Donald Danforth Plant Science Center Announces Menu Collaboration with Sugarfire Smokehouse
New giveback dish inspired by resilient crops debuts at “Party with the Plants” event, with proceeds benefiting the nonprofit research organization
ST. LOUIS, MO., September 16, 2025 - In coordination with its sponsorship of the upcoming Danforth Center Young Friends Fundraiser, Party with the Plants, Sugarfire Smokehouse, the award-winning family of barbecue restaurants, today announced they will launch a giveback menu collaboration - a sustainability-focused signature side dish inspired by the crops researched at the Danforth Center.
Beginning Friday, October 3, The Botanical Belly—a whipped cassava mash topped with sorghum-glazed pork belly—will be available for a limited time at Sugarfire’s flagship Olivette location. A portion of the proceeds from each dish sold will be donated directly to the Danforth Center to support its nonprofit research mission.
The Botanical Belly
The partnership stems from longtime support from Sugarfire owners Charlie and Carolyn Downs, who have championed sponsorship and collaboration with the Danforth Center. Creativity struck during a recent facility tour when Chef Mike Johnson and Executive Corporate Chef Kat Wallace were inspired to create a menu item based on resilient crops being researched and improved at the Danforth Center.
The giveback dish highlights sorghum and cassava, two crops with a deep connection to sustainability and food security. Sorghum is known for its drought tolerance and potential as a renewable bioenergy source. Cassava thrives in challenging environments with minimal inputs and is eaten daily by more than half a billion people in Africa. Both crops are the focus of major research projects at the Danforth Center designed to help feed the world while sustaining the planet. The crops also pair seamlessly with Sugarfire’s barbecue flavors.
“Sorghum and cassava are the kind of crops that can change the way the world eats, and they just so happen to fit perfectly on a bbq menu,” said Chef Mike Johnson. “As a chef, I geek out about food science, so this collaboration feels like a win-win. The Danforth Center is doing amazing work right here in our backyard.”
Chef Mike Johnson
The giveback dish features seasonal comfort food flavors with a base of creamy whipped cassava mash served with slow-smoked pork belly garnished with sweet sorghum glaze. The Botanical Belly will make its official debut on Friday, September 26, at the organization’s Young Friends’ Fundraiser, Party with the Plants, where Chef Mike Johnson will showcase the new dish with a live barbecue demonstration and offer guests an exclusive first taste.
Tom Bander, Vice President of Development at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Sugarfire on this creative giveback collaboration. The dish highlights the incredible flavors, but also the vital role these crops play in building a more sustainable and food secure future. It’s inspiring to see a beloved St. Louis brand bring the impact of our work to life in such a delicious and accessible way, while giving back to support our nonprofit mission.”
The Botanical Belly dish will be available for dine-in or carry-out every Friday at Sugarfire Olivette, beginning October 3 through December 31, with a portion of proceeds from each bowl benefiting the Danforth Center. Guests who wish to support the organization directly can make a donation here.
For more information about Sugarfire Smokehouse, please visit www.sugarfiresmokehouse.com.
About Sugarfire Smokehouse
Sugarfire Smokehouse is an award-winning restaurant group, founded by Chef Mike Johnson, Carolyn Downs, and Charlie Downs. Famous for its succulent brisket, pulled pork, ribs, signature sandwiches, and over-the-top daily specials, Sugarfire takes the best traditions of the best barbecue cities in the U.S.A. to create a St. Louis-style barbecue that’s all its own. Sugarfire Smokehouse has been named Best Barbecue by the Travel Channel, St. Louis Magazine, and Feast Magazine and has won awards at the Memphis in May World Barbecue Championships. The restaurant group has been featured on Pitmasters, Beat Bobby Flay, and Burgers, Brew, and Que. In 2022, Sugarfire was crowned “Best Sandwich in the World” at the World Food Championships. In 2024, Sugarfire was named STL’s #1 BBQ in St. Louis Magazine’s A-List Awards. Sugarfire Smokehouse has twelve locations, including numerous smokehouses across the state of Missouri as well as a location in Westminster, Colorado.
About Donald Danforth Plant Science Center
Founded in 1998, the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is a nonprofit research institute with a mission to improve the human condition through plant science. Research, education, and outreach aim to have an impact at the nexus of food security and the environment and position the St. Louis region as a world center for plant science. The Center’s work is funded through competitive grants from many sources, including the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Energy, the Gates Foundation, and through the generosity of individual, corporate and foundation donors.
For additional information or images please contact: Karla Roeber, kroeber@danforthcenter.org.