Staff training is underway at Mission BBQ, 6820 E. State St., Rockford, which is due to open on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2022. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)
By Mary Sisk
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — On a mission for Mission BBQ? The wait is almost over.

The restaurant chain will host a grand opening one week from today. The event is slated for noon on Tuesday, Oct. 11 in the eastern side of the building shared with Five Guys, 6820 E. State St. 

“Obviously, (we’re) very excited to be opening here in Rockford,” said Matt Kiefer, area director of operations for Mission BBQ. “We’re getting close so we’re trying to get into training and getting the team ready and everything.”

The Rockford location is the American-style barbecue chain’s sixth restaurant in Illinois. It donates a portion of its proceeds to various organizations, including the Navy Seal Foundation, Semper Fi & America’s Fund.

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The company anticipates hiring 50 to 60 employees in Rockford.

“So far the hiring process has gone really well,” Kiefer said. “I definitely think these opportunities will be beneficial to Rockford and our great teammates who are going to be a part of it with us.”

The land was formerly home to Rockford Area Realtors, which moved to Tebala Boulevard and has also rebranded as Northwest Illinois Alliance of Realtors. The property was redeveloped by Core Rockford 1, a division of the Deerfield-based Core Acquisitions.

Mission BBQ, a restaurant chain that donates a part of its proceeds to various organizations that support the U.S. Armed forces and veterans, is located at 6820 E. State St., Rockford. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)

This article is by Mary Sisk. Email her at msisk@rockrivercurrent.com or follow her on Instagram at @maryrrcurrent

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