MISSION BBQ — Restaurant in Port Charlotte

We visited on day one, waiting in what felt like the military chow lines of old. The staff made it a point to walk the line and offered small tastes of the various meats and sides to keep the appetite and interest levels up. We were treated to a performance by the Guns and Hoses Pipes and Hoses of SW Florida (check them out on Facebook), which pretty much stopped all chatter and conversation as everyone focused on the performance. Upon making it through the opening day gauntlet, the restaurant was/is very tastefully decorated and adorned with military and public safety pictures and various pieces of gear, with MANY local heroes represented. Very cool! As to the food, wow, as one stands a the register placing their order you are looking into the assembly area where you can watch as all of the orders are made to order (*psst - get the Banana Pudding - trust me). The entire crew worked as a well assembled group, helping each other as needed, but each with their own area of responsibility. Presentation was/is great, as one begins the meal with their eyes and nose, the aromas and scents coming up from the food immediately starts the anticipation of the forthcoming meal. Seating is plentiful in the main funny area and there is an outside patio area, as well as a side/back dining area. I ordered one of the meat sampler plates (brisket - both regular or moist are offered, and pulled pork), served with cornbread and I ordered a side of baked beans. There were six different sauces on the table ranging from a sweet, to Smokey, to one best measured on the hot-spicy scales though it was not overwhelming or unpleasant. Tastebuds intact, I wrapped up what I hadn’t fished and started in with the Banana Pudding… it was worth the trip, waiting, etc., just by itself. Needless to say, if you’re seeking some great BBQ and a place that supports good/great causes related to our heroes, Mission BBQ...

Went to Mission BBQ in Port Charlotte. This was their grand opening event. While I never partake grand opening events, the wife and I were very hungry. We saw the line stretching outside the door. I didn’t think we should stay but then we decided to get in line. While in line they brought us some of their smoked turkey as well as the chopped brisket. That got my attention. While in line my wife began chatting with another customer. An Army veteran who was a former Honor Flight Guardian. He said he just got too old to do it any more, not old in ability he said just in age as you must be under 70 to be a Guardian. It was an awesome conversation. Before we knew it we were being served. I looked around and saw how busy it was and told her we should get this to-go because it was so busy. I ordered the chopped brisket sandwich, and she ordered the 3 meat sampler. It wasn’t 5 minutes and we had our food. I looked in the dinning area and they were cleaning tables as fast as people were leaving so we sat down. My sandwich was unbelievable. There was so much chopped brisket on it that it was falling out the side! It was absolutely delicious! I don’t think I spoke to my wife for the next 20 minutes because we were both so involved in our lunch. As I looked around the restaurant I saw everyone eating and moving about and chatting. But the one thing I saw that was common for everyone was their smile! Everyone was smiling whether they were talking or eating! What a great place and a great opening! We look forward to frequent lunches and dinners at Mission BBQ in Port Charlotte! Outstanding Job...

Let me start out by saying this I know they are a new restaurant and still learning how to operate as a team and hopefully they will be able to figure it out. They were busy. This was our 1st time eating at Mission BBQ and was not impressed. Service was ok, the 2 working the cash registers did a wonderful job taking orders and getting customers through the line pretty well both of them were very friendly and helpful. The kitchen staff on the other hand needed some help. Yes, I know they are learning but they even had to deal with some tall guy, I'm assuming he is a manager barking orders at them very rudely he could of just jumped in to help them but he didn't. The gentleman getting food handed to him then handing out customers food by calling out their name very friendly and helpful. As for service like I said it was ok. Now let's get to the food. All the meats, Mac and cheese, baked beans were below serving temp. Brisket was dry and cold, pulled pork cold, turkey dry and cold. No flavor at all. Mac and cheese cold, baked beans cold, cornbread cold and dry. Ordered fries also but never got them so can't give you a review on those. The sweet tea, lemonade and coleslaw were good and cold like they should be. VERY VERY OVER PRICED for the portion size. Either lower your prices to match the portion size or make your portion sizes bigger to match your price you have now and don't serve cold food that is supposed to be hot. Won't be open long if you don't get it together. We might give it another try but as of right now No, we...