Mission BBQ is opening in Port Charlotte

A new barbecue restaurant is coming to Charlotte County. Mission BBQ is opening in Port Charlotte on Tuesday, June 10.

The eatery known for dishes like pulled pork, brisket, sausage, turkey and pulled chicken is also celebrated for its patriotism. Mission BBQ co-founders Bill Kraus and Steve “Newt” Newton launched their first restaurant on Sept. 11, 2011, in Maryland. Kraus is a former Under Armour executive, while Newton is a former Outback Steakhouse executive.

“We believe there is nothing more American than BBQ. And nobody more American than the brave men and women who have sworn to protect and serve our communities and our country,” Kraus and Newton say on the company’s website. “We do what we do for the love of our soldiers, firefighters, police officers, first responders — all our loved ones in service.”

Every day, at its locations in 22 states across the country, the national anthem is sung at noon. There are also patriotic tributes throughout the dining rooms at its restaurants.

Mission BBQ aims to continue expanding throughout the country, with plans to end 2025 with more than 160 restaurants, according to a statement from the company.

When it opens on June 10, the Mission BBQ in Port Charlotte will mark the 30th restaurant for the brand in Florida. 

To usher in the new restaurant, the “Star-Spangled Banner” will be sung at noon, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Then doors will open immediately afterward at the Mission BBQ at 1340 Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte.

Leading up to the opening, the restaurant held special events to benefit the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation, the Charlotte County Firefighters and Paramedics Benevolent Foundation and the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office Employee Assistance Fund.