You can almost smell the smokey barbecue.

Sometime between Nov. 11 and Nov. 18, Mission BBQ will open its second location at the Festival at Perry Hall Shopping Center along Joppa Road, according to manager Ugaunda Prukopova. The space had been vacant since Blockbuster closed last year. 

But this is just the first of several new planned locations. Ten more are expected to open across the region within the next 18 months, Prukopova said.

"We're in expansion mode," she said.

The first Mission BBQ opened in Glen Burnie on Sept. 11, 2011—the 10th anniversary of 9/11—and kicked off a week of charitable events for the Wounded Warrior Project and the USO. It was founded by former Under Armour executive Bill Kraus and former Outback Steakhouse executive Steve Newton.

Gaining immediate popularity, Baltimore Magazine named it the best barbecue in Baltimore last month. The menu features 27 items and all of the meats are dry rubbed and smoked daily, according to kitchen manager Mark Hutchins.

The Perry Hall location is currently hiring about 45 positions, ranging from line cooks to a marketing coordinator. Those interested may visit a trailer in the shopping center's parking lot, next to Weis Markets.

The grand opening is expected to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project, as well as other local causes. Further details are expected to be released in the coming weeks.

"We want to make sure it's community based," Prukopova said.

Are you looking forward to the new restaurant? Share your review of the Glen Burnie location in the comments.