QSR: Dickey's Continues Georgia Expansion with Smyrna Store

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit continues growth in the Peach State with a new Smyrna, Georgia, location slated to open in Spring 2018. The new location will be owned by new Dickey’s franchisee Ben Kessie, a Georgia Tech alum and passionate barbecue lover.

“At Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, we pride ourselves on serving each and every guest authentic, Texas-style barbecue,” says Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. “With new franchisees such as Ben Kessie that truly love the brand, we can continue our growth and more importantly continue serving our guests delicious barbecue."

Kessie spent years eating at Dickey’s Barbecue Pit and made the brand a part of his family’s holiday by catering Dickey’s for Thanksgiving every year. With a passion for barbecue, he decided it was time to invest in a barbecue joint of his own. After researching other franchising concepts, Kessie found a home in Dickey’s Barbecue Pit.

“The Dickey’s Barbecue Pit model is unlike anything I have ever seen,” says Kessie. “I have traveled all over the country looking at barbecue concepts and Dickey’s was by far the best choice for me.”