Mission BBQ

Mission BBQ

Company type	Private
Industry	Restaurant
Founded	September 11, 2011 (2011-09-11) in Glen Burnie, Maryland, United States
Founder	Bill Kraus, Steve Newton
Headquarters	Glen Burnie , United States
Area served	United States
Key people	Bill Kraus, Steve Newton
Products	Barbecue food items including pulled pork, brisket, chicken, turkey, sausage, salmon
Website	missionbbq.com

Mission BBQ (presented as MISSION BBQ) is a U.S.-based barbecue restaurant chain headquartered in Glen Burnie, Maryland. Established by Bill Kraus and Steve Newton, the inaugural outlet launched on September 11, 2011, with a core purpose of honoring military personnel, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and first responders.

History and ownership

Bill Kraus, formerly a marketing executive at Under Armour, and Steve "Newt" Newton, who previously served as regional vice president at Outback Steakhouse, co-founded Mission BBQ. Their acquaintance began through their shared Ellicott City church community shortly after Kraus relocated to Maryland in 2001. While neither founder has served in the military, Kraus’s family has deep-rooted military connections.

The concept for Mission BBQ took shape following Kraus’s two sons enlisting in the armed forces in 2008. Inspired by visits to barbecue establishments throughout the southern United States, they crafted a business model blending traditional American barbecue flavors with a dedication to recognizing service members and first responders.

Opening its doors on the tenth anniversary of the September 11 attacks, the first Mission BBQ location debuted in Glen Burnie. Initially focused on pulled pork, the menu later incorporated brisket, chicken, turkey, sausage, and salmon as the brand expanded. The chain’s second restaurant began operating in Perry Hall, Maryland, in November 2012. By 2017, Mission BBQ had grown to 41 locations spanning 11 states. The company aimed for an annual increase of 20 to 25 new outlets, all privately owned and funded through partnerships with M&T Bank and Goldman Sachs. In January 2021, the chain marked the opening of its 100th store in Springfield, Illinois.

In September 2025, Andrew Kraus—son of co-founder Bill Kraus—tragically perished in a helicopter accident near Joint Base Lewis–McChord in Washington. Several Mission BBQ sites set up honor tables to pay tribute to him and other fallen service members. Condolences were publicly expressed by Vice President JD Vance and Maryland Governor Wes Moore.

Operations and management

Mission BBQ operates exclusively through corporate ownership rather than franchising. Each restaurant’s interior is adorned with memorabilia celebrating military personnel, police officers, and firefighters to reinforce its patriotic identity. The barbecue sauces are crafted in-house while meats are smoked on location using white oak wood for durations reaching up to 16 hours depending on the specific cut. For every new venue launch, the first 100 patrons can purchase an American Heroes Cup that includes a deck of cards offering complimentary menu items for an entire year.

At noon daily, Mission BBQ plays the national anthem—a tradition upheld even amid the COVID-19 pandemic through online streaming—while providing curbside pickup and local delivery options. Catering services are available across all locations. Notably, in October 2016, Mission BBQ restored a U.S. Coast Guard RIB boat to facilitate order deliveries in Annapolis, Maryland; however, this particular location ceased operations on January 20, 2024.

Philanthropy and partnerships

Mission BBQ actively supports veterans and first responders by collaborating with organizations such as the Wounded Warrior Project, Wreaths Across America, alongside various police and firefighter unions. The company participates in fundraising events, donations, and catering initiatives that foster a devoted clientele including families connected to military and emergency services. For each American Heroes Cup sold, $2 is donated to the featured charitable organization. Additionally, free sandwiches are offered annually on Veterans Day and September 11 to military members and first responders.

In July 2021, Mission BBQ enhanced its brand exposure through endorsement agreements with the entire offensive lines of both the Wisconsin Badgers and Notre Dame Fighting Irish football teams.