MISSION BBQ — Restaurant in Lakeland

They made me cry! Here's what happened... I ordered a couple of sliced brisket sandwiches and a few sides to bring to the hospital for my husband and Dad. 😋 (My Dad turned 97 years old last July. He fought with the Merchant Marines for our country's freedom in World War II.) He'd been in the ICU for several days and had been complaining to me about the hospital food, so I decided to surprise him with one of his favorite barbecue meals from Mission Bbq. When I went inside to pick up my order, I noticed that the special was smoked meatloaf. I asked a nice gentleman at the takeout window if it would be possible to change my order. He asked me what I wanted instead, and I shared with him how much my Dad loved meatloaf and how I was taking the food to him in the hospital to surprise him. Well, the nice gentleman surprised me by immediately comping our entire meal and notifying the kitchen to make the change.😯 I was overwhelmed and couldn't hold back the tears. 😭😭😭I wept quietly in the corner while they prepared our meals. Thank you for having a heart for our veterans, and thank you for truly standing behind your brand. ❤️❤️❤️ You guys are on a mission, and on that day, you really succeeded! 😇🥰 What a blessing you were and how truly kind. You touched our family that day in a way you will never know. By the way... the food was delicious and you guys are too much! 🤗😂We open the box to find that you gave an extra portion of yummy meatloaf! We love you guys! Thank you so much, and God bless! P.S. Today is his 6th day in the hospital. He's getting better each day and may be coming home tomorrow! It was hard for a good man, made of steel and tough as nails to be down like that. I'm proud of my Dad for fighting then, and I'm proud that he's fighting today. He's fighting to get well. He's...

Mission BBQ is great! The staff is friendly and attentive, and they make you feel welcomed.

Now, as a military family, and new military mom, this eating experience definitely provided a different experience due to the noon playing of the Star Spangled Banner. As I struggled to hear the words, while all the staff and customers stopped to honor those who currently serve or those having served in the past, I remembered my children who fight for this country. Ms. Honi, the General Manager, and fellow military mom, took the time to come speak with me and tell me of her experience with her 4 children who serve in the military. She encouraged me, and let me know at Missions, I could come anytime, because people here understand what I am battling. As I fought my tears, she came over again to my table to give me a hug, and Iappreciated the hug of encouragement!

I originally came for a meal, and I left with so much more! In addition, I am grateful for Ms. YaYa; she continued to check on each of the customers, and she stopped by to check in on us several times.

With all that said, We ordered 5 babyback ribs, a three meat platter that included fatty brisket, turkey, & pulled chicken. We had a side of potato salad, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, & baked beans. We also ordered the grilled shrimp with side of Alabama white sauce blend. And a half chicken dinner to go.

Also, since my husband is a veteran, he received a homemade strawberry shortcake. The poundcake, which is made in store, wss topped with fresh strawberry topping. It was delicious!

Overall, our rating was a 10/10, and they have the best brisket in town! We will definitely be back again, and thank you again...

Ok. So I've gone to Mission a couple of times this month. Every experience has been amazing. But there are a few people I need to shout out. First is their manager Honey. She was so amazing at speaking with me and handling a concern I had. She was kind, reassuring and went out of her way to make sure my concern was heard and elevated to the proper people. I later learned that my concern was invalid and returned a courtesy call to inform her of my mistake. But she was so kind through the whole conversation. Because of this experience I decided I needed to make this restaurant on my "go to more often" list. Carson was so friendly and kind, remembered my name and went out of his way to bring me a sample of their chicken, when he heard I could not eat red meat or pork. Ummm. That chicken was amazing! Definitely what I'll purchase next time. Then there was Todd, who the other day offered me a free drink with my to go order purchase. I politely declined as I had already had something in my car. But that really stuck out to me. That he was going above and beyond to make my experience worth while. Even for a To-go order. Then I spoke a bit to the manager Ashley. She and I connected on another visit when I interpreted the National Anthem (which they play at noon everyday) in ASL. I absolutely adore her. She was kind, respectful and made me laugh. Definitely the kind of person I'd want be friends with. Overall, this place is a beautifully run establishment. Just in their staff. But the food and environment is a second review in it's self. But what I can say, is I cannot give any higher praise for this location, their food and their team! See...