09/10/2026
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Kansas City Barbeque founder Martin Blair.
For more than four decades, Martin was a beloved fixture in San Diego’s business and civic community. Alongside his wife, Cindy, he opened Kansas City Barbeque in downtown San Diego in 1983 and helped make it the iconic gathering place it is today—a place where friends and strangers could come together over good food, cold drinks, and great memories.
Martin’s generosity extended far beyond the walls of KCBBQ. He supported numerous local and national charities and played an important role in the development of downtown San Diego. His booming laugh, welcoming personality, and genuine belief in bringing people together touched countless lives and will be deeply missed.
Martin never forgot his Kansas City roots and proudly cheered on Kansas City teams throughout his life. This coming Monday, we invite everyone to join us at Kansas City Barbeque to cheer on the Chiefs and raise a glass in Martin’s honor.
🏈 Chiefs vs. Broncos
📅 Monday, September 14
⏰ Kickoff at 5:15 PM