This Tennessee BBQ Joint Has a Daily Tradition: Playing the National Anthem at Noon
Walking into Mission BBQ in Nashville isn’t just about grabbing a plate of smoky ribs or tender brisket. Every single day at exactly noon, the entire restaurant comes to a complete stop for something pretty special.
Staff and customers alike pause their conversations, put down their forks, and stand together as the National Anthem fills the dining room, creating a moment that honors military members, veterans, and first responders in a way you won’t find at most restaurants.
A Tennessee BBQ Joint With a Daily Noon Tradition
Located right at 161 Opry Mills Drive, MISSION BBQ has become known for something way beyond its delicious smoked meats. The restaurant follows a tradition that sets it apart from every other barbecue spot in Nashville.
When the clock strikes twelve, everything stops. Staff members pause mid-service, customers stand from their tables, and the entire restaurant comes together for the National Anthem. It’s a daily ceremony that happens without fail, rain or shine, busy lunch rush or quiet afternoon.
The walls are covered with photographs, patches, and memorabilia honoring those who serve. Fire department helmets sit alongside military uniforms, creating an atmosphere that feels both welcoming and deeply respectful. First-time visitors often express surprise at this unique tradition, but regulars wouldn’t have it any other way.
This isn’t just a gimmick or marketing strategy. The founders genuinely wanted to create a space where American heroes feel appreciated every single day, and that commitment shows in every detail of the restaurant’s design and daily operations.
Why MISSION BBQ Stops Everything to Play the National Anthem
The founders started MISSION BBQ with a clear purpose: honoring American heroes through great food and genuine respect. They opened their first location on September 11, 2011, exactly ten years after the tragic events that changed our nation forever. That date wasn’t chosen by accident.
Every location across the country shares this same commitment. The noon anthem serves as a daily reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel, police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical workers. It’s their way of saying thank you, not just once a year on Veterans Day, but every single day they’re open.
The atmosphere during those few minutes is something special. Strangers stand together, united by respect and gratitude, creating connections that remind us what community truly means.
What Happens Inside the Restaurant at Exactly Noon
Picture this: you’re halfway through your brisket sandwich, maybe chatting with family or scrolling through your phone. Suddenly, the music playing overhead stops. An announcement comes through the speakers, and everyone in the restaurant begins to stand.
The National Anthem starts playing, and the entire dining room transforms. Conversations pause mid-sentence. Servers stop delivering plates.
Cashiers step away from the register. Everyone faces the American flag, many placing hands over hearts, some veterans standing at attention with practiced precision.
For those two minutes, the busy lunch rush completely halts. New customers walking through the door quickly realize what’s happening and join in respectfully. Children watch their parents stand tall, learning by example what it means to show respect for our country and those who protect it.
When the anthem ends, there’s usually a moment of applause before normal activity resumes. People return to their meals, but something has shifted. The experience creates a sense of shared purpose that carries through the rest of the meal, making the food taste even better somehow.
The Story Behind MISSION BBQ’s Patriotic Mission
Bill Kraus and Steve Newton founded MISSION BBQ because they saw barbecue as the perfect way to bring people together while honoring American heroes. Both had backgrounds that gave them deep appreciation for service members and first responders, and they wanted their business to reflect those values authentically.
Opening on September 11th wasn’t just symbolic timing. It represented their commitment to never forgetting the bravery shown by first responders and ordinary citizens during one of America’s darkest days. That same spirit of service and sacrifice inspired everything about how they built their restaurant chain.
The Nashville location at Opry Mills carries forward this mission with the same dedication you’ll find at any MISSION BBQ. Decorated with local memorabilia honoring Tennessee’s military history and first responder community, the restaurant feels connected to the area it serves while maintaining the chain’s core values.
What to Order at MISSION BBQ in Nashville
The brisket gets mentioned in almost every review, and for good reason. Customers rave about both the lean and fatty cuts, with many recommending you try it with the Texas Twang sauce for an extra kick of flavor. The meat comes out moist and tender, smoked to perfection with that beautiful pink smoke ring.
Don’t sleep on the cheesy potatoes. Multiple reviewers call them out specifically as a must-try side dish. The mac and cheese also earns high praise, baked with breadcrumbs on top that add a perfect crunch to the creamy, cheesy goodness underneath.
If you’re not in a beef mood, the pulled chicken and smoked turkey both get excellent reviews. The jalapeño sausage adds some spice for those who like heat with their meat.
Save room for dessert because the bread pudding and blueberry cobbler are both worth trying. And definitely grab some of that sweet cornbread that reviewers describe as soft and perfectly sweet.
Why Locals and Visitors Keep Coming Back
The staff regularly walks around offering samples of sides and desserts, especially to first-time visitors. They explain the menu, guide you through sauce options, and make sure you have everything you need.
The atmosphere plays a huge role too. Between the military memorabilia, the noon anthem tradition, and the genuine respect shown to veterans and first responders, customers feel good about supporting a business that gives back to the community and honors American heroes daily.
What to Know Before You Visit MISSION BBQ
First things first: this is counter service, not table service. You’ll order at the register, pay upfront, and they’ll call your name when your food is ready. Don’t wait at a host stand expecting to be seated—just head straight to the counter when you arrive.
The restaurant opens at 11 AM Monday through Saturday, and 11:30 AM on Sundays. They close at 9 PM most nights, but wrap up at 8 PM on Sundays. Try to arrive before noon if you want to experience the National Anthem tradition, or plan to be there right at noon to participate.
Located at Opry Mills, MISSION BBQ has its own outside entrance, so you don’t need to enter the mall to get there. Parking is plentiful, and they have dedicated spots for veterans right up front.
