's proceeds.

The players

Ashton Gillotte

Ashton Gillotte is the public figure who partnered with local businesses to relaunch the charitable sandwich promotion.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City

Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City is a youth mentorship organization that serves as the beneficiary of the sandwich proceeds.

Zarda Bar-B-Q

Zarda Bar-B-Q is a regional barbecue restaurant chain that provides the ingredients for the KC Takeaway sandwich.

Hy-Vee

Hy-Vee is a supermarket chain that hosts the promotion at its Market Grille locations throughout the Kansas City area.

The details

The relaunch event was hosted at the Big Brothers Big Sisters Big Futures Building. The sandwich remains available for purchase throughout the football season at Zarda Bar-B-Q locations in Blue Springs and Lenexa, as well as at Hy-Vee Market Grilles located in Kansas City-area stores.

The KC Takeaway sandwich was officially relaunched on October 5, 2026.
The event was held at 11 a.m. at the Big Futures Building.

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Market Landscape

This initiative follows a pattern of community-based fundraising often employed by major regional non-profits to secure sustainable revenue streams. By aligning with established brands like Zarda and Hy-Vee, the project stabilizes its market share of charitable donations in the local area.

Local diners can support the mentorship organization by ordering the sandwich at participating Zarda Bar-B-Q or Hy-Vee Market Grille locations. The availability of the item is tied to the duration of the current football season, offering a seasonal opportunity for customers to contribute.

The takeaway

This partnership demonstrates how regional businesses and public figures can effectively collaborate to support essential local non-profits. Consumers are encouraged to check their local restaurant menus to participate in the fundraiser before the promotion concludes at the end of the season.