I convinced my dad to go to dinner with me tonight. I asked him what he wanted, naming a couple restaurants and my dad being as awesome as he is, knew I really wanted to try Mission BBQ for my blogging purposes, so of course he picked the BBQ place. The new Mission BBQ is in Mentor on Route 306. This meal turned out to be all about him and it makes me so happy. We had an amazing experience. As everyone is learning about me, I do not review much on service unless something is so awesome I must talk about it or something is so terrible I feel everyone needs the heads up. Well tonight was one of those amazing experiences that I must share, BUT FOOD FIRST.
The food is just the first reason you should visit Mission BBQ. I ordered the pork sandwich with a side of Mac and cheese and my dad got the turkey with a side of baked beans. The employee who handed out our order also provided us with a white bbq sauce that she said went well with the turkey and it was so good. I will ask for it every time I go. I tried all the sauces, there were 6 and honestly liked them all. It would just depend on my mood and the type of meat, which one I would pick. I tried the pork and turkey without sauce and both had good smoked flavor. The Mac and cheese was creamy and the noodles were cooked just right. My dad said the baked beans had a little bit of a kick to them and I agree but it was not over whelming. They also had pieces of brisket in them which was an added bonus.
The service is the second reason. I had read up on the story of this restaurant before they opened, which is on their website and if you have a chance please go check it and the restaurant out. I have so much respect for their mission of “Proudly Serving Those Who Serve.” My father served in the Air Force and is a Vietnam Veteran. I realize as he gets older and I get older the way his time in the service shaped his life and how much his service means to him. While at Mission BBQ multiple employees thanked my father for his service, and shook his hand, which means more to him than they will ever know. We ordered our food and sat down to eat when a couple minutes later a manager came over with a free dessert and thank him for his service with a written note. It brought me to tears because I know how much it means to him. She took the time to visit with him and hear his story even though they were busy and it had only been the second day they were open. You could see that they take their mission statement seriously and instill their statement into everyone of their employees. It was truly appreciated for my father to be recognized for his service! Thank You