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Includes a list of locations, fun facts, milestones and other company information about Dickey's Barbecue Pit.

Baker bar with potatoes and all the fixings

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Hot off the pit! Here’s where you’ll find Dickey’s latest news!

IN THE NEWS

MABANK—One can’t help but notice all the building going on in Mabank. From the completely renovated Magnolia Crossing to Market Street and the new Dickey’s Barbecue Pit going up at the corner of SH 198 and Mason Street, the signs of progress long-awaited are everywhere. 
Mabank Mayor Jeff Norman is excited. “We, the city and the EDC, have worked long and hard to bring in new business. We have been aggressive with incentives and now we are seeing the fruit of our labors. It is a great time for Mabank,” he said. 
Guy New is the owner of the new Dickey’s Barbecue Pit soon to grace one of the busiest intersections of the city, the corner of Mason Street and S.H 198 (Third St.). New tells The Monitor “I was driving through and passed the beautiful high school and drove through Mabank, thinking ‘what a great place for a new Dickey’s.’” 
New, who owns the Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in Rowlett, is in his seventh year of operations there and has great ideas for the new location, including being a member of the community and having a presence in all the local events. “We have big plans for our Grand Opening including a fundraiser for the local tornado victims and “Vince Vance and the Valiants” will be performing. We’re going to do it up big.” 
New plans to open the restaurant by the end of August but he has already been active in the area, catering for several private events as well as supporting the Western Week in June. He plans to be at the Uncle Fletch Davis Hamburger Festival in Athens in September. “We cook and you take the credit” is our motto,” New said. “We have delicious barbecue at affordable prices and we will be a big part of the community.” 
Magnolia Crossing, located near the intersection of Highways 175 and 198, is one of Mabank’s newest business centers. Magnolia Crossing is a complete renovation and modernization of the old Panther Plaza. The Crossing will be home to East Texas Orthodontics, Glam Bar Salon, Lawndale Dental Lab, and Magnolia Dental. 
Glam Bar Salon is a new styling salon founded by local stylist Denise Zavala. Several well-known Mabank stylists, who have a combined total of more than 30 years of experience, will also join Ms. Zavala in providing styling for the Mabank area. Glam Bar Salon’s new facility in Magnolia Crossing is nearing completion and will be opening soon. 
Both Magnolia Dental and East Texas Orthodontics are excited to begin serving the Mabank area. Magnolia Dental is owned and operated by Dr. Gerard Macy, an East Texas native and a 2005 graduate of Baylor Dental College in Dallas. Since 2005, Dr. Macy has been a partner in another East Texas dental practice and opens Magnolia Dental to realize his dream of a community-focused dental practice that can provide complete dental care for all family members, including very young children, teenagers, parents, grandparents, and all area residents. 
In addition to Dr. Macy, the Magnolia Dental team includes five certified and highly trained professionals, including Dr. Macy’s wife, who is a Mabank High School graduate. The Magnolia Dental team boasts a combined total of more than 50 years of dental experience. In addition to family dentistry, Magnolia Dental offers veneers, TMJ care, guided implant surgery, sedation dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry. State-of-the-art dental technology used by Magnolia Dental includes 3-D imaging and ‘immediate,’ on-site production of crowns. To learn more, visit www.magnolia.dental. 
East Texas Orthodontics is owned and operated by Dr. Matt Brown, a 2010 graduate of Baylor College of Dentistry and the only board-certified orthodontist in Mabank. Dr. Brown and his team at East Texas Orthodontics work with both children and adults to customize orthodontic treatment to fit individual needs, goals, and lifestyle. East Texas Orthodontics offers the latest in discrete esthetic braces solutions, the flexibility of Invisalign treatment, or the time-tested benefits of traditional braces. New offices for East Texas Orthodontics are nearing completion and will be opening soon. Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.easttexasorthodontics.com/" title="http://www.easttexasorthodontics.com" target="_blank">www.easttexasorthodontics.com</a>. 
Lawndale Dental Lab, founded by Mr. Thomas Garza, C.D.T. and Dr. Macy, will offer the highest level of denture services to all dental offices in East Texas. The lab will offer same-day service in relines, repairs, and other denture services. Facilities for Lawndale Dental Lab are nearly completed, and the lab will be fully operational very soon. 
New on Market Street is Twisted Sisters Wines and Finds in a new building shared with Mamie Ruth Mercantile. Both businesses offer unique items and a wonderful relaxed shopping experience, with Twisted Sisters offering a wine bar as a gathering place to unwind and even listen to live music. It offers outdoor seating, as well as meat and cheese snack trays. Mamie Ruth Mercantile offers enticing items in every corner and adds another great place to shop on Market Street. 
Mabank Business Suites on Eubank Street offers office space as well as a fully-equipped high-speed internet and audio-visual presentation set-up in a convenient, centrally-located facility. Space may be rented by the hour or day. 
Two Mexican restaurants join the lineup of new eateries in Mabank. Taqueria Guadalupana, located adjacent to the Valero on SH 198 (formerly Milano’s Pizzeria) and Jalisco’s Mexican Grill on Market Street offers opportunities for lunch and dinner and are expected to open by the end of summer. 
Plans are underway for a new Jack-In-The-Box on the north end of town across from Solar Turbines on Farm-to-Market 90. 
“We are excited to see the number of new businesses coming to Mabank,” said Cedar Creek Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman Tony Kalawe. “As more and more people move to the area, this becomes a great place for new businesses.”

Mabank welcomes New Businesses

KTAR’s Main Street Minute focuses on local businesses that are hiring, opening and hosting events across the community. These stories air each weekday on KTAR at 7:27 a.m.
• Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has opened another site, this one in the West Valley. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/dickeysbarbecuepit/posts/10155615593084106" target="_blank">new restaurant in Goodyear</a>&nbsp;near Estrella Parkway and Roosevelt Street is spending the weekend getting to know neighbors with giveaways. Visitors who contribute to the company’s charitable foundation Friday will get a gift card. Saturday, customers will have a chance to win barbecue for a year.
• Mountain Vista Medical Center is celebrating its 10-year anniversary Saturday with free family fun. The event runs from 10 a.m. until noon at the clinic near Crismon Road and Southern Avenue in Mesa. The day will include appearances by the Phoenix Suns Gorilla and the Phoenix Mercury mascot Scorch.
• Phoenix’s newest music venue is hiring. The Van Buren is holding a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/252635938558461/?Acontext=%7b%22ref%22%3a%2229%22%2c%22ref_notif_type%22%3a%22event_calendar_create%22%2c%22action_history%22%3a%22null%22%7d&amp;notif_t=event_calendar_create&amp;notif_id=1500323198999769" target="_blank">job fair Saturday</a>&nbsp;from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. near Central Avenue and Van Buren Street. There are openings in security, box office, bartenders, cooks and more.

Dickey’s Barbecue opens in Phoenix suburb

<h1>Where Kids Eat Free Around Austin</h1>
by&nbsp;<a href="https://austin.citymomsblog.com/author/katietaylor/" title="Posts by Katie Taylor" rel="author">Katie Taylor</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;July 21, 2017&nbsp;in&nbsp;<a href="https://austin.citymomsblog.com/category/austin-2/" title="View all items in Austin">Austin</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://austin.citymomsblog.com/category/family-activities/" title="View all items in Family Activities">Family Activities</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://austin.citymomsblog.com/category/guide/" title="View all items in Guide">Guide</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://austin.citymomsblog.com/category/moms-in-the-know/" title="View all items in Moms in the Know">Moms in the Know</a>
<img src="https://austin.citymomsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2017/07/austin-moms-blog-kids-eat-free.png" alt="kids eat free"/>
Love taking your kiddos out to eat, but hate that they rarely ever finish a meal that you have to pay for? Consider these places where kids EAT FOR FREE if you purchase an adult meal:
<h2>Daily</h2>
<ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.estanciachurrascaria.com/about/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Estancia Churrascaria</a>&nbsp;(Free for 6 and under, half priced 7-12)</li>
 <li><a href="https://www.doubledaves.com/pizza/austin-southpark-meadows/menu.php" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Double Daves Southpark Meadows (4 and under 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.)</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.cicis.com/locations/tx-austin" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Cici’s (3 and under)</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://saltlickbbq.com/">The Salt Lick</a>&nbsp;(3 and under with “Family Style” order)</li>
 <li><a href="https://www.santaritacantina.com/kids-summer-meal/index.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">SUMMER ONLY promotion:</a>
 <ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.santaritacantina.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Santa Rita Cantina</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.gustoitaliankitchen.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Gusto Italian Kitchen + Wine Bar</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.bluestarcafeteria.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Blue Star Kitchen + Bar</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.34thstreetcafe.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">34th Street Cafe</a></li>
 </ul>
 </li>
</ul>
<h2>Sunday</h2>
<ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.dickeys.com/promos" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Dickey’s Barbecue Pit (12 and under)</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.thegrilleatroughhollow.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">The Grille at Rough Hollow (12 and under)</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://gustoitaliankitchen.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Gusto’s Italian Kitchen + Wine Bar (12 and under after 4 p.m.)</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://ironcactus.com/north-austin-mexican-restaurant-gallery/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Iron Cactus (4 and under – adult must order brunch from 10 to 3 p.m.)</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.jimsrestaurants.com/">Jim’s Restaurant (10 and under after 5 p.m.)</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://littlegreekrestaurant.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Little Greek Fresh Grill</a>&nbsp;(12 and under)</li>
 <li><a href="https://www.mamafus.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Mama Fu’s Asian House</a>&nbsp;(12 and under)</li>
 <li><a href="https://www.modmarket.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Modern Market</a>&nbsp;(5 p.m. to close)</li>
 <li><a href="https://mooniesburgerhouse.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Moonie’s Burger House – Anderson Mill (12 and under after 5 p.m.)</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.molcasmexicanrestaurant.com/specials.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Molca’s Mexican Restaurant</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://oliveandjune-austin.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Olive and June</a>&nbsp;(12 and under from 5 to 9 p.m.)</li>
 <li><a href="https://www.eatpdq.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">PDQ Chicken</a>&nbsp;(10 and under all day when wearing a superhero costume)</li>
 <li><a href="https://www.steaknshake.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Steak ‘n Shake</a>&nbsp;(One kids meal for every $8 spent)</li>
 <li><a href="https://www.eatzen.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Zen Japanese Food (10 and under)</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>Monday</h2>
<ul>
 <li><a href="https://babyacapulco.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Baby Acapulco</a>&nbsp;(After 5:00 p.m.)</li>
 <li><a href="https://www.bluecornharvest.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Blue Corn Harvest Bar &amp; Grill (10 and under)</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.buffalowingsandrings.com/menu#kids-menu">Buffalo Wings and Rings (10 and under)</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://cafehornitos.com/?page_id=19" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Café Hornitos</a>(10 and under)</li>
 <li><a href="https://www.heb.com/heb-store/US/tx/austin/mueller-h-e-b-639" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Café Mueller at HEB</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.casachapala.com/kidsmeal/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Casa Chapala</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.cajunpizzaplace.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Cajun Pizza Place</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.caminorealrestaurante.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Camino Real Mexican Restaurant (dinner only)</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/El-Rincon-Mexican-Restaurant/159180274109723" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">El Rincon Mexican Restaurant</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;(12 and under 5:00 to 9 p.m)</li>
 <li><a href="https://www.thefriscoaustin.com/home" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">The Frisco</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;(After 5:00 p.m.)</li>
 <li><a href="https://www.jimsrestaurants.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Jim’s Restaurant (10 and under after 5:00 p.m.)</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.joescrabshack.com/locations/10650" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Joe’s Crab Shack (12 and under)</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://gattilandroundrock.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Gattiland</a>&nbsp;&amp;<a href="https://gattitownaustin.com/events/">&nbsp;Gattitown (2 and under always eat free)</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.hurricanewings.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Hurricane Grill &amp; Wings</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://lasalsa.com/austin/">La Salsa (After 4:00 p.m.)</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.margaritamexicangrill.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Margaritas Mexican Grill (10 and under)</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.modmarket.com/">Modern Market</a>&nbsp;(5 p.m. to close)</li>
 <li><a href="https://molcasmexicanrestaurant.com/specials.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Molcas Mexican Grill</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://mooniesburgerhouse.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Moonie’s Burger House – Anderson Mill (12 and under after 5:00 p.m.)</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.sundancergrill.com/specials/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Sundancer Grill</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.texadelphia.com/lakeline/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Texadelphia – Lakeline</a>&nbsp;(12 and under after 4:00 p.m.)</li>
 <li><a href="https://www.tresamigos.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Tres Amigos Restaurant &amp; Cantina</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.zuzuaustin.com/news/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Zuzu’s Handmade Mexican Food</a>&nbsp;(After 5:00 p.m.)</li>
 <li><a href="https://www.proofandcooper.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Proof &amp; Cooper</a>&nbsp;(Dripping Springs)</li>
</ul>
<h2>Tuesday</h2>
<ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.applebees.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Applebees</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://brickovenaustin.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">The Brick Oven</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.caminorealrestaurante.com/">Camino Real Mexican Restaurant (After 5:00 p.m.)</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.centralmarket.com/in-store.aspx?store=austin_lamar#/cafe/april" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Central Market – North Lamar (10 and under after 5:00 p.m.)</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.cfarestaurant.com/parmerlane/events/20170400" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Chick-Fil-A on Parmer/I35 (5:00 to 9:00 p.m. at participating locations)</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.dennys.com/locations/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Denny’s (12 and under after 4:00 p.m.)</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://locations.firehousesubs.com/locations/tx/arbor-town-square" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Firehouse Subs (12 and under after 5:00 p.m.)</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/categories/departments/food/#ifs-ikea-family" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">IKEA</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://kerbeylanecafe.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Kerby Lane Café</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://lamargarita.us/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">La Margarita</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.laposadasouth.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">La Posada</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://lasalsa.com/austin/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">La Salsa (After 4:00 p.m.)</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.pluckers.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Pluckers Wing Bar (10 and under)</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.redrobin.com/locations/texas/austin/parmer.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Red Robin</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://silvergrillcafe.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Silver Grill Cafe</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.texadelphia.com/lakeline/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Texadelphia – Lakeline (After 4:00 p.m.)</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.zuzuaustin.com/news/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Zuzu’s Handmade Mexican Food (After 5:00 p.m.)</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>Wednesday</h2>
<ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.sazonaustin.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Sazon</a>&nbsp;– (12 and under)</li>
 <li><a href="https://realdopebbq.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Slab BBQ &amp; Beer</a>&nbsp;– (12 and under 4:00 p.m. to close)</li>
 <li><a href="https://bigdaddysaustin.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Big Daddy’s Burgers &amp; Bar</a>&nbsp;– (5:00 – 8:00 p.m.)</li>
 <li><a href="https://www.boathousegrill.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Boathouse Grill</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.centralmarket.com/in-store.aspx?store=austin_westgate#/cafe/april" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Central Market – Westgate (</a>10 and under after 5:00 p.m.)</li>
 <li><a href="https://www.thefriscoaustin.com/home" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">The Frisco</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;(After 5:00 p.m.)</li>
 <li><a href="https://lasalsa.com/austin/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">La Salsa (After 4:00 p.m.)</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.lubys.com/locations/search.php?searchbyaddress=austin" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Luby’s</a> &nbsp;&nbsp;(After 4:00 p.m.)</li>
 <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Mijos-Tex-Mex-and-Cantina-144878435702726/?fref=nf" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Mijo’s Tex-Mex and Cantina</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://mtplaymore.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Mt. Playmore</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.niks620.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Nik’s Kitchen &amp; Bar</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.qdobaaustin.com/#!services2/c15rm" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Qdoba – Cedar Park</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.santaritacantina.com/location.php" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Santa Rita Cantina – South</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://sazonaustin.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Sazon</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.schmidtfamilybarbecue.com/specials/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Schmid Family Barbecue (10 and under after 3:00 p.m.)</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.serranos.com/daily-specials/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Serranos</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://realdopebbq.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Slab BBQ</a>&nbsp;(After 4:00 p.m.)</li>
 <li><a href="https://www.texadelphia.com/lakeline/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Texadelphia – Lakeline</a>&nbsp;(After 4:00 p.m.)</li>
 <li><a href="https://www.zuzuaustin.com/news/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Zuzu’s Handmade Mexican Food</a>&nbsp;(After 5:00 p.m.)</li>
</ul>
<h2>Thursday</h2>
<ul>
 <li><a href="https://lasalsa.com/austin/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">La Salsa</a>&nbsp;(After 4:00 p.m.)</li>
 <li><a href="https://www.molcasmexicanrestaurant.com/specials.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Molcas Mexican Restaurant</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.heb.com/static-page/table-620" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Table 620 at HEB Lakeway</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.zuzuaustin.com/news/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Zuzu’s Handmade Mexican Food</a>&nbsp;(After 5:00 p.m.)</li>
</ul>
<h2>Saturday</h2>
<ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.dennys.com/locations/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Denny’s</a>&nbsp;(After 4:00 p.m.)</li>
 <li><a href="https://www.lakewayfore.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Fore</a>&nbsp;(After 4:00 p.m. with the purchase of two adult meals)</li>
 <li><a href="https://www.lubys.com/locations/search.php?searchbyaddress=austin" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Luby’s</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.opaldivines.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Opal Divine’s</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.steaknshake.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Steak ‘n Shake</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.eatzen.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Zen Japanese Food (10 and under</a><a href="https://www.estanciachurrascaria.com/about/">)</a></li>
</ul>
<h3>Happy (free) eating!&nbsp;</h3>

Where Kids Eat Free Around Austin

<section class="re-content-block" data-block-type="html" style="font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">The website Trip.com&nbsp;<a href="https://www.trip.com/blog/top-10-bbq-spots-in-the-u-s/?platform=hootsuite" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">published a list</a>&nbsp;of the best places to get barbecue yesterday.Outrage ensued.The list included not a single restaurant in the entire Southeastern USA.It also included four places in California and one in Brooklyn, NY.Brooklyn!?!?So, we decided to make our own list of the best BBQ joints in the Asheville area yesterday on the show. These all came from listener recommendations and are in no particular order.Enjoy!</section><section class="re-content-block" data-block-type="html" style="font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.12bones.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">12 Bones</a><a href="http://okiedokiesbbq.com/menu/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Okie Dokies Smokehouse</a><a href="http://luellasbbq.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Luella's Bar-B-Que</a><a href="https://www.dickeys.com/menu/meats" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Dickey's Barbecue Pit</a><a href="http://www.philsbarbquepit.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Phil's Barbecue Pit</a>&nbsp;<a href="http://fatbuddiesribsandbbq.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Fat Buddies Ribs &amp; BBQ&nbsp;</a><a href="http://littlepigsbbq.net/index.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Little Pigs Bar-B-Q</a><a href="https://haywoodsmokehouse.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Haywood Smokehouse</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Fishs-Backporch-BBQ-223952191126361/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Fish's Backporch Barbecue</a></section> Read more:&nbsp;<a href="http://wwnc.iheart.com/featured/pete-kaliner/content/2017-07-18-a-better-bbq-list/#ixzz4o9wDseqr" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 153);">http://wwnc.iheart.com/featured/pete-kaliner/content/2017-07-18-a-better-bbq-list/#ixzz4o9wDseqr</a>

WWNC: A Better BBQ List

WATERLOO, ON--(Marketwired - July 18, 2017) -&nbsp;Digital learning technology is transforming how organizations grow, and learning leaders must keep up with this rapid change.&nbsp;That's the theme of&nbsp;<a href="http://ctt.marketwire.com/?release=11G142833-001&amp;id=11993266&amp;type=0&amp;url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.d2l.com" rel="nofollow">D2L</a>'s inaugural&nbsp;<a href="http://ctt.marketwire.com/?release=11G142833-001&amp;id=11993269&amp;type=0&amp;url=https%3a%2f%2fwww.d2l.com%2fevents%2ffusion%2fenterprise-agenda%2fclo-think-tank%2f" rel="nofollow">Chief Learning Officer (CLO) Think Tank</a>&nbsp;event, which will take place on July 20th at its annual&nbsp;<a href="http://ctt.marketwire.com/?release=11G142833-001&amp;id=11993272&amp;type=0&amp;url=https%3a%2f%2fwww.d2l.com%2fevents%2ffusion%2f" rel="nofollow">Fusion conference</a>&nbsp;in Las Vegas. The presentations and workshop will be led by top learning executives from Home Depot, Harvard Business Publishing, and Dickey's Barbecue Pit, among others, and respected industry analyst, Claude Werder from Brandon Hall Group. Each will address challenges companies face as technology changes the nature of learning and development in the workplace.
"Learning engagement is now essential in today's workplace and CLOs are leveraging video, gaming, social, and self-publishing, among other tools, to deliver new and more effective learning experiences," said John Baker, CEO of D2L. "Our first annual CLO Think Tank event will bring together learning executives from various industries to discuss digital transformation in enterprise learning by facilitating conversation and thoughtful analysis."
Along with listening to insightful presentations, attendees will work closely with peers in collaborative workshops to discuss how technology is transforming enterprise learning and development.
"CLOs are operating in an environment where learning is recognized as a critical corporate priority. CLOs who adopt digital learning technologies and use them to link learning to performance outcomes have an opportunity to make significant contributions to their organizations' business success," said Claude Werder, VP/Research Operations and Principal HCM Analyst, Brandon Hall Group. "This forum will provide learning leaders with leading practices and strategies about everything from micro-learning to mitigating business risk, which are profoundly important in the 21st&nbsp;century workplace."
The agenda is as follows:
<ul>
 <li>9:30am - Opening Remarks 
-&nbsp;Speaker: Erin Mills, Head of Enterprise Marketing, D2L</li>
 <li>9:45am - Session #1: Panel Discussion - Digital Transformation and The New Strategic Learning Imperative 
-&nbsp;Moderator: Brandon Carson, Director of Learning, Home Depot 
-&nbsp;Panelists: Claude Werder, VP/Research Operations and Principal HCM Analyst, Brandon Hall Group, Keith Meyerson, Sr. Director of Training &amp; Development, Topgolf, and Shawn Storer, Chief of People and Culture, Dickey's Barbecue Pit</li>
 <li>11:00am - Session #2:&nbsp;Facilitated Workshop - The Journey of Transformation for L&amp;D, Redefining the CLO 
-&nbsp;Facilitator: Jeanne Meister, Future Workplace</li>
 <li>1:00pm - Session #3: D2L Solution Spotlight in Grand Ballroom</li>
 <li>2:20pm - Session #4: Learning – The Foundation of Transformation 
-&nbsp;Speaker: Josh Brand, Sr. Director of Global Delivery, Harvard Business Publishing</li>
 <li>4:10pm - Session #5: Creating a Learning Strategy for 2020 and Beyond 
-&nbsp;Speaker: Claude Werder, HCM Principal Analyst, Brandon Hall Group</li>
</ul>
For more information or to sign up, please click&nbsp;<a href="http://ctt.marketwire.com/?release=11G142833-001&amp;id=11993275&amp;type=0&amp;url=https%3a%2f%2fwww.d2l.com%2fevents%2ffusion%2fenterprise-agenda%2fclo-think-tank%2f" rel="nofollow">here</a>&nbsp;and follow the menu. Attendees will also have access to D2L's Annual User Group and Executive Summit.
About D2L Fusion Conference
Fusion is D2L's annual learning conference, which offers educators, instructors and leaders from around the world a chance to come together and share ideas that will shape the future of learning. Driving progress and better outcomes for learners starts with sharing knowledge and best practices for the classroom, campus or workplace. This is your chance to join the conversation and make sure your voice is heard. Fusion is where the brightest minds meet.
About Brightspace
D2L's Brightspace is a digital learning platform that helps customers deliver personalized learning experiences in a classroom or online to people anywhere in the world. Created for the digital learner, Brightspace is cloud-based, runs on mobile devices, and offers rich multimedia to increase engagement, productivity and knowledge retention. The platform makes it easy to design courses, create content, giving customers more time to focus on what's most important -- better learning and engagement.
About D2L
D2L is the software leader that makes the learning experience better. The company's cloud-based platform is easier to use, more flexible, and smart. With Brightspace, companies can personalize the experience for every learner to deliver real results. The company is a world leader in learning analytics: its platform predicts learner performance so that companies can take action in real-time to keep employees on track. Brightspace is used by learners in higher education, K-12, and the enterprise sector, including the Fortune 1000. D2L has operations in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, Brazil, and Singapore.&nbsp;<a href="http://ctt.marketwire.com/?release=11G142833-001&amp;id=11993278&amp;type=0&amp;url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.d2l.com" rel="nofollow">www.D2L.com</a>
Twitter:&nbsp;@D2L

Discuss the Future of Enterprise Learning

Are you looking for a uniquely American culinary experience? Barbecue is a centuries-old cuisine with dozens of variations and styles – and could be a strong contender for America’s quintessential food. With barbecue being such a popular choice for Americans, CHD Expert decided to evaluate trends within the barbecue restaurant landscape across the country. 
 
As of July 2017, CHD Expert’s database has data and restaurant information for more than 15,200 barbecue restaurants across the USA. Barbecue restaurants also account for just over 2 percent of the total US restaurant landscape. 
 
Breaking down the barbecue restaurant landscape into Full Service Restaurants (FSRs) and Limited Service Restaurants (LSRs) in terms of number of units, CHD Expert’s data reveals that Independent restaurants dominate both categories: 86 percent of barbecue LSRs are classified as Independent while 88 percent of FSRs are Independent. (CHD Expert defines an Independent restaurant as one having less than 10 units in operation nationwide.)
With its roots in the South, it’s no surprise that many of the state states with the largest share of barbecue restaurants reside below the Mason Dixon Line. The top five states with the largest shares of barbecue restaurants include Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, and Hawaii, and chains make up 13 percent of the total barbecue restaurant landscape. The most prevalent barbecue chain restaurants in the U.S. include Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, Famous Dave’s, L&amp;L Hawaiian BBQ, Sonny’s Real Pit BBQ, and Bill Miller Bar B Q.
Want more details on the barbecue restaurant landscape in the USA? 
 
CHD Expert evaluated the most recent data within its foodservice database and packaged the most interesting facts and figures into an infographic designed to help foodservice industry professionals better understand the popularity of barbecue restaurants in the United States. 
 
To access the 2017 Barbecue Restaurant Landscape Infographic in its entirety, please visit:&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://info.chd-expert.com/bbq-menu-type-united-states-by-chd-expert" target="_blank">info.chd-expert.com/bbq-menu-type-united-states-by-chd-ex...</a> 
 
To obtain detailed information on the foodservice industry landscape anywhere in the United States, or foodservice data in general, please contact&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sales@chd-expert.com?subject=openPR.com%20contact">sales@chd-expert.com</a>. 
 
Data Ingredients. Growth Served. For over 20 years, CHD Expert has collected, analyzed, and managed foodservice and hospitality data to help businesses win in this fragmented and fast-moving industry. Our comprehensive and segmented data allows us to adapt our local and global insights to our clients’ objectives. From ideas to execution, we deliver actionable solutions that drive business growth. To learn more, please visit chd-expert.com. 
 
CHD Expert The Americas 
130 S. Jefferson St., Suite 250 
Chicago, IL, 60661 USA 
 
Phone: (312) 768-6900 
Email:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:bgerson@CHD-Expert.com?subject=openPR.com%20contact">bgerson@CHD-Expert.com</a>

CHD Expert Evaluates U.S. BBQ

Sales at restaurants and bars declined in June. The spread between food-away-from-home prices and food-at-home prices narrows. A consulting firm focuses on how restaurants can improve their customers’ experience. Chipotle introduces a new concept. These stories and a lot more This Week in Foodservice.
&nbsp;June total retail sales fell 0.2 percent compared to May,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.census.gov/retail/marts/www/marts_current.pdf">reported the U.S. Census Bureau</a>. Total retail sales increased 2.8 percent compared to June 2016. For the first 6 months of this year retail sales are up 3.9 percent compared to the same period last year. The report also revised the advanced sales for May to down 0.1 percent, a 0.2 percent improvement from the previous estimate.
June sales at eating and drinking places declined 0.6 percent from May but were up 1.7 percent compared to June 2016. For the first 6 months of this year restaurant and bar sales increased 2.9 percent.
One positive factor in the June report was that May sales for restaurants and bars, which were originally reported as being down 0.1 percent, were revised upward to +0.4 percent.
While these results may not bring shouts of joy from foodservice operators, industry performance still shows some growth this year.
There are limitations and caveats in the Census Bureau’s survey. This is an advance report because it is based on a limited sample size. As the sample grows, the U.S. Census Bureau often revises the numbers. That happened with the May data.
The survey covers restaurants and bars only, meaning it excludes roughly a third of the foodservice industry. Not surveyed are hotels, resorts, clubs, retailers, employee feeding, K through 12 schools, colleges and universities, healthcare and military feeding.
Finally, some of the data is adjusted for holidays, weekends, and seasonal changes but not for menu price increases or decreases.
<h3>Economic News This Week</h3>
<ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.dol.gov/sites/default/files/documents/newsroom/releases/eta/20170989.pdf">First-time jobless claims dipped to 247,000</a>,&nbsp;a decline of 3,000 for the week ending July 8. The 4-week moving average was 245,750, an increase of 2,250. Jobless claims remain well in the “acceptable” range.</li>
 <li><a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/g19/current/g19.pdf">Consumer credit climbed by 5.8 percent in May</a>&nbsp;on an annual seasonally adjusted basis. The U.S. Federal Reserve reported that revolving credit — mostly credit card debt — increased 8.7 percent while non-revolving credit — auto loans, student loans, boat loans, etc. — grew 4.7 percent.</li>
 <li><a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/ppi.pdf">The Producer Price Index for Final Demand grew 0.1 percent</a>&nbsp;with 80 percent of the increase driven by 0.2 percent growth in final demand services. The Final Demand Index for Goods rose 0.1 percent. In the last 12 months, total final demand prices are up 2.0 percent. The index for final demand food rose 0.6 percent.</li>
 <li><a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/cpi.pdf">The Consumer Price Index was flat in Junevs. May.</a>&nbsp;In past 12 months the index increased 1.6 percent. The Core Index, which does not include food and energy prices, was down 0.1 percent in June and up 1.7 percent in the last 12 months.</li>
 <li><a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/g17/current/default.htm">Industrial production rose 0.4 percent in June</a>,&nbsp;marking&nbsp;the fifth consecutive monthly increase. The Manufacturing Output Index increased 0.2 percent, the Mining Index rose 1.6 percent and the Utilities Index was flat. Capacity Utilization increased 0.2 percentage points for a final reading of 76.6, a rate that is 33 percentage points below its long run (1972-2016) average.</li>
 <li><a href="http://www.fesmag.com/%E2%80%A2%09http:/www.nfib.com/surveys/small-business-economic-trends">The Index of Small business optimism retreated</a>&nbsp;0.9 points in June to a final reading of 103.6,&nbsp;per the National Federation of Independent Businesses.</li>
 <li><a href="http://www.sca.isr.umich.edu/">The University of Michigan Index of Consumer Sentiment was down in July</a>,&nbsp;according to the study’s preliminary results. The Index read 95.1, down 3.1 from June. The Index of Current Economic Conditions rose slightly to 113.2 from 112.5. The Index of Consumer Expectations declined to 80.2 from 83.9. A university spokesman stated the drop was not severe and probably does not signify a recession.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h3>Foodservice News This Week</h3>
<ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/cpi.pdf">Food-away-from-home prices were flat in June</a>&nbsp;and up 2.2 percent for the last 12 months. Some observers blame gap between food prices out and at home for soft foodservice sales.</li>
 <li><a href="http://deloitte.wsj.com/cmo/2017/06/27/serving-up-an-engaging-restaurant-cx/?mod=WSJBlog">It’s all about the customer experience</a>&nbsp;according to Deloitte Consulting. For a strong customer experience the restaurant must engage customers in a friendly, authentic and hospitable way. Customers must feel empowered with real-time information. Customers want to be heard, particularly when something goes wrong. Customers must be delighted by being surprised and exceeding their expectations. Finally, customers want to be known by having the restaurant remember them and their preferences. Restaurants generally get low marks in the factors above but there is a clear opportunity for operators wishing to provide memorable interactions.</li>
 <li><a href="https://ny.eater.com/2017/7/10/15945712/chipotle-queso-margaritas-chelsea">Chipotle debuts a new concept in New York City</a>.&nbsp;Chipotle NEXT Kitchen will not only test new menu items but also new technology and equipment. Some of the equipment being tried is a new margarita machine and a rice cooker that prepares small batches.</li>
 <li><a href="http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170714005470/en">US Foods will acquire TOBA Inc.</a>&nbsp;TOBA owns The Thompson Company in Grand Island, Neb., Braunger Foods in Sioux City, Iowa, and Variety Foods in Sioux Falls, S.D. US Foods plans to keep all three locations and retain all of the distributors’ current employees. Price of the acquisition was not disclosed.</li>
 <li>Corporate Stirrings:&nbsp;<a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/axum-capital-partners-acquires-controlling-121400968.html">Back Yard Burgers was sold to Axum Capital Partners</a>&nbsp;by the Pharos Capital Group. The amount of the sale was not disclosed. The chain now has 55 units down from 120 locations.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foodnewsfeed.com/fsr/chain-restaurants/prominent-private-equity-firm-buys-jim-n-nick-s-bar-b-q?utm_source=fs_insider&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=20170712">The&nbsp;Jim ‘N Nicks Bar-B-Q&nbsp;chain, a 37-unit company started in 1985, has sold a majority stake</a>&nbsp;to the Roark Capital Group. Roark has investments in 60 restaurant chains including Jimmy John’s, Arby’s, CKE Restaurants and FOCUS Brands. The purchase price was not disclosed&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stltoday.com/business/local/panera-stockholders-ok-sale-to-jab-holdings/article_cdbb9695-d2cb-54c1-a305-2d2c8dbfe71e.html">Panera Bread Company’s sale to JAB Holdings closed</a>&nbsp;this week.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fastcasual.com/news/panera-franchisee-pan-american-group-acquires-34-locations/?utm_source=Email_marketing&amp;utm_campaign=emnaFCC07142017133406&amp;cmp=1&amp;utm_medium=HTMLEmail">The Pan American Group has purchased 34&nbsp;Panera Bread&nbsp;locations</a>&nbsp;from the Original Bread Company. This gives Pan American 130 Panera Bread restaurants making it the concept’s second largest franchisee.</li>
 <li>Growth Chains: Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen&nbsp;will open three restaurants in South Africa. A 250,000-square-foot dining and entertainment venue outside Dallas called&nbsp;The Music Factory&nbsp;will eventually have 25 concepts.&nbsp;Captain D’ssigned franchise development agreement will bring five restaurants to San Antonio, one to Jackson, Tenn., and four to Mobile, Ala., and Pensacola, Fla. CKE opened a&nbsp;Carl’s Jr. in Nicaragua and plans 200 units in the region.&nbsp;Dickey’s Barbecue Pit&nbsp;will open two restaurants in Las Vegas.&nbsp;MOD Pizza&nbsp;will open six restaurants in Houston.</li>
 <li>Comparable Store Sales Reports: Bad Daddy’s&nbsp;up 0.1 percent, Good Times Burgers up 3.7 percent, and&nbsp;Luby’s&nbsp;(All concepts down 2.7 percent, Luby’s Cafeteria down 2.5 percent, Fuddrucker’s down 0.9 percent, Cheeseburgers in Paradise down 9.8 percent and combo units down 5.5 percent.)</li>
</ul>
For details and same-store sales of other chains, p<a href="http://www.fesmag.com/images/stories/2017-07/july18Greensheet3.pdf">lease click here for the&nbsp;</a><a href="http://www.fesmag.com/features/blogs/this-week-in-foodservice/14892-restaurant-and-bar-sales-decline-in-june,-chipotle-introduces-new-concept,-customers-want-memorable-interactions,-and-more#">Green Sheet</a>.&nbsp;

Customers Want Memorable Interactions

ALTOONA – Residents in Blair County came together Saturday to remember a young girl who lost her life after fighting brain cancer.
Eight-year-old Maddie Shura died in April. Her family is dedicated to raising money to help fight pediatric cancer and brain cancer.
To support the family's efforts, Dickey’s Barbecue in Altoona donated part of their sales from the fundraiser.
Though the amount raised is still being counted, Shura’s family said it was a great event.

Fundraiser honors girl who died from brain cancer

The battle for local customers has become more fierce than ever. Brick &amp; mortar brands and local storefronts alike are seeing an&nbsp;<a href="https://moz.com/local-search-ranking-factors" target="_blank">ever-changing environment</a>&nbsp;that requires the help of software to continually optimize and measure visibility in local search. From a marketing perspective, local data has evolved into a strategic asset on which the efficacy of geo-marketing campaigns depend to ensure ROI.&nbsp;I am thrilled to share that I have joined the leadership team at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.moz.com/" target="_blank">Moz</a>&nbsp;to tackle these massive opportunities for our customers. In many ways, my path to Moz has been 7 years in the making.
In 2008, four optimistic people crowded into my basement in the foothills outside Seattle, ready to tackle the emerging challenge for local storefronts: how to get noticed and bring more customers to their front doors. We identified the problem in a very organic way, along the main street of my hometown of Snoqualmie, and began to build software to help out. We named our company Venuelabs. By 2014, we were helping many of the largest brick &amp; mortar brands in the U.S. We were proud to serve Starbucks, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, Urban Outfitters, Albertsons, MOD Pizza, Mercedes Benz and many others. Our local analytics platform spanned 300 brands and 500,000 locations.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Then, in mid-2015 something dramatic happened.&nbsp;<a href="http://searchengineland.com/its-official-google-says-more-searches-now-on-mobile-than-on-desktop-220369" target="_blank">Mobile searches by consumers surpassed desktop searches</a>, sparking the reality in the market that local search was going to be a key battleground for customers. At that same time, enterprise customers like Albertsons and others began to ask fewer questions about our shiny analytics, and focused more of their questions around the accuracy, reach and management of their local store points of presence.
The shift in customer conversations was striking and underscored to me that while I was solving an interesting problem, there were in fact more foundational business problems to address in local.
Accuracy and management of location data across the web was in my mind, becoming the “table stakes” of local search and marketing. Being the scrappy and nimble startup that we were, we immediately sought a relationship with the Moz team, who had introduced a true local presence product. In the earliest stages of our discussions, I could see the&nbsp;<a href="https://moz.com/about/tagfee" target="_blank">TAGFEE difference with Moz</a>, and looked forward to working together for years to come.
In the two years since I&nbsp;<a href="https://www.geekwire.com/2015/groupon-acquires-seattle-startup-venuelabs-to-help-local-merchants-monitor-social-media-feedback/" target="_blank">stepped away from the market</a>, Moz Local’s business has grown dramatically. The solution has matured, and the growing team is working on new and exciting capabilities that are focused on simplifying how enterprises and agencies manage, distribute, and measure their storefront data across the web.
For many of the brands I have served, I am looking forward to reigniting our partnership to empower your marketing teams to continue to grow &amp; enhance your local footprint. For those of you interested in&nbsp;<a href="https://moz.com/local/enterprise-audit" target="_blank">getting started on that partnership right way</a>, let’s talk!
&nbsp;

What Starbucks, Dickey's, and Mercedes taught me about local marketing

Last Thursday, Dickey’s Barbecue in Mandan finally opened.
If you went, you noticed you weren’t alone. But you stood in line, placed your order, made your payment and went on your way. You were most likely satisfied and may have plans to return.
But what went on behind the scenes is something else. With the long lines and high demand, Dickey’s Barbecue needed to have enough inventory to meet the large number of customers.
In a&nbsp;<a href="http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-dickeys-barbecue-pit-opening-a-success-thanks-to-heroic-team-effort-300482175.html" target="_blank">news release from Dickey’s Barbecue</a>, they state that the new Mandan location was running low on inventory and when the necessary stock was not available at normal distribution centers, they had to turn to the corporate team for help.
And the corporate team pulled through. From the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-dickeys-barbecue-pit-opening-a-success-thanks-to-heroic-team-effort-300482175.html" target="_blank">news release</a>:
<blockquote>Dickey’s&nbsp;corporate purchasing team immediately searched the country for stock, arranged truck rentals and travel, and negotiated pricing. President of&nbsp;Dickey’s&nbsp;Barbecue Restaurants, Inc.,&nbsp;Renee Roozen, even had her husband in&nbsp;Colorado&nbsp;and father in&nbsp;Minnesota&nbsp;ready to drive trucks if stock could be found in those markets. Ultimately, the stock was found in&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;and a member of&nbsp;Dickey’s&nbsp;corporate support staff volunteered to give up his off days to fly from Pacific Northwest to&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;to pick up a truck, and then drive 12 hours to&nbsp;North Dakota&nbsp;to complete the miracle.</blockquote>
Amazing what the folks at Dickey’s are willing to do for us here in the Bismarck-Mandan area. We thank you for going above and beyond to keep our cravings satisfied and our stomachs full.
I guess you can say that Dickey’s is willing to ‘brisket‘ all for us. (Get it?&nbsp;Brisket&nbsp;instead of&nbsp;risk it?)

Dickey’s Journey in Mandan

Before Laura Rea Dickey was CEO at Dicky’s Barbecue Pit she served eight years as the chief information officer at the company, fusing the world of barbecue and technology together to better accommodate the customers needs. According to the restaurant’s website, she also “led the marketing, IT and training departments at Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc.” Thanks to Dickey, the company has become known for its modern technology and continues to excel in the latest and greatest. In the past, Dickey has also worked with&nbsp;<a href="http://www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels/index.html?iataNumber=00477153" target="_blank">W Hotels</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.chick-fil-a.com/" target="_blank">Chick-Fil-A</a>.
Women tackling leadership in the restaurant industry is not necessarily an easy task but is necessary for success,&nbsp;as she describes to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fastcasual.com/blogs/15-female-execs-offer-advice-about-rising-to-the-top-of-a-male-dominated-field/">Fast Casual</a>.&nbsp;
"A range of perspectives enhances an outcome, so more woman taking leadership roles in the restaurant industry will continue to help evolve the business. Plus, woman are key decision makers for family dining choices, so it's a valuable perspective."
&nbsp;

Female CEOs to Watch Out For

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) -- In a world where it can sometimes be hard finding a helping hand, a local business owner is proving that you can always find the good in someone.
&nbsp;
At 24 years old, Dylan Opinker has his whole life ahead of him.
"I am very social, I like to get out and have fun and play sports and work and take care of my family," says Opinker.
Throughout the years, Opinker has come to learn that working wouldn't come so easily as a felon.
"I was young and dumb as I would say, when I was 18 years old I caught a theft charge doing some things with friends that now I think I really wouldn't have done," says Opinker.
While filling out applications, he would realize checking a box would determine his fate.
"I put in many apps, I'm talking probably over 30 or 40 applications and I just kept getting denied and it kind of made me&nbsp;feel&nbsp;like I had no hope," says Opinker.
That changed once he met Ryan, owner of Dickey's BBQ in Rockford.
"We were just talking about a lot of people having trouble getting accepted at other places," says Ryan McPeek, owner of Dickey's Barbecue Pit.
McPeek decided to become a business that gives these men and women a second chance.
Dickey's isn't only known for its BBQ since opening in 2015 they've opened the doors for more than 10 ex-felons.
"I know people have a history, but people can change and they can't change if they aren't given a chance," says McPeek.
Opinker is one of those ex-felons given a chance.
"Ryan being the good guy he is, called me and offered me this job and I couldn't be more thankful," says Opinker.
"We still have to believe that they are willing to make that change," says McPeek.
Little did Opinker know, his old ways would eventually come back to haunt him.
"I was working here and got into a little bit of trouble and had to go do some jail," says Opinker. "He called and I thought he wanted my t-shirts back."
Instead of calling to get his uniform back, McPeek was calling to give Opinker his job back.
"This is a first time for us that we rehired somebody that we thought would straighten out," says McPeek. "If you got all these people in Rockford looking for work and nobody will give them a chance, it's a tough spot."
While Dickey's is a small staff, McPeek says he hopes other businesses in the Stateline will jump on board to end the stigma of hiring ex-felons.
"Things happen and people make mistakes so now I've just owned up to it and I do what I have to do and getting my life together."
While Dickey's is currently not hiring, when asked if there was anyone McPeek wouldn't hire, he says they haven't run across anyone they weren't willing to give a chance.
McPeek says many of his employees have gone on to get better jobs because of the opportunity they got with Dickey's.

Finding work as an Ex-Felon

With the overwhelming excitement for&nbsp;Dickey's&nbsp;Barbecue Pit's new location opening in&nbsp;Mandan, North Dakota&nbsp;last Thursday, local Owner/Operators were faced with meeting the inventory demands of such high traffic. When the required stock could not be found at the normal distribution centers, they turned to&nbsp;Dickey's&nbsp;corporate team for a creative solution to ensure the expected demand could be met.
Local Owner/Operators Randy and&nbsp;Lisa Rhone,&nbsp;Amanda and Ben Zachmeier opened their first&nbsp;Dickey's&nbsp;location in&nbsp;Minot, North Dakota&nbsp;in 2014. Given the success of this store and anticipation from the community, their new&nbsp;Mandan location was expected to generate extremely high traffic beyond what local distribution centers could provide.&nbsp;Dickey's&nbsp;corporate purchasing team immediately searched the country for stock, arranged truck rentals and travel, and negotiated pricing. President of&nbsp;Dickey's&nbsp;Barbecue Restaurants, Inc.,&nbsp;Renee Roozen, even had her husband in&nbsp;Colorado&nbsp;and father in&nbsp;Minnesoready to drive trucks if stock could be found in those markets. Ultimately, the stock was found in&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;and a member of&nbsp;Dickey's&nbsp;corporate support staff volunteered to give up his off days to fly from Pacific Northwest to&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;to pick up a truck, and then drive 12 hours to&nbsp;North Dakota&nbsp;to complete the miracle.
"We are very grateful to the support staff at&nbsp;Dickey's&nbsp;corporate office for helping us make this grand opening such a success," said Owner/Operator Randy Rhone. "This is definitely an instance in which we were happy to be a&nbsp;Dickey's&nbsp;franchisee. We couldn't have done it without them!"
"This is a perfect example of one of the key reasons why entrepreneurs are attracted to franchises, and&nbsp;Dickey's&nbsp;in particular: they receive this type of support," said&nbsp;Renee Roozen, President of&nbsp;Dickey's&nbsp;Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. "It was truly a team effort and we are proud to share this success with the Rhones and Zachmeiers. We view our franchisees as members of our family and are willing to do whatever it takes to make sure they are well taken care of and our loyal guests' expectations are met.

A Good Problem to Have

Las Vegas local Kim Fewell was a self-taught Pit Master recreationally long before he joined the Dickey's Barbecue family. Although the barbecue enthusiast enjoys the at-home pit-smoking process, what intrigued him about Dickey's was the combination of delicious, authentic barbecue with the ease and convenience of a fast casual concept.
When Fewell retired a few months ago, he began looking into joining a franchise. He first experienced Dickey's barbecue on a trip to California and got the idea to bring the concept to his home community of Las Vegas, where there isn't an abundance of easily-accessible, authentic barbecue. According to Kim and his wife, Susan, Dickey's was a natural fit for the area as well as for them, personally.
"First of all, you can't beat the barbecue, but I also like the people at Dickey's and the brand itself," said Fewell. "Meeting Roland Dickey, Jr. really sealed the deal for me. I like the direction the brand is headed and see a lot of potential for growth."
Kim and Susan Fewell currently have two Dickey's Barbecue Pit locations under development in the Las Vegas area. The first is on track to open this fall, the second in summer 2018.
"It is important to us that our Owner/Operators share our passion for the art of great barbecue, and it is clear that Kim and Susan do," said Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. "We are looking forward to a successful partnership and further expansion in Nevada with them."&nbsp;

Two New Locations Coming to Las Vegas

In honor of <a href="https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/dickeys-celebrates-mac-n-cheese-day-free-side">National Macaroni and Cheese Day</a>, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is offering guests a free small side of its signature home-style macaroni and cheese with the purchase of any Classic or Westerner sandwich and Big Yellow Cup.
Dickey’s fans agree: Savory macaroni and cheese is the ideal side to accompany a flavorful meal of barbecue. Added to the menu in 2006, this side was an immediate hit, particularly in conjunction with Dickey’s biggest promotion, Kids Eat Free on Sundays. In fact, last year Dickey’s Barbecue Pit sold over 4 million pounds of macaroni and cheese.
&nbsp;For this special deal available exclusively on July 14, barbecue and macaroni and cheese fans alike can celebrate the holiday with Dickey’s best-selling side with a coupon found on the promo page of Dickeys.com.
“This fun holiday is the perfect occasion to enjoy a fan favorite: our delicious macaroni and cheese,” says Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc.&nbsp; “We are looking forward to this opportunity to join our loyal guests in celebrating this classic comfort food tomorrow.”

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