Mission BBQ opening soon in Rehoboth outlets
Local barbecue lovers can soon visit a new Mission BBQ in Tanger Outlets Seaside off northbound Route 1 near Rehoboth Beach.
The restaurant is under construction and expected to open for business this spring, according to Linda Potterer, director of branding and community relations. She said hiring of hourly staff will begin in February.
The restaurant will be located in a pad site occupied by GAP and near Chipotle.
It will be the fourth location in Delaware for the growing chain with more than 130 restaurants in 19 states. The Rehoboth restaurant will join the Dover and Wilmington locations in the state, and another new restaurant to be built in New Castle County.
A site plan, which includes outdoor seating, was approved in 2022 by Sussex County Planning & Zoning Commission.
Mission BBQ founders Bill Kraus, a former Under Armor executive, and Steve “Newt” Newton, a former Outback Steakhouse executive, opened their first restaurant Sept. 11, 2011, the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers and the Pentagon.
“Ten years after our world changed forever, in a small way we wanted to change it back,” the owners wrote on their website.
“We do what we do for the love of our soldiers, firefighters, police officers and first responders – all our loved ones in service. We are proudly serving those who serve.”
That’s very obvious when customers walk through the doors, as restaurant walls are covered with photos, badges and memorabilia of local first responders.
The first restaurant opened in Glen Burnie, Md., followed by another in Perry Hall, Md., then three opening in 2013, nine in 2014-15 and 17 in 2016. The goal of the company now is to open 20-25 new restaurants a year.
The company has donated more than $20 million to local, state and federal organizations. Its key national recipients include The Global War on Terror Memorial Fund, Wreaths Across America, Flight Network, USO, Special Operations Warrior Fund, Navy Seals Foundation, Semper Fi & America’s Fund, Concerns of Police Survivors, CIA Officers Memorial Foundation and National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
In Delaware, Mission BBQ provides donations to USO Delaware, Delaware COPS, Dover Police Department and FOP Lodge 15, Dover Fire Department and Wilmington Firefighters Benevolence Fund.
With a downstate presence, that list is sure to grow to include Cape Region organizations.
