Tampa BBQ Restaurant Sparks Huge Debate With Daily Service

We know the people of Tampa Bay love their BBQ, but today we're not focusing on the food. We were surfing the comments on Reddit the other day and let's just say, the Tampa Reddit thread never disappoints. Mission BBQ has sparked massive conversation on the Tampa Bay Reddit thread about their tradition of playing the National Anthem Daily at Noon and we’re here to explain why. 

The OP (original poster for anyone not familiar with Reddit) wrote, “Is this appealing?” with a photo of the Mission BBQ sign with the writing “National Anthem Daily at Noon”. The post had over 900 replies and has a total upvote of 1.2k making it one of the top posts of the week.

First and foremost, we want to say thank you to all current and retired military personnel. Your sacrifices allow us to live the lives we live and our appreciation will never be enough to show our gratitude. 

We’re not here to say who is right or wrong, but instead, we’re going to shine a light on what the community has to say on both sides of the spectrum.

The first comment from a Veteran sparked a lot of conversation. The user wrote, “ Coming from a person that has just recently retired from the military, as far as the food goes....it's DECENT … We all arrive at 1130 in our uniforms (NWUs), ordered, sat down and started socializing. Noon rolls around...the anthem starts playing and WE ALL look at each other with the most effing CONFUSED group form of PTSD looks known to man … Group consensus was to NEVER return.”

On the other side of the aisle, we have one user writing, “I can see why you’d think that about them cheapening it for marketing but I don’t believe that. My company hosted them in an event hall and those people bleed red white and blue. I agree if it was for show it would be cringey but i believe they are sincere.” 

Another Reddit user said, “They stopped giving a military discount to veterans.” We weren’t clear if this was true so we hit the books.

After researching the topic, a representative with Mission BBQ explained they do not offer individual discounts for military personnel, but they do give back to local military and first responders within the community. They offer a Veterans VIP Club registration with exclusive deals and discounts for Veterans.

Mission BBQ is known for the dedication and support they give to the troops, both active duty members and retired personnel. According to their website, they have given more than $20 million to both national and local charity organizations such as the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation, The USO, Honor Flight Network, Navy Seal Foundation, Semper Fi & America’s Fund, and more.

They opened their doors for the first time on September 11, 2011, as a way to give back to those who have fought and died while serving our Country. Their motto reads, "At MISSION BBQ, we are Proudly Serving Those Who Serve. Come help us complete Our Mission."

Let us know your thoughts on social media.

Florida has been making a name for itself in the BBQ world over the past few years. We asked you on social media where to find the best barbecue in Tampa Bay and you didn’t disappoint. We put together a list of the 7 Best Barbecue Spots in Tampa Bay.

Earlier this year, Southern Living Magazine named Tropical Smokehouse in West Palm Beach the 8th best BBQ spot in the country. Then, Taste of Home named Shiver’s Bar-B-Q in Homestead, FL, as the best barbecue in Florida. Both of those options are different types of BBQ, so that comes down to personal preference.

The short answer is yes, and they’re all much different from the next. BBQ isn’t a one size fits all type of cooking and in fact, the wood used to cook the various meats really decides the kind of flavor you’re getting. The big four in BBQ are Kansas City, Texas, Memphis, and Carolina Style BBQ.

In Texas, you have the sweet and hot flavor blasted brisket. In Carolina, pulled pork is the go-to. In Memphis, they love their smoked meat and hardwood charcoal. Finally, Kansas City has grown to perfect all kinds of BBQ.

In Florida, you’ll see a variety of types of BBQ. We’re known for doing things differently down here and that’s why some of the barbecue you see here, you won’t see anywhere else. There’s tons of different kinds of barbecue in the state of Florida from food trucks, trailers, and full fledged restaurants. Tropical Smokehouse in West Palm Beach offers gator meat ... if that scream FLORIDA, we're not sure what does. 

We asked and you answered. There were dozens of great choices to choose from, but the people have spoken. 

Here are the 7 Best Barbecue Spots in Tampa Bay.

With the most votes and the clear top choice in the area, Laurie Cue's  “serves the sexiest BBQ in Florida” according to their site. All of their food is fresh, never frozen and they make all of their rubs and sauces homemade. They’re a food truck serving up pulled chicken, pulled pork, sliced brisket and more to the people of Brooksville. Laurie's also caters so you can enjoy the best BBQ in Tampa at your next party.

Serving up freshly smoked Texas style BBQ, The Brass Captain Saloon & BBQ is a Madeira Beach favorite. Kick back with ribs, pulled pork, chopped brisket, drinks, live music and more.

The Ozona Pig is the spot where "Southern Style BBQ" meets Memphis roots. If you're looking for hickory smoked, slow cooked BBQ pulled pork, fresh brisket, ribs, grilled rib-eye, and more, The Ozona Pig is the place for you.

Johnsons Barbeque has been a tradition in Plant City for over 60 years. Elton Johnson started slow smoking pork shoulders from his "gas station-turned-restaurant" and now proudly serves up some of the best classic southern dishes in Tampa Bay. You'll find BBQ tacos, pit barbeque, steak specials and more.

Hungry Harry's has been proudly dishing out it's famous BBQ to the people of Tampa Bay since 1985. They are located in Land O Lakes and Seffner. They cater, offer daily specials, and regular menu items.

http://gty.im/925874764

Mission BBQ first opened its doors on September 11, 2011. "Ten years after our world changed forever, in some small way we wanted to change it back. 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" says Mission BBQ.

For over 50 years, Jimbo's Pit Bar-B-Q has been serving the Tampa community.  You can order up breakfast specials, sandwiches with sliced or chopped BBQ pork, ribs and more. Visit their website for more information.