Mission BBQ

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Mission BBQ
TypePrivate
IndustryRestaurants
GenreFast Casual
FoundedSeptember 11, 2011; 10 years ago (2011-09-11) in Glen Burnie, Maryland
FoundersBill Kraus
Steve Newton
Headquarters
Glen Burnie, Maryland
,
United States
Number of locations
109 (2021)[1]
Area served
East Coast, Midwestern United States
Key people
Steve Newton (Co-founder, CEO)
ProductsVarious types of barbecue slow smoked meats, sandwiches, chicken and side dishes
Number of employees
7,000+
Websitewww.mission-bbq.com

Mission BBQ is an American barbecue restaurant chain based in Glen Burnie, Maryland. Bill Kraus and Steve Newton opened the first location on September 11, 2011, as a way to support military, police, firefighters, and first responders.[2] Unlike many barbecue restaurants, Mission BBQ does not specialize in any one regional barbecue, and instead, offers a variety of regional meats and sauces.[1]

History and ownership[]

Bill Kraus, a former apparel executive (Under Armour), and Steve "Newt" Newton, a former restaurant executive (Outback Steakhouse), started with the concept of supporting military and public response forces, and then decided to go into the barbecue industry. After doing some market research throughout the United States, they opened the first Mission BBQ in Glen Burnie, Maryland on the tenth anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks.[2]

They opened another Mission BBQ in Perry Hall, Maryland the following year before recording growth numbers of three new restaurants in 2013, nine in 2014 and 2015, and 17 in 2016.[3] Growth spiked sharply post-2017, with the company planning an expansion strategy of 20 to 25 new locations a year, all privately owned and financed through M&T Bank and Goldman Sachs.[1]

Mission BBQ opened its doors for business on September 11, 2011 and is now in nine states with 109 stores (2021) and still growing rapidly. The company has a goal of expanding is operations by adding over 200 locations by 2024.

Operations and management[]

Meal from Mission BBQ

After getting a handle on the barbecue scene in the United States, Kraus and Newton decided to not include microwaves or freezers in their restaurants, and instead, smoking the meat just a few hours ahead of time.[2] Mission BBQ locations are decorated with community-donated memorabilia from military and public response forces, and every store pauses operations at noon each day to play the national anthem.[2] The chain also utilizes servers in the dining area of the restaurants.[4]

Mission BBQ also producing catering. Mission BBQ Catering Maryland, LLC was founded in 2012. The company's line of business includes the retail sale of prepared foods and drinks for on-premise consumption. The company has a large catering facility next to the first Mission BBQ restaurant in Glen Burnie. Each location offers additional catering options.[3]

All of Mission BBQ locations are company owned. Each location operates as an LLC. The parent company is privately owned by the Founders. Founder Bill Kraus is president, Founder Stephen "Newt" Newton is chief executive officer, and Greg Schuessler is Chief Financial Officer. Operations Executives include Vice Presidents of Operations Josh Mitchell & Paul Sattler.

Community outreach[]

The concept of supporting military came from co-founder Bill Kraus, who had two sons serve in the United States Marine Corps. Mission BBQ has utilized multiple methods to support the military and veterans, such as fundraisers preceding the opening of new locations,[2] giving free food to veterans on their wars' remembrance days,[5] and hiring local veterans.[6]

Mission BBQ locations frequently donate food to local first responders and military personnel. Each area has a Community Ambassador team member who works on fostering relationships with the community and local first responders.

References[]

  1. ^ a b c Stern, Gary. "Mission BBQ: Combining Tasty Barbecue With A Patriotic Mission Paying Off". Forbes. Retrieved 28 July 2019.
  2. ^ a b c d e Maze, Jonathan. "Mission BBQ: The fast-growing chain you may not know about". Restaurant Business. Retrieved 28 July 2019.
  3. ^ a b Mirabella, Lorraine. "Glen Burnie-based Mission BBQ blends barbecue and patriotism in bid to become national brand". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved 28 July 2019.
  4. ^ Meehan, Sarah. "Mission BBQ's Bill Kraus lays out massive expansion strategy". Baltimore Business Journal. Retrieved 28 July 2019.
  5. ^ Griffitts, Katie. "Mission BBQ giving away free food for National Korean War Armistice Day". WJHG. Retrieved 28 July 2019.
  6. ^ Dehm, Eric (February 2019). "Mission BBQ: Serving and hiring heroes". Radio.com. Retrieved 28 July 2019.

External links[]

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