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Lori Bruton

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Hi, I'm Lori.
Author, Speaker, Coach, Ghostwriter

Honor and Patriotism are Served Up at Mission BBQ

January 27, 2023 by Lori Leave a Comment

Mission BBQ BAMBAM
Mission BBQ BAMBAM truck and smoker

I found a mission of honor and service in my neck of the woods.

Parked out front of Mission BBQ is a 5-ton truck called BAMBAM (Big And Mobile Barbeque Assault Machine). It serves as a billboard, a portable smoker, and a representative of their mission that proudly displays the American flag.

HONOR

Two patriotic friends, Bill Kraus and Steve “Newt” Newton created a way to honor America’s military, veterans, police officers, firefighters, and first responders.

PATRIOTISM

Recently, I sat down with Darin Townsend, Area Director of Operations, at Mission BBQ in Henrietta, NY. It is the first location in New York state. There are over 100 locations along the East coast. They serve up food and more with a heaping portion of patriotism.

The founders, Bill and Newt, wanted to bring patriotism back to our country to honor those who served. Hats off to them for executing this life-changing mission.

MISSION

The doors of Mission BBQ opened on a significant day, September 11, 2011. They chose that day because 9/11 changed our country forever. It was our Pearl Harbor.

This mission is about taking our country back and making it great again. Our heroes make this country great.

HEROES

Heroes are welcome the moment they walk in the door. Not only are they served authentic, homemade Texas-inspired BBQ and sauces made from scratch, but it is also served with respect and gratitude in a patriotic dining room.

Every day at noon, they stop serving at 11:58 am. Everyone in line is told they are going to pause for the Star-Spangled Banner. The teammates come out and stand around the corners of the restaurant, and at noon sharp, the national anthem of the United States comes on the speakers.

“We honor our country with the singing of the national anthem,” Townsend told me.

On special days like Veteran’s Day and Armed Forces Day, they have a live singer and National Guard. There is a guest of honor table. Last Veteran’s Day, there were three WWII veterans, a Korean War veteran, and three distinguished Army officers. WWII veterans always eat for free.

SERVICE

Throughout the year, they honor folks who have served, including first responders, police officers, and firefighters. On 9/11, they give away free sandwiches to them.

Hung on the walls are patches and pictures donated by family members of those who have served.

You’ll see a picture of Don Quigley, who served with the 1st Cavalry Division in Vietnam. His daughter is involved with the Honor Flight.

They have the academy wall honoring the four academies and the 9/11 wall in remembrance of that day.

SACRIFICE

There is a Gold Star wall for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice so we can be free. Lance Corporal Marine Zachary Smith from the Southern Tier paid the ultimate sacrifice when he was deployed to Afghanistan at 19 years young. A picture of Zach and his wife hangs in the foyer. They had only been married for six months.

Stories of service and sacrifice fill this place. Not only is Mission BBQ about good food, but it’s also about meaning, purpose, honor, and giving back.

Townsend also shared with me, “Anytime a Vietnam veteran enters, the teammates shake their hand and say, ‘Welcome home.’”

GIVING BACK

All their service is community oriented.

There is a Veteran VIP program and birthday club offered where you get a free sandwich. The All-American Hero Cup is available year-round. A portion of the proceeds is donated to various organizations.

They take food once a week to the local police and fire departments to say thank you. Recently, Mission BBQ closed for a day to feed the homeless veterans with the message, “Our heroes served us. It’s our turn to serve them.”

Additionally, Mission BBQ gives back by donating and raising funds for various organizations. Namely, The Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation, Wreaths Across America, Honor Flight Network, Navy Seal Foundation, Semper Fi & America’s Fund, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, and Concerns of Police Survivors are a few.

SERVANT’S HEART

Cheers to these heroes for a mission well done. Their servant’s hearts are making a difference daily in many ways. They encourage families to bring in pictures and patches of loved ones who have served or are currently serving.

It will warm your heart and quench your appetite when you support their mission. Well done, Mission BBQ.

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: MY BLOG Tagged With: 911, America, appetite, community, donations, eastcoast, firefighters, firstresponders, food, foodiefriday, freedom, fundraising, giveback, help, heroes, homeless, hungry, lorisstories, meaning, military, mission, missionbbq, nationanthem, patriotism, policeofficers, purpose, restaurant, service, thelorifactor, travelwriter, UnitedStates

Get Pampered at the Peppered Pig

May 2, 2022 by Lori Leave a Comment

 

When you walk into the Peppered Pig located at 1759 Empire Boulevard in Webster, New York, you’ll feel like you were transported to Paris, France.

The ambiance of this French American Bistro awakens all your senses.

Music whispers in your ears playing French songs that set the mood. It felt like I would be asked to dance at any moment. Since that didn’t happen, I discreetly swayed in silence at the table while enjoying the melodies and perusing the menu.

The décor is pleasing to the eyes with artwork carefully positioned on the walls. Soft-lit candles were placed on each table with silverware wrapped up in cloth napkins. Every seat offered an inviting, relaxing atmosphere.

Greeted with prompt, courteous service with a smile made me feel like family. I had the pleasure of meeting Geoff who made the experience extra special. Yes, I felt pampered.

Pleasant aromas wafted through the air as each dish was delivered to every guest. My hunger was stirring as I awaited my delicious dish.

While you wait for your food to arrive, enjoy wine, a cocktail, a mocktail, or craft beer. There are several varieties.

Get ready for your tastebuds to be tantalized. There is a wide range of choices from salads, soups, sandwiches, quiche, and crêpes just to name a few on the lunch menu. Everything is peppered with just the right seasonings.

Here is a little history from the Institute of Culinary Education. Crêpes are an ultra-thin pancake common in France that can be made sweet or savory, typically rolled or folded with a variety of fillings from jam or Nutella to ham and cheese to seafood. The specialty is served in crêperies, as street food and even in elegant settings as dessert, such as the most famous presentation, crêpes Suzette which is listed on the dessert menu at The Peppered Pig.

The beet salad is a mix of field greens, roasted beets, walnuts, blue cheese with lemon vinaigrette. You can add steak, chicken, or duck.

There is a Crépe with mushroom duxelles, blue cheese, balsamic onions with a petite salad.

 

 

 

Specials are offered, such as Steak Diane made with a 12-ounce Angus strip steak with a mustard Demi glacé cream, mushrooms, and a potato purée.

Wait, there’s more.

Their homemade desserts are to die for. A couple of known favorites are the Crème Brulee and Bread Pudding.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When the weather is warm there is an outside patio for a full Paris feel. Once you have dined at The Peppered Pig you will want to go back for more.

The Peppered Pig / 585-347-6479 / 1759 Empire Boulevard, Webster, NY

https://thepigroc.com

Lori Bruton

Travel Writer/Blogger

Filed Under: MY BLOG Tagged With: ambiance, author, Bistro, cocktails, dessert, experience, family, food, French, FrenchAmerican, friends, fun, local, loribruton, lorisstories, lorisstoriesbythewater, menu, NewYork, Paris, patio, restaurant, RochesterNY, summer, thepepperedpig, travel, travel blogger, travel writer, visitRochester, Webster, wine

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Hi, I'm Lori!

I'm a copywriter, blog writer, and ghostwriter, with a focus in the inspirational and travel niches. Need custom copy that motivates? Learn more about what I do!

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