Tampa Bay Times: Hillsborough's first Dickey's Barbecue Pit restaurant opens

RIVERVIEW — Dickey's Barbecue Pit, a Dallas barbecue chain that is the largest in the nation, has opened its first location in Hillsborough County.

Riverview residents Darryl and Angela Sookoonsingh decided to bring the authentic Texas-style barbecue restaurant to their hometown after Darryl Sookoonsingh acquired a taste for it during his military career.

Originally from Grand Cayman, Army veteran Sookoonsingh managed his own Trinidadian restaurant in the capital city of George Town prior to his enlistment.

"I fell in love with Dickey's post- service in North Dakota and I'm excited to share my passion for their barbecue with the residents of Riverview," he said. "I felt Riverview was missing out on Dickey's down-home experience with slow-smoked meats, a family-friendly environment and enthusiastic staff. My wife and I look forward to welcoming guests to our newest location."

The Dickey's Riverview Town Center store is located at 10463 Gibsonton Drive in the Lowe's plaza. The fast-casual eatery offers home-style sides, tangy barbecue sauce and free kids' meals every Sunday. There are more than a dozen locations throughout Florida.

"We are steadily growing our presence in the sunshine state," said Roland Dickey Jr., CEO of Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants. "We are proud to partner with Sookoonsingh on his newest journey."

Dickey's Barbecue was founded in 1941 by Travis Dickey and all meats are still slow-smoked on-site in more than 540 locations in 43 states.

Dickey's offers catering and is open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. Call (813) 333-1773.