I placed a pickup order with Mission BBQ; however, the experience I encountered when I arrived to…read morecollect my food was deeply disturbing and, in my opinion, undeniably rooted in racism.
When I approached the pickup counter, there were approximately four or five customers ahead of me. I waited patiently for my turn. During that time, I observed a tall, husky gentleman with a blond receding hairline interacting with customers. He was warm, engaging, considerate, and approachable with everyone he assisted. Standing beside him was a younger employee, approximately 19 years old, with brunette hair hanging down to his eyebrows.
As the line became shorter and there was only one person ahead of me, the younger employee repeatedly stared at me. At first, I attempted to be polite and welcoming -- I smiled at him and subtly gestured in case he was ready to assist me. However, it quickly became clear that the look he was giving me was not an ordinary glance. It was a look that communicated, "You do not belong here. Why are you here?" -- a look many Black people unfortunately recognize all too well when confronted with prejudice and hostility.
The moment I acknowledged him, he rolled his eyes and walked away.
I then waited for the taller employee to assist me instead. Yet the second I approached the counter, his demeanor completely changed. The friendliness, patience, and professionalism he had shown everyone else disappeared. His tone became dismissive, irritated, and impatient. After receiving my food, I was then met with another unfriendly expression from a customer whose face reflected visible disgust that I was even there.
I do not care what color someone's skin is, what hairstyle they wear, what religion they practice, or what they choose to wear on their head. This is 2026 -- not 1930. Your company publicly prides itself on supporting first responders, firefighters, police officers, and medical personnel. Those individuals come from every race, culture, religion, and background imaginable. If an Arabic EMT wearing a hijab had walked into your establishment that evening, would your staff have treated them with the same level of discomfort and disgust? After tonight, I honestly believe the answer would be yes.
What makes this even more disappointing is that I have visited this location before during daytime hours -- typically between 1 PM and 4 PM -- and have always experienced pleasant service from both staff and customers alike. Until tonight, I had never felt unwelcome at this establishment.
No customer should ever be made to feel inferior, unwanted, or judged simply because of the color of their skin.
What makes this even more upsetting is what Mission BBQ says it stands for. Your company proudly promotes "Proudly Serving Those Who Serve," honoring military members, police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and first responders. Those heroes come from every race, religion, culture, and background. America today is diverse, and the people serving and protecting this country reflect that diversity every single day.
That is why the treatment I experienced tonight felt so wrong and hypocritical. The looks, the attitude, and the dismissive behavior I received made me feel unwelcome simply for being Black. That goes completely against the values your establishment claims to represent. Respect, patriotism, and service to others should apply to everyone -- not only the people your staff are comfortable with.
