Above / Judd Kendall VFW Commander Tom Parker and American Legion Commander Jack Amberg represented their respective organizations during the opening day ceremony at Mission BBQ, located at 376 S. Route 59.
Update, March 13, 2021 / “Free Chow” for Vietnam Veterans on March 29, 2021
March 29 is Vietnam Veterans Day. In honor of all Vietnam and Vietnam Era Veterans, with gratitude for faithful and honorable service to their country, Mission BBQ in Naperville will be hosting a “free sandwich giveaway to all Vietnam Veterans” from 11AM to 9PM, Mon., March 29.
Mission BBQ is located at 376 S. Rt. 59, a little north of Aurora Ave., in Naperville.
Remember! Every day at noon the National Anthem is played and singing is welcome! Workers and patrons all stand and sing.
Also note! At 10:30AM Mon., March 29, recognition of Vietnam Veterans will be observed at Veterans Park on Gartner Road. According to organizer Wayne Fischer, VN ’67-68-USMC, the 30-minute ceremony hosted by the American Legion Post 43 and the Judd Kendall VFW aims to honor all who served. Furthermore, all Veterans are urged to attend.
Original Post, Nov. 2, 2020 / On Nov. 2, 2020, Mission BBQ opened its doors at 376 S. Route 59 in Naperville, prepared to follow local protocols with picnic tables on the patio right out front.
During festivities that began at noon with singing the National Anthem, dozens of veterans and first responders learned that no matter what day, all the folks present at Mission BBQ stop whatever they doing at noon to sing the National Anthem.
Co-founder Bill Kraus provided a few words about first opening the first restaurant’s doors for business in Glen Burnie, Maryland, on September 11, 2011, exactly ten years after the attacks that changed the world forever. “In some small way we wanted to change it back,” said Kraus, surrounded by servicemen standing high in a military vehicle with many others below gathered in the parking lot.
During brief remarks to kick off the ribbon cutting ceremony for the 97th location of Mission BBQ on the brisk, windy day, Kraus added that America is “an amazing country” where many have fought “to keep us free and safe.”
A message from Steve Newton and Bill Kraus, founders of Mission BBQ, is posted on the company’s website…
“As the founders of Mission BBQ, we strive every day to remind everyone what makes Our Country great—its heroes.
“Who are we? Two friends passionate about BBQ, patriotic for Our Country, and who believe in running a business with meaning and purpose.
“We believe there is nothing more American than BBQ. And nobody more American than the brave men and women who have sworn to protect and serve Our Communities and Our Country. We do what we do for the love of our soldiers, firefighters, police officers, first responders—all our loved ones in service.
“Every day we strive to serve you authentic BBQ made from the freshest, most delectable ingredients, and serve it to you in a patriotic dining room filled with tributes to those who’ve made Our Country great, given to us by the people who earned them. Stop by at lunchtime, and you might catch us during our daily salute to the Stars and Stripes.
“At Mission BBQ, we are Proudly Serving Those Who Serve. Come help us complete Our Mission. —Bill and Newt”
Mission BBQ is open daily from 11AM to 9PM, Monday through Saturday; and 11:30AM to 8PM on Sunday.
Veterans and active duty military personnel receive a free sandwich and cake at Mission BBQ on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.
Remember Veterans Day is Nov. 11
During today’s grand opening, VFW Commander Parker noted that a “very brief” Veterans Day ceremony will be held at 11AM, Wed. Nov. 11, at Veterans Park along Gartner Road. Under the leadership of Ron Keller, members of the Naperville Municipal Band will perform beginning at 10:45AM. The public is welcome. Simply remember “11-11-11.”
James Hoch Photography / Click here to a gallery of photos featuring the Legion Riders, along with a host of other guests, from today’s grand opening at Mission BBQ.
