Angel, Operating Partner, N Myrtle Beach, SC

Angel 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, VA

Tavon 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, OH

Rob 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, OH

Kara 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, MD

Kimmy 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.

Jon, Operating Partner, Columbia, MD

“If you see him interacting with his Team, he always puts them first. He always wants the best for them. He loves us all very deeply and there’s nothing he wouldn’t do for his Team,” said Stephanie Washington, SHL about Operating Partner Jon Kendrick.

Lisa, Community Ambassador, Frederick, MD

“I can’t describe how she is but she’s just amazing and makes me feel good & special every day that she’s here,” said Daniela Zillatoro about Community Ambassador Lisa Whisnand.

Jon, General Manager, Chantilly, VA

“If there is someone you want by your side when things get tough, it’s Jon, said Cody Houghton about Jon Gridgeman. “If I’m coming in early, so is Jon. If I’m staying late, Jon is staying late.”

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, Carolinas

When 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.

Stacy, Our Teammate, Ellicott City, MD

“She’s just a bright light and a shining star in our world and in Ellicott City,” said Operating Partner Craig Saathoff about Our Teammate Stacy Henderson.”Ellicott City wouldn’t be Ellicott city without Stacy Henderson,” Craig added.

Maria, Community Ambassador, Stafford, VA

“Maria serves with her heart,” says General Manager Christine Monk about Stafford, Virginia Community Ambassador Maria Penton. “She doesn’t serve because it’s part of her job. She serves because it’s who she is.”

Suzette, Community Ambassador, Rockville, MD

“She didn’t hesitate. She right away asked me what I needed,” said Servant’s Heart Leader Xiomara Gonzalez of Suzette Brizuela, our Community Ambassador in Rockville, MD. “It made me feel supported and it made me feel like I can count on her.”

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.

Mellia, Assistant to the Director of Operations & Multi-Regional Catering Coordinator, Middle States

“She supports so many different people and is always willing to help no matter the time or the place,” said Jill Hammett. Mellia Haines has a Servant's Heart and we are proud to share her story.

Pablo, Pitmaster, Fort Myers, FL

“His #1 priority is to help every single one of his Teammates grow, personally and professionally,” said Ryan Morse, GM. Pablo Hernandez has a Servant's Heart and we are proud to share his story.

Hernan, Pitmaster, Rockville, MD

“He’s a great guy. He really does have a Servant's Heart.” says Tiffany Miles, Servant's Heart Leader. Hernan Velasquez has a Servant's Heart and we are proud to share his story.

Cindy, Community Ambassador, Midlothian, VA

"She always has the warmest heart. Always smiling and friendly." says Anthony Harris, Servant's Heart Leader. Cindy Blackburn has a Servant's Heart and we are proud to share her story.

Tricia, Community Ambassador, Harrisburg, PA

“I’m going to try to give back the best way that I can,” says Community Ambassador Tricia Howard. “And that is with a company like this, doing what I do.” She has a Servant’s Heart and we’re proud to share her story.

Angeles, Kitchen Manager, Fredericksburg, VA

Angeles 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.”

George, General Manager, Greenbelt, MD

"You know how everyone is supposed to have a best friend at work?" says one of his Teammates at MISSION BBQ. "He's my best friend." And that's how George Thomas serves everyone. Like friends and family. "He's always going to be there," they say. "No matter what." We say he has a true Servant's Heart.

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 Teammates

They'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."

Our Teammates

He Leaned In and Said, "How Can I Help?" During this challenging time, Our Teammates have stepped up. They've come in on their vacations, given their paid hours to other Teammates, run errands to the store for Our Customers. They're here for all of us, selflessly making a difference."

Jenny, Community Ambassador, Wyomissing, PA

100% 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.

Lee, Director of Operations, TN

Lee Blackwell has a Servant’s Heart. Taking care of others. Always there. The first to help out, always putting himself last. We’re grateful and proud to have him on Our Team.

Jose, Kitchen Manager, Downtown Annapolis, MD

Kitchen Manager Jose Marroquin inspires “hope for anyone who comes in contact with him.” Whether it’s customers who count on him for authentic American BBQ or Teammates who work with him and his selfless Servant’s Heart.

Gaby, Community Ambassador Greenbelt, MD

Ever 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, MD

Making 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, MD

Teacher. 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.”

John, Regional Director of Operations

"Do the best we can" Not even a hurricane when it came to serving others during a devastating storm. And not when there are coworkers who need encouragement, or customers who deserve appreciation. His “BEST” makes us all better.

Stephen "Scuba", Operating Partner, Virginia Beach

Diving 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.

Merry, Nashville, TN

Putting others first, making sure everyone is taken care of, unselfishly giving of herself time after time. Merry Roberts has a Servant’s Heart. We’re grateful and proud to have her on Our Team.

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."

Roxana, Nashville, TN

Always With A Smile. Roxana Zetino has a Servant’s Heart. Not losing a step, getting it done, and always having a smile, she’s a great Teammate. We’re grateful and proud to have her on Our Team.

Jeff, Operating Partner, St. Matthews, KY

Jeff 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.

Dana, Special Forces Trainer

She’s like a mom to many of Our Teammates — patiently teaching, always there when needed, sharing her knowledge and genuine care for others. Dana Pellegrini-Shearon has a Servant’s Heart and we’re all better for it.

Patty, Canton Crossing, MD

“Patty Machuca is one of the smallest members of Our Leadership Team, but she certainly has the biggest heart of anyone,” says General Manager Dan Long at the Canton Crossing, MD MISSION BBQ. “Patty makes everyone feel like family.”

Adam, Ft Myers, FL

He delivers food to police & firefighters away from their families on the holidays. He arranged it so his Teammate could have her kids on Christmas Eve. Gold Star Moms know they have a home at his MISSION BBQ in Fort Myers, Florida. Adam Palladino inspires us all.

Monica, Columbia, MD

“What Monica gives is real. She gives you the tools to do the job. But not only that, she gives you confidence so you know you can do the job. And that makes all the difference.” — Linda Dotterer, Brand Ambassador

Dawn, Dover, DE

“I know Dawn has a Servant's Heart. She's always about taking care of people, making sure they learn, helping them grow. Any way she can make a difference, she's happy to do so." — Gus Bloom, General Manager, Dover, DE

Josh, Regional Director of Operations

“Josh has a genuine interest in the folks who come in our restaurant, not just in our customers but with all our Teammates as well.” — Steve Newton, Co-Founder

Tony, Sr Special Forces Captain

"The mindset that Tony Sorrells has and the drive that he's able to inspire the rest of the teammates with is priceless." — Dave Wolfrey, General Manager

Charles, Perry Hall, MD

Charles has a true Servant's Heart which our Customers look forward to every time they visit us in Perry Hall. We're truly blessed to have him on Our Team.