Knox News: Dickey's, a Great Neighborhood Fit

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Nestled in the heart of Hardin Valley is Dickey’s Barbecue Pit at 10853 Hardin Valley Road. The restaurant opened last August and is locally owned by Barbara and Don Hall with their son, Donny, as general manager.

The Halls come from a medical background. Don is an ultrasound technician and Barbara is a registered nurse.

 “We looked for some kind of franchise for 10 years before we settled on Dickey’s Barbecue Pit," said Barbara Hall.

“I was in restaurant management for 15 years before I became a nurse, so this is second nature to me. Our only concern was where to put the restaurant. We didn’t want to be in an industrial or downtown area. We wanted to be in a neighborhood. Hardin Valley is perfect for us. It’s a place where we can grow with the community. We love it here.

Owner Barbara Hall hands Chad Heird of Hardin Valley his order, the Western sandwich – the Wednesday special at Dickey’s Barbecue Pit.  “We love this place. It’s delicious and quick and easy,” said Heird. April 4, 2019

“We’re really gaining traction and we’re small, so we get a little crowded. But we have service down to a quick and easy fine science. Just step up to the counter and we fix your meal for you before your eyes. You can see into our kitchen."

Dickeys was started by Roland Dickey in Dallas in 1941 as a family-owned BBQ joint.

“Dickey’s is the new No. 1 franchise in the world. They’re even opening up one in Abu Dhabi which offers lamb," Barbara said.

The pulled pork shoulder sandwich is the Happy Hour sandwich at Dickey’s Barbecue Pit. The sandwich is $3 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Keto diet choice: Jalapeno cheddar sausage    

Pulled pork shoulder sandwiches are the restaurant’s claim to fame. Smoked beef brisket, chicken, turkey, and kielbasa sausage are also available. Jalapeno cheddar sausage is wildly popular with Keto dieters. "It’s very low carb. You can get any of our meats on a bun or without."

The meats are smoked fresh daily. "There’s something for everyone."

The sandwiches and plates come plain with two sides, but customers can jazz it up with Dickey’s secret sauce, which comes in original or sweet and spicy. The sauce is available to take home for $4.95 a bottle.

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Sides include customer’s choice of waffle fries, fried okra, onion tanglers, coleslaw, baked beans, potato salad, and assorted chips.

Satisfy a sweet tooth after the meal with blondie brownies, chocolate chip cookies, and pecan pie

Specials every day at Dickey's   

With specials every day, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is budget friendly. “From pulled pork to kielbasa, something is featured every day," Barbara said. "It comes with a drink and two sides for $9.99, and they’re generous portions.

“Wednesday is a popular day because that’s our Westerner special. That’s your choice of two meats on a toasted hoagie bun. That’s a huge sandwich good for two people or one very large appetite.

“The pulled pork sandwich is our Happy Hour special. From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, the sandwich is only $3.

Customers can take home Dickey’s secret recipe barbecue sauce for $4.95.

Customers can take home Dickey’s secret recipe barbecue sauce for $4.95. (Photo: Nancy Anderson/Shopper News)

“We also have catering where we can come and set the whole thing up for you for about $10 per person, or you can get party platters that service up to 12 people for $19.95 to about $35.”

The restaurant seats 35 in family style seating with additional seating on the patio. Dogs are welcome on the patio, but not inside.

Operating hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.