Grand Rapids Business Journal: Barbecue chain plans several locations
In The News
Published: 23 Sep 2016
Grand Rapids Business Journal posted this about new locations opening in Michigan!
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A barbecue chain is planning to open three locations in the area.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit said yesterday that it plans to open four new locations in Michigan, including three in Kent County and one in Traverse City.
The locations will be owned by franchisees Andre Bushell and Loren Akerman.
Bushell and Akerman recently signed a four-store development agreement with Dickey’s, said Roland Dickey Jr., CEO, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit.
The Traverse City location is expected to open next May, with the Kent County locations to follow.
The partners also expect to eventually open other locations.
Bushell and Akerman met while working in leadership positions at a Fortune 15 company, and they wanted to partner to bring a new restaurant concept to the area.
The pair hopes to provide local jobs for a diverse group of employees, Akerman said.
"We hope that our business can provide much-needed jobs and economic stability all over Michigan and beyond and are working intentionally to promote diversity in our business model,” Akerman said.
Dickey’s
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit was founded in 1941 by Travis Dickey and has grown to more than 560 locations in 43 states.
Dickey’s serves a number of locations in Michigan: Coldwater, Plymouth, Commerce Township, Ferndale, Troy, Rochester Hills and Macomb Township. A store in Sterling Heights is in development.
Dickey’s has been named to a variety of top franchise lists, including Fast Casual’s “Top 100 Movers and Shakers,” Franchise Times’ top 10 “Fast and Serious” and Nation’s Restaurant News’ “Top 10 Growth Chain."