Mission BBQ Sizzles at #7 on Forbes’ Best Customer Service List

Mission BBQ, the patriotic fast-casual barbecue chain known for its smoked meats and heartfelt support for military and first responders, is one restaurant we visit frequently and for good reason.

Photo taken by Melisa Kennedy at Mission BBQ in The Villages / Lady Lake, Florida location.

Mission BBQ has earned a coveted spot at #7 on Forbes’ Best Customer Service 2025 list. This prestigious recognition highlights the restaurant’s unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences, placing it among the nation’s top service providers.

Forbes, in partnership with data analytics firm HundredX, compiled the second-annual list based on a yearlong survey of 181,000 U.S. customers who provided 4.4 million ratings across more than 3,500 brands. Mission BBQ stood out in the “Sit Down Dining” category, lauded for its personalized service, speedy delivery, and dedication to exceeding customer expectations. The chain’s focus on creating memorable visits—beyond just serving mouthwatering brisket and ribs—earned it high marks for personal interaction and customer satisfaction.

Founded in 2011 by Bill Kraus and Steve Newton, Mission BBQ opened its first location in Glen Burnie, Maryland, on September 11, a date chosen to honor the resilience of American heroes. The chain now operates over 150 locations across the U.S., each designed with a patriotic atmosphere featuring tributes to soldiers, firefighters, police officers, and first responders. “We’re in the barbecue business, but we’re serving a healthy side of patriotism,” Kraus once told Forbes, encapsulating the brand’s mission to give back to those who serve.

Mission BBQ’s customer service shines through its staff, who are empowered to go the extra mile. At the Evansville, Indiana, location on Green River Road, for example, team members are celebrated for their friendly, proactive approach, ensuring every guest feels valued. Reviews on platforms like Tripadvisor and Yelp echo this sentiment, with customers praising staff for their warmth, menu knowledge, and even small gestures like offering free fries to veterans or explaining the nuances of six distinct BBQ sauces.

The chain’s commitment extends beyond the dining room. Mission BBQ has donated over $25 million to charities supporting military personnel, veterans, and first responders, including organizations like the United Service Organizations and local groups such as 911 Gives Hope in Evansville. Their motto, “Thanks for What You Do,” is more than a catchphrase—it’s a guiding principle reflected in free meals for veterans on specific holidays and fundraisers for community heroes.

Customers also appreciate Mission BBQ’s operational efficiency. The chain offers multiple ordering options, including online pickup, curbside service, and delivery through third-party platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats. With a menu featuring Texas, Kansas City, and North Carolina-style barbecue, customizable sides, and a variety of sauces, Mission BBQ caters to diverse tastes while maintaining quality and freshness—no microwaves or freezers here.

The Forbes ranking places Mission BBQ in elite company, trailing only The UPS Store, USAA, Chick-fil-A, REI, Trader Joe’s, and Discount Tire in the top 10. Notably, it’s one of only two restaurants in the top tier, underscoring its dominance in the dining sector. “The businesses that understand and meet their customers’ needs better than competitors will always be the most successful,” said Rob Pace, CEO of HundredX, a sentiment Mission BBQ embodies through its service-first ethos.

As Mission BBQ continues to expand, its focus on community, quality, and customer care remains unwavering.

Whether you’re craving tender ribs, a pulled pork sandwich, or simply a warm welcome, Mission BBQ invites you to experience its award-winning service firsthand. Visit them at one of their many locations or check out their menu online at mission-bbq.com.

Mission BBQ Contact: For inquiries, reach out to Mission BBQ’s headquarters at 833-217-8680 or visit mission-bbq.com/contact. For Mission BBQ in The Villages/Lady Lake, Florida location: 631 N US Hwy 27/441, Lady Lake, FL 32158 Ph: 352-247-4793