A national chain BBQ restaurant, that prides themselves in celebrating America's heroes, is opening later this month in Grand Rapids.

Replacing the former Bagger Dave's on E. Beltline, MISSION BBQ will be opening its doors on Monday, August 26th. According to their website, the restaurant opened on September 11, 2011 in Maryland and believes

...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.

Since opening, MISSION BBQ has expanded to 16 states. This will be their third location in Michigan but the first one on the west side of the state.

The GRBJ says that the new bbq joint has already hired 45 employees and is still looking to hire more.

And before MISSION even opens you can win FREE BBQ FOR A YEAR. The restaurant will be hosting Military Appreciation Charity night on Friday, August 23rd and the first 100 people who buy an American Heroes Cup will get free bbq for the entire year. The event will be held from 6p-9p. All money made that night will go to the USO of Illinois. You can get more info here.

Since opening in 2011, MISSION BBQ has donated over $10 million to local and national charities.

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