A Servant's Heart
A Servant's Heart
A Servant's Heart
The core of Our Culture and Our Company is that of a Servant’s Heart. We approach everything we do with a humble servant’s heart — putting the needs of others above our own.
A True Servant's Heart
“Estela is the kind of Teammate that everybody wants to be around,” said Regional Director, Monica about her friend, Estela. She leads with a Servant’s Heart inside Our Restaurant and within Our Community. Estela stayed to comfort a young special needs child that she found alone while they waited for the police to arrive and she delivered medicine to a fellow Teammate when their whole family has become sick. Estela really exemplifies what it means to have a Servant’s Heart.
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Ray, Our Teammate in Oxford Valley, PA“Every year on 9/11, I have the privilege to be able to explain to the young kids who weren’t even born then what that day was like,” said Our Teammate, Ray. He was working as a Commodities Trader at 4 World Trade Center in 2001 and was heading into work on the morning of 9/11. He was still in the city when the towers fell and lost friends and colleagues. Like all Americans, the day left him feeling changed. Today, he feels passionately about giving back to first responders and he has found that he can do that at MISSION BBQ. -
Kirk, Our Teammate in Sarasota, FL“This is a guy who had just lost everything, the house he has lived in for 15+ years, just lost everything, and without hesitation said ‘I’m coming with you to help my people,’” said Nick about his friend, Kirk. After his years of service in the US Army, Kirk still finds ways to serve his community and is always putting the needs of Our People before his own. “People like that, who step up without hesitation, that’s a true servant’s heart.” -
Arianna, Our Teammate in Orange, CT“Her passion is making other people feel great,” said Area Director Jake about his friend and fellow Teammate, Arianna. Jake was on the receiving end of Arianna’s passion for people when she spent some of her free time making a custom, coffee pot shaped cake for his birthday. That is one example of many times that Arianna has shown her Servant’s Heart. “She shows each and every person that they are seen but, more importantly, that they are heard,” said RCD Tanner. -
Mike, Our Teammate in Central Florida“Mike is one of the most genuinely impactful people I have ever known,” said Grace about her friend and mentor. Mike leads by listening. He puts Our People first and makes an impact because he genuinely cares. “He just has this way of making them feel heard, even in difficult and awkward conversations. I feel like I can always go to him in any situation I have because I don’t ever feel like he’s going to make me feel wrong about it or feel silly,” added Grace. “I’m so lucky to have him as a coach and as a teacher.” -
Rick, Our Teammate in South Florida“He wants people to grow. He loves to see people grow,” said Servant Heart Leader, Melissa, about her friend and mentor, Rick. He showed his Servant’s Heart by making sure Melissa had the time she needed to take her grandmother to medical appointments and make sure that her family’s needs were met. He is invested in the success of Our Teammates and he pours everything he has into them. “To this day, Rick still makes sure that he checks on me and my family,” Melissa added. -
Aimee, Our Teammate, Deptford and Sicklerville, NJ“Aimee is always there rooting for me,” said Joanne about her friend and fellow Teammate. Aimee’s focus on caring for others and making everyone around her feel special has spread throughout the region she proudly serves. “She inspires others to be more giving, almost creating this ripple effect of kindness throughout the area,” said Area Director Gabrielle about her friend, Amy. “She really embodies kindness and compassion in everything she does.” -
Marleika, General Manager, Greenville, NC“Mar always cared about people. She was taking someone with her in the next step of the process.” said Area Director, Jason, about his friend Marleika. As she has grown in her own career to become the General Manager in Greenville, NC, Marleika has made it her mission to push Our Teammates to see the best in themselves and grow in their own careers. “Ultimately, she saw something in me that I didn’t see and she showed me how to put my knowledge and talents to better use in a way that could change my future,” said David, one of Mar’s Servant Heart Leaders. -
Kerri, Our Teammate, Grand Rapids, MIWhen Kerri joined the team in Grand Rapids, Michigan, she started with a focus on taking care of Our People. “She took over a struggling Heart of House operation and, within months, she turned it around,” said Grand Rapids Operating Partner Rich. “If I had a bad day, she’d be there to help me and comfort me and if I had a good day, she’d make my day better,” added Andrew, a Servant Heart Leader in Grand Rapids. -
Maryrose, Our Teammate, Columbia, MDWithin the First Responder and Military communities in Columbia, Maryland, Maryrose has built a reputation as a strong supporter and a dedicated friend. “She takes that extra time to care about, not only the customer, but the person,” said her friend Cole from FOP Lodge 21. Maryrose shows up for her people, in times of celebration and times of struggle. “She’s part of our family,” said Warren, another friend from Howard County Fire. -
Maurice, Our Teammate, Bel Air, MDMaurice is the first person to step up to support Our Teammates whenever help is needed and he’s always one of the last to leave after making sure everyone else is taken care of first. He takes such great care of Our Teammates that he has earned a special nickname. “It’s kinda funny to sit here and call him Maurice because he’s known to everybody as ‘Dad,’” said SHL, Tyrone, about his friend, Maurice. -
Cathy, Our Teammate, Sterling Heights, MI“She was the kind of person everyone wanted to be around,” said Lisa about her friend, Cathy. Known by many for her outgoing personality and her selfless heart, Cathy was always checking in on the wellbeing of others even after her own health began to fail her. “It was just awe inspiring to know that one of the first things out of her mouth was making sure that the Teammates were going to be okay,” said General Manager, Aaron. “That just let me know, at the core of her, what her values really were.” -
Louie, Community Ambassador, Rockville, MD“He’s born to please, born to keep you happy. I’ve never seen him have a down time or anything. If you need something, he’s going to get it for you,” said local WWII Veteran, Lindy about his friend, Louie. As the Community Ambassador, Louie has built incredible relationships throughout the community that our Heroes know that can rely on. “He’s given us a real spirit of life. When you get old, people tend to discard you, they really do, but not Louie,” added World War II Veteran Robert. -
Chyanna, Our Teammate, St. John’s, FLChyanna doesn’t hesitate to support Our Teammates in any way that is needed. “She is always there supporting struggles and just being there for her team,” said Teammate Ambassador Olivia of her friend, Chyanna. From giving rides to and from work to staying late to make sure the work gets done by many hands, Chyanna is always acting with a Servant’s Heart. -
Suzanne, Our Teammate, Waldorf, MD“Suzanne has a beautiful heart. She has a beautiful soul,” said SHL Jackie about her friend and Teammate. Suzanne is always putting the needs of others before her own. She is an inspiration to Our Teammates by always prioritizing the people in her life and showing how much she cares. “Kids need someone to look up to and Suzanne is an excellent role model for them.” -
Rebecca, Catering Service Specialist, Hamilton, NJRebecca leaves a lasting impression on everyone she comes into contact with. She goes the extra mile to make others feel special and is a constant source of support and encouragement to Our Teammates and Our Customers. “Her energy just radiates through whatever she does. She says no to no one. She gives so much to people,” said Marlton, NJ General Manager, Desiree. “Rebecca is the epitome of what it means to have a Servant’s Heart.” -
Alex, Our Teammate, Annapolis, MDAlex supports Our Teammates and pushes them to be the best versions of themselves. He is willing to drop everything to be there for Our Teammates even if it is his day off. “Deeds are more important than words and Alex really shows that,” said Teammate Ambassador, Olivia. “He’s definitely a person of character and he will do anything to show how much he cares and how much compassion he has for people.” -
Kathryn, Wedding Specialist in Maryland CateringKathryn consistently exceeds expectations for every couple she works with as a Wedding Specialist in Maryland Catering. She jumps in to help wherever needed to ensure her couples have the day they have dreamed of. “She never hesitates to go above and beyond to make sure her brides have a great experience,” said Morgan Hernandez. -
Jimi, Our Teammate, Robinson, PAJimi consistently puts the needs of Our Teammates at the very top of his list of priorities. Even in times of great success, he makes sure the whole Team gets recognition for the hard work put in by all. “He constantly puts the needs of others before the needs of his own. He will be the first to say we, rather than I, for any and all wins that our location here in Robinson is a part of,” said Robinson, PA Pitmaster, Hunter. -
Dennis, Our Teammates, Frederick, MDDennis is a bright light for all of Our Teammates in Frederick, Maryland. He has covered shifts for a Teammate to get home to a sick child and he has helped a Teammate move. He even loaned his car to Briona so she could take her driving test and get her license. Dennis always brings positive energy with him to work each day. “Anybody is so lucky to have Dennis in his life. He has that special spirit that is so contagious and so positive,” said Teammate Ambassador, Briona. -
Abbi, Our Teammates, Evansville, IN“The word ‘selfless’ is definitely the word I would think of when it comes to her,” said Evansville, Indiana General Manager Mike about his friend and Teammate, Abbi. Our Teammates in Evansville know Abbi for her big heart and her dedication to keeping them all well fed. “She really embodies what it means to serve others. Abbi truly lives her life, not only inside of our store but outside of our store, serving others and it’s a true inspiration to be around her.” -
Narmi Reyes, Our Teammate, Annapolis, MDPitmaster Narmi inspires Our Teammates with her dedication to her work and the way she makes everyone feel like family. She has trained countless Teammates and Servant Heart Leaders and is always leading by example. “She takes her Pitmater role very seriously and shares her wisdom with everyone,” said Annapolis SHL, Olivia. “I have personally seen Narmi care for all of her Teammates and recognize everyone’s values individually which truly shows what a Servant’s Heart she has.” -
Latajia Carthens, General Manager, Woodbridge, VAWoodbridge, VA General Manager Latajia holds Our Teammates accountable with a blend of caring and respect that has inspired those around her to achieve their own goals. “She has expectations. I need to meet them,” said Jenny. That’s probably one of the best memories that I have with Tay. She always held me accountable. She still holds me accountable. I work with her side-by-side now. Now I’m a Servant Heart Leader and honestly, I thank her.” -
Autumn, Our Teammate, Laurel, MDAutumn is known as a constant source of support to Our Teammates in the restaurant and within the Laurel, Maryland Community. She is always prioritizing the needs of others even when she isn’t at work and ready with words and acts of encouragement. “She is a giver and by giving, whether it’s giving a hug or giving a smile or a thumbs up, it seems like that’s what she does. That’s who she is,” said Brad, a Firefighter with the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department. -
Guadalupe, Our Teammate, California, MDGuadalupe is known to all of Our Teammates in California, Maryland as having the biggest heart and the strongest work ethic. Everyone in her work family knows that they can rely on her to support them personally and professionally in their times of need. “When we talk about a Servant’s Heart Leader, that young lady sure shows it everyday,” said James about his friend and Teammate, Guadalupe. -
Angel, Operating Partner, N Myrtle Beach, SCAngel treats her Teammates like family. Whether she is checking on them when they travel or getting personalized gifts to celebrate their successes or just being a source of support, Angel is always showing that they are her work family. “Day-to-day she proves to Our Teammates how selfless and caring she can be,” said Nealy, Angel’s daughter and a Teammate in North Myrtle Beach. “She doesn’t treat them any differently than she treats me and always makes sure they are safe and comfortable in their work environment,” Nealy added. -
Tavon, Operating Partner, Charlottesville, VATavon is consistently putting the needs of his Teammates above his own. From supporting them in a time of loss to driving an hour each way to give a ride to work, Tavon's actions show his team that he has their back. It’s exactly as his mother taught him. “I got my servant’s heart from my mother. She is still spreading love and encouragement and to cherish each moment that you have with everyone,” Tavon said. “She told me to utilize my moments with everybody to teach, to uplift, to encourage.” He has certainly been doing just that. -
Rob, Operating Partner, Mason, OHRob goes above and beyond to take care of Our Customers, Our Teammates and our local heroes. He has bought birthday cakes for Customers so they can celebrate together and gone in on his day off to cook brunch for Our Teammates who are graduating. “He really does care for the Customers as well as the Teammates. He just wants to make sure everyone is taken care of,” said Mason, Ohio GSR, Kyle Williams. “That really is his calling.” -
Jaime, Operating Partner, Frederick, Maryland“Jaime’s mentorship to the kids in this place has been exceptional. She helps them to see that what they do in and through MISSION is something they can take with them when they leave this place; how to serve, how to be selfless, how to be Servant Hearted,” said Community Ambassador Lisa about her friend and General Manager, Jaime. “It’s so neat to see the change come when it’s not just about checking the boxes and doing the duties of MISSION, but embracing the Why behind MISSION and that’s what Jaime does.” -
Bonnie, Operating Partner, Merrillville, IN“When I hear ‘Servant’s Heart’ there is one person that comes to mind and that is Bonnie,” said Amanda about her friend and Operating Partner in Merrillville, Indiana. Bonnie has been described by her Teammates as thoughtful and caring. They say she is always willing to listen and offer her support. “All I have to do, all anybody has to do is, ‘hey, Bonnie, I need you,’ and she will sit down and talk,” Amanda added. -
Donnie, Our Teammate, St. Mathews, KY“He is amazing with our veterans and with our first responders but also with every customer,” said General Manager Adam about Our Teammate Donnie. He has a gift to be able to connect with people in the dining room and to make them feel special. “His ability to talk to Our customers and to take care of Our People is unbelievable,” Adam added. -
Morgan, General Manager, Waugh Chapel, MD“What Morgan has done for me is give me an opportunity,” said Servant Heart Leader, Abigail. She’s talking about her friend and mentor, Morgan, Waugh Chapel’s General Manager. “She is always there for Teammates. No matter what’s going on in her life, she makes time for the Team and puts the Team’s needs above her own.” -
Misty, Our Teammate in Madison, Wisconsin“Misty has helped numerous leaders develop into new positions and she’s always putting others ahead of herself,” said Area Director Matt Keifer about Misty Winterling. She thinks of her Teammates as family and she’s always looking to make them happy and support them inside and outside of work. “She brings joy to every shift and she truly creates that family environment.” -
Kara, Operating Partner, Parma, OHKara supports her Teammates every day with anything they need. She always works to put people first. “I love her. She is a great teacher, a great motivator. She’s just a great person all the way around,” said Rokisha Lamar about her friend and Operating Partner in Parma, Ohio, Kara. “She is my Why for why I’m with MISSION BBQ. She motivates me to believe in myself. She motivates me to believe in what I do. She motivates me to believe in her.” -
Marjorie, Community Ambassador, Richmond, VA“Marjie is probably one of the nicest people I’ve ever known on the entire planet. Her commitment and devotion to military personnel, especially World War II Veterans, is nothing short of extraordinary,” said Brian Toony about Richmond, Virginia’s Community Ambassador, Marjie. She developed a relationship with Brian and his WWII Submarine Veteran uncle while taking care of them in the restaurant. When Brian’s uncle passed away, Marjie was there to serve and support their family. -
Fort Myers Teammates“Our Teammates have one Mission and that is to Serve,” said Adam Palladino, Area Director of Operations. Southwest Florida Teammates got busy serving the local community and supporting each other following the devastating impact of Hurricane Ian. “I am proud to call myself a Teammate of MISSION BBQ. I am proud to have worked with so many Great People who put the needs of others above their own.” -
Kimmy, Catering Service Specialist, California, MDKimmy supports her fellow Teammates with rides to and from work. She helps cover shifts to make sure others can be at important events. Kimmy treats her Teammates like family. “She truly embodies her role as a Servant’s Heart Leader, putting the needs of others before her own,” said Matt, Servant’s Heart Leader in California, MD. -
Tabatha, Catering Service Specialist, York, PA“Tabatha pays attention. She pays attention to the little details and she pays attention to people,” said Area Director Chris McCullough about Tabatha McGinnis. “She’s just that special MISSION BBQ spirit, that Servant Heart that really, truly cares about everyone around her and not about herself.” -
Bonita, Our Teammate, Waldorf, MD“Ms. Bonita truly is the heart of the restaurant,” said CSS Jackie Robinson of Our Teammate Bonita Mackall. “She keeps us going, she really does. It’s always a great day when she’s here. We’re always laughing. We’re always having fun. Even when it’s raining, it’s a sunny day in here as long as Bonita is in here.” -
Kyle, Servant Heart Leader, Camp Hill, PA“He cares that much to pay attention to the stories in our area, the people in our area. He cares that much to sit there and listen to what they have been through and what they have done,” says GM Stephen Bland about Our Teammate, Kyle Marshall. “He has that rare ability to connect with just about anyone.” -
Jonathan, Area Director of Operations, CarolinasWhen one of his Teammates was having a hard time Jonathan Windham stepped up and went above and beyond. “Gave him a place to stay. Gave him a car to drive,” said Servant Heart Leader, Wheeler Hawks about how Jonathan reacted to help that Teammate with a true Servant Heart. -
Jessica, Servant’s Heart Leader, Brookfield, WI“My first 1:1 with Jessica, I sat down and started asking her questions about her Teammates. I was blown away about how much she knew about each individual,” said Sahul Flores about Jessica Gray, a Servant’s Heart Leader in Brookfield, Wisconsin. “How much she knew about them professionally, personally, knew their goals, what their frustrations were. She knew everything.” -
Amber, Community Ambassador, Evansville, IN“She was in the dining room sitting at a table talking to a WWII Veteran,” says Tanya Sturm, Operating Partner in Evansville, Indiana of Amber Buchanan Evansville’s Community Ambassador. “It made him feel very, very special and made her feel very special. I remember her having a little tear in her eye.” -
AJ, Teammate, Plymouth Meeting, PA“He was working the line in July with a new Teammate and he noticed the Teammate was walking home at night. So, Aj being Aj stepped up and gave him a ride,” shared ADoO Chris Blythe of Aj Gardiner. “Even shifts that Aj was not working, he would show up at the end of the night to give this Teammate a ride home,” added GM Lea Anne Bello. -
Chris, Our Teammate, Waugh Chapel, MD“To see that he cared that much to want to come in without even having to be asked, just to help support in any way he could meant everything. What an awesome thing to do.” said Harvie Donn, GM of Waugh Chapel. Chris Kokoski has a Servant's Heart and we are proud to share his story. -
Leigh, Community Ambassador, Oviedo, FL“Twenty-four hours a day, she’s there to answer the phone, just to lend an ear, listen to their story. If there’s an emergency, she’s the first one to respond,” said ADoO Amy Briscoe of Leigh Anne Schwarz, Community Ambassador in Oviedo Florida. Leigh Anne Schwarz has a Servant's Heart and we are proud to share her story. -
Ricardo, Servant’s Heart Leader, Dover, DE“You could tell from the beginning that he has a passion for learning but also a passion for coaching and teaching,” said ADoO Gus Bloom of Ricardo Pantoja, Servant’s Heart Leader in Dover Delaware. Ricardo Pantoja has a Servant's Heart and we are proud to share his story. -
Angeles, Kitchen Manager, Fredericksburg, VAAngeles Bravo is "quite honestly one of the best kitchen managers, Servant Heart Leaders, in the back of the house that I've ever worked with and had the pleasure of knowing," says one of her Teammates. "She's truly a Servant's Heart and just a phenomenal leader.” -
Jason, Dining Room Lead, Weston, FL"Jason is probably one of the kindest people you could ever meet. He's just an all-around great guy, you know. You don't meet guys like him very often in this world. If you ever need him, you know, he's there for you. He'll be there for you. He'll support you all the way." Jason Ramsey has a Servant's Heart and we are proud to share his story. -
Liz, Community Ambassador, Chantilly, VA"The epitome of a Servant's Heart Leader" There are Law Enforcement Officers who tell of Liz McGuirk's selfless efforts to honor Our Heroes. Teammates who talk of how she honored others. "Whether it be family, friends, community, teammates, she's always putting others first," says Operating Partner, John Gridgeman. We are proud to share her story. -
Matthew, Pitmaster, California, MD"I've had the honor and the privilege of watching Matthew Keates go from being a busboy to being a Servant's Heart Pitmaster," says Jim Bloomer, General Manager, at our California, MD MISSION BBQ. "He shows this Servant's Heart in the way he takes care of what's now his people." -
Demetrius, General Manager, Waldorf, MD"He's Truly a Great Person." His Teammates call him "selfless." "Mentor." "A father to me." One who always put others ahead of himself, while putting "a lot of time and attention and growth into younger people." He sees potential. He has grown leaders. Demetrius Weeden has Servant's Heart and we're proud he's on Our Team. -
Our TeammatesThey've given up their own scheduled hours so others in need could work during the pandemic. They've even taken part-time jobs at other businesses just to help out their overworked friends. "It wasn't about the money," says one Operating Partner about his Teammate. "She absolutely wanted to go support her friends." -
Jenny, Community Ambassador, Wyomissing, PA100% Real, From the Heart. Right away, when you meet Jenny Winchester, you can tell she’s a genuine person. Her Servant’s Heart is “100% real.” Whether caring for Our Customers and Our Teammates, or “adopting” a WWII Veteran who visits daily, she’s really inspiring. -
Gaby, Community Ambassador Greenbelt, MDEver since graduating High School, Gaby Benitez has “wanted to do something that was worth doing.” Whether joining us at MISSION BBQ to better serve her Community or enlisting in the Army National Guard to serve Our Country, her Servant’s Heart just keeps getting bigger. -
Silvia, Assistant Kitchen Manager, Glen Burnie, MDMaking Every Day A Better One. “Everybody is in a better mood,” says MISSION BBQ General Manager Duane Donn. “Everybody is just happy to be working with each other and I think we really see the camaraderie come out.” So who’s the one leading the way, making every day better? Silvia Gonzalez. -
Jim, General Manager, California, MDTeacher. Mentor. Servant. His Teammates look up to Jim Bloomer like a father figure — one who leads “in the most kind and fatherly way, but with that stern manner.” His selfless service not only makes a difference in their lives, but to those he helps as an active Navy Reservist and everyone who walks into MISSION BBQ’s four walls.” -
Craig & Maria”It Comes From The Heart.” Married for 29 years, now working side-by-side at MISSION BBQ, Craig Briggs & Maria Cordova Briggs look after one big family of Police Officers, Firefighters, First Responders, active-duty military & veterans, and their Richmond community. “It’s about caring for other people, looking out for their well-being.” -
Stephen "Scuba", Operating Partner, Virginia BeachDiving In To Make A Difference. Our Mission Is To Serve. And we need soldiers like Steve “Scuba” Lippert … Veterans who not only understand the industry but understand what our policy is. He has integrity, our admiration, and a humble Servant’s Heart. -
Shannon, NE Philadelphia"What Can I Do For You?” That's how Shannon Sperduto greets everyone at our Philadelphia MISSION BBQ -- especially those in need. Whether it's a fundraiser for First Responders, a thoughtful card and hug, or feeding crowds at community events, Shannon is "constantly offering love and support." -
Jeff, Operating Partner, St. Matthews, KYJeff Baker brought out the best in everyone, always there to help, to teach and mentor, to be a friend and brother in arms. He was laid to rest on March 15, 2019. Just as we often heard him say to us with his favorite encouraging words,“We See You Shining” up there, Jeff.
