Fast Casual: Dickey's to open 4 stores in 4 states this summer

View full article here 

 

Four states will soon have new Dickey's Texas-Style Barbecue thanks to recent franchising deals made by the chain, beginning in Green Valley Ranch, Colorado, where franchisee Eric Williams brings his first location of the brand this summer.

The U.S. Army veteran has always wanted to own his own establishment and will put his military discipline to good use in the trade when he opens the store in the coming months. 

"I have always wanted to own my own restaurant and now seemed like the perfect time and Dickey's was the perfect fit because they allowed me to thrive off my entrepreneurial spirit," he said in a news release. 

Also joining the Dickey's Barbecue Pit franchisee fold is Krage Fox, who will bring four new Dickey's locations to southwest Michigan, beginning in Kalamazoo this summer, followed by locations in neighboring cities.

"The dedication and excitement Krage and his business partner have shown is something that truly inspires all of us at Dickey's," said Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants Inc. "We are proud to have these two bring so much passion to the brand and we look forward to the opening of their Kalamazoo location and the others that will follow."

The former pharmaceutical industry employees and his business partner both love Texas-style barbecue and were looking for a brand to enter the industry with. 

Meanwhile, new Dickey's Barbecue Pit franchisees, Lawrence and Debby West and their business partner, Debbie Hudson, plan to open their first Dickey's location in Rolla, Missouri this summer as well. 

Lastly, local Dickey's Barbecue Pit franchisee, Ed Ciampa, plans to open his first location of the chain in Meadows Mall in Las Vegas this summer, bringing 30 years of franchising experience to the brand. 

The Boston native has made Vegas home for the last 12 years and thought it was time to supplement the barbecue offerings in the city with a new Dickey's location. 

The chain has now expanded to more than 550 locations in 45 states and was in the Top 10 in this year's Fast Casual Top 100 Movers and Shakers, after winning the annual awards top spot two years ago.