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IN THE NEWS

Watch the full segment <a href="http://cw33.com/2017/02/28/dickeys-do">here</a>.&nbsp;<hr>DALLAS — Anytime a cop hits their beat, they never know when someone out there will threaten their life. Well, Dickey’s “Barbecue Boots and Badges” foundation is out to relieve some of those fears, with their new Invest In A Vest initiative. “We are dedicated to helping officers, our first responders, and their families,” said the founder of Barbecue, Boots and Badges, Maureen Dickey. Today, the foundation donated enhanced bulletproof vest plates to the Dallas Police Gang Unit, that are capable of withstanding rifle fire like what they faced in last July’s attack. “Anything that we can do that will provide an extra layer of safety to these officers as they go out there and they try to do their jobs,” said Interim DPD Police Chief David Pughes. “And ensure that they can come home each and every day to their family members is especially important to me.” On hand at the presentation was Dallas officer Brian Shaw who was wounded in the July police attacks when bullets pierced his lighter-weight vest. The upgraded models would have stopped the rounds in their tracks. “When everybody else was running for cover this man ran towards the action because that’s what first responders do,” Commissioner Rob Kyker, of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, said of Shaw. “Brian is the number one reason why Invest In A Vest is a great idea and a great program.” To donate to the program, you can go to GiveBBB.org to make sure these guys can walk the streets with a little more confidence and their families can sleep a little easier at night.

KDAF CW 33: Dickey's Invest in a Vest

<a href="https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/dickey-s-launches-program-protect-police-officers">QSR </a>covered Barbecue, Boots &amp; Badges new initiative 'Invest in a Vest'.&nbsp;<hr>According to the Bureau of Justice Assistance, the fatality risk for law enforcement officers in America is nearly four times greater than that of the average American worker. Barbecue, Boots &amp; Badges, the charitable foundation founded by Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, aims to reduce that risk for police officers by providing life-saving bullet proof vests. Barbecue, Boots &amp; Badges’ newest initiative is called “Invest in a Vest”. The foundation has partnered with Angel Armor to provide life-saving ballistic body armor for police officers. A donation of $500 buys a set of ballistic plates, which protect the wearer from sniper rounds and high-powered ammunition. The foundation will donate ballistic plates to Dallas Police Department’s entire gang unit to launch the “Invest in a Vest” program on Tuesday, February 28. &nbsp;Ballistic vests have saved the lives of at least 3,000 law enforcement officers and increased survival rates from gunshots to the torso by 14 percent. “The risk of dying from a gunshot wound to the torso is 3.4 times higher for law enforcement officers who do not wear armor vests,” cites Nathan James, Analyst in Crime Policy for the Congressional Research Service. “Barbecue, Boots &amp; Badges aims to serve those who protect us,” says Commissioner Maurine Dickey, the founder and spokesperson of Dickey’s foundation. “Our first responders put their lives on the line for us every day, and we hope to provide this state of the art equipment to make their jobs safer.” Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. also has launched a donation matching program for in-store fundraisers.

QSR: Dickey's Invest in a Vest

The Shreveport Times covered the opening of the newest Shreveport location.&nbsp;<hr>Barbecue restaurant chain Dickey's will open its newest location and the second in Shreveport today. Located on Youree Drive, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit will celebrate the new restaurant with a weekend filled with specials on slow-smoked barbecue. Husband and wife duo, Matthew and Catherine Long, will open their third Dickey’s Barbecue Pit location in the Shreveport-Bossier City area. “The Dickey’s Barbecue Pit family congratulates Matthew and Catherine Long on opening their third Dickey’s location,” says Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. “Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is a family-owned business and we are always proud when current owner-operators open new locations with us.” The new location will offer a free Big Yellow Cup with an in-store purchase of $5 or more on opening day. On Saturday, the new location will feature $3 pulled pork sandwiches. Kids eat free every Sunday with the purchase of an adult dine-in meal of $10 or more. “This is a great area and the community is greatly looking forward to us opening a new Dickey’s Barbecue Pit here,” says Catherine Long. “We are excited to have the opportunity to serve our community Dickey’s pit-smoked barbecue.” The newest Dickey’s location is located at 7503 Youree Drive. Other locations are &nbsp;4955 N. Market St. in Shreveport, and 2620 Beene Blvd. in Bossier City.

Shreveport Times: New location opens in Shreveport

<a href="http://www.meatpoultry.com/articles/news_home/Business/2017/02/Dickeys_sausage_to_hit_Krogers.aspx?ID=%7B8ABCBD1C-07D3-49FB-A6A3-9A207C5227DF%7D">Meat + Poultry</a> covered the launch of Dickey's sausage in DFW Krogers.&nbsp;<hr>DALLAS- Dickey’s Barbecue Pit signature smoked sausages are now available in Kroger locations around the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Dickey’s partnered with Eddy Packing Co. to manufacture Dickey's original Smoked Fresh Polish, Smoked Spicy Cheddar and Red Hot Links to Kroger locations. "Our goal is to make Dickey's Barbecue Pit a national brand in the marketplace," said Dean Sanders, executive vice president, sales and marketing at Eddy Packing Co. "We are excited to work with Dickey's Barbecue Pit on this venture and look forward to the opportunity of expansion." Dickey’s will sell its sausage in 105 Kroger locations around the Metroplex. All of Dickey's sausages are gluten-free and do not contain MSG, nitrates or nitrites. They are naturally hardwood smoked, making them easy to prepare at home. "We are proud to launch Dickey's signature Smoked Polish, Red Hot Links and Jalapeno Cheddar Sausage in Kroger locations throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex," says Tamala Fowler, senior vice president of retail sales and international development at Dickey's Capital Group. "Dickey's guests can now have the same delicious sausage when they are cooking at home as they have when they visit their local Dickey's location."

Meat + Poultry: Dickey's Sells Retail Sausage in Kroger

<a href="https://www.fastcasual.com/news/dickeys-and-kroger-serve-up-sausages/">Fast Casual</a> covered Dickey's selling their retail sausage in Kroger throughout DFW.&nbsp;<hr>Consumers can now buy Dickey's Barbecue Pit original smoked fresh polish, smoked spicy cheddar and red hot links sausages at 105 Kroger locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, according to a press release. "We are proud to launch Dickey's signature smoked polish, red hot links and jalapeno cheddar sausage in Kroger locations throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex," Tamala Fowler, senior VP, retail sales and international development at Dickey's Capital Group, said in the release. "Dickey's guests can now have the same delicious sausage when they are cooking at home as they have when they visit their local Dickey's location."&nbsp; Dickey's partnered with Eddy Packing Co. to distribute the concept's sausages to Kroger locations.

Fast Casual: Dickey's Sells Sausage in Kroger

<a href="https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/dickey-s-barbecue-pit-open-new-georgia-location-2018">QSR</a> covered the development agreement of a new Georgia location.<hr>Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is slated to open a new location in the Peach State in spring of 2018 with Dickey’s newest owner/operator, Sanchez Smith. The new location will be the 12th Dickey’s store to open in Georgia. Originally from South Carolina, Smith recently made the state of Georgia his home and to immerse himself into his new community he decided to open his own restaurant. Smith has a passion for delicious, slow-smoked barbecue and when looking for franchising opportunities fell in love with Dickey’s Barbecue Pit. “The Dickey’s Barbecue Pit family is thrilled to have Sanchez Smith join our team,” says Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. “To enhance their passion for barbecue, we have each new Owner/Operator attend Barbecue University to learn how to perfectly smoke our meats ensuring all locations have the same authentic Dickey’s Barbecue Pit flavor. I am sure that Smith’s passion for barbecue and South Carolina roots will only heighten his Barbecue University experience.”

QSR: New Dickey's location to open in Georgia

<a href="http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20170223/NEWS/170229945/tv-chefs-to-cook-up-6-courses-little-caesars-adds-smokehouse-pizza">Crain's Detroit Business</a> covered the slated opening of two new Dickey's locations.&nbsp;
Dickey's Barbecue to open 2 sites
 
Two new Dickey's Barbecue Pit locations will open in Ann Arbor. Husband-and-wife owners William and Rebecca Kaufman signed a development agreement for the first location to open in May at the Washtenaw Commons Retail Center.
 
The second location will be on the campus of the University of Michigan. A date was not given for the second location.
 
Washtenaw Commons is in the 3500 block of Washtenaw Ave. in Ann Arbor.

Two New Locations Dickey's Stores in Ann Arbor

<a href="http://www.hometownlife.com/story/news/2017/02/14/best-texas-style-slow-smoked-barbecue-novi/97886744/">HomeTownLife</a> published this article on Dickey's new Owner/Operators in Novi.&nbsp;
Jay Roney spent 25 years as an information technology professional, but when he got caught in a downsizing about a year ago, he decided to change course.
 
Roney and his wife Michelle last month opened a Dickey's Barbecue Pit franchise on Grand River, the first in Novi and the ninth in Michigan.
 
Dickey's, based in Dallas and the largest barbecue franchise operation in the country, offers Texas-style slow-cooked barbecue in a fast-casual atmosphere.
 
"There's been a great response from the community," Jay Roney said by phone last week. "Everybody seems to be very excited that we're here."
 
The new Dickey's is on Grand River, east of Wixom Road. Roney said it offers diners a change from the fast-food restaurants that dominate the immediate area.
 
"Dickey's definitely brings a unique combination of fresh, tasty food and that quick dining experience that people seem to be looking for these days," Roney said.
 
Laura Rea Dickey, chief executive officers of Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants Inc., congratulated the Roneys in a press release.
 
“Dickey’s is growing rapidly nationwide and we are proud to continue that expansion by opening our ninth location in Michigan," she said. (The closest Dickey's is on Five Mile, east of Sheldon, in Plymouth Township.)
 
Wanting to be his own boss and leaning toward the restaurant business, in which he had worked earlier in life, Roney began researching his options about a year ago and settled on Dickey's. A visit to company headquarters in Dallas solidified his decision.
 
Later, he spent a month at Dickey's Barbecue University, where he received training in both the classroom and the kitchen. Employees — there are 22 full- and part-timers — also received Dickey's training, with "pit masters" and "pit bosses" getting more training in accordance with their greater responsibilities
 
Dickey's slow-smokes its meats in-house, in a hardwood-fueled smoker (usually hickory at Roney's place), for optimal tenderness. In addition to the brisket, chicken, ribs, sausage and more, there are sides like mac and cheese, barbecue beans, slaw and potato salad.
 
Dickey's also offers catering for events small and large.
 
Roney worked in the restaurant business in college, as a bartender and a waiter, and enjoyed it. That was a factor, he said, in deciding last year what kind of business to venture into.
 
"It's a different breed of people that tend to work in the restaurant business," he said. "High energy, a lot of fun, typically. People who enjoy life."
 
The Novi Dickey's is at 48975 Grand River and is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week. The phone number is 248-923-1227.

Best Texas-style slow-smoked barbecue in Novi?

<a href="https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/kids-eat-free-dickey-s-valentines-day">QSR </a>covered Dickey's Valentine's Day promotion.&nbsp;<hr>The average person spends $80 on a dinner for two for Valentine’s Day, while the average meal for two at Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is a quarter of that price. As Valentine’s Day is considered one of the most expensive of the year, Dickey’s wants to spread the love with families this Valentine’s Day by offering Kids Eat Free at every Dickey’s location nationwide. On February 14, with every guest purchase of an adult dine-in meal of $10 or more, guests will receive one free Kid’s Meal. “Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is a family-owned brand to the core,” says Renee Roozen, president of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. “This Valentine’s Day our hope is to bring families together creating new memories and traditions for the most love-filled day of the year.”

QSR: Kids Eat Free at Dickey's on Valentine's Day

<a href="http://www.wtok.com/content/news/Make-A-Wish-grants-boy-trip-to-Hawaii-414184313.html">WTOK </a>covered the announcement of a child receiving a Make A Wish at Dickey's Barbecue Pit.&nbsp;
MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) - A boy diagnosed with a rare and deadly disease got his wish granted to him Saturday in Meridian.
 
10-year-old Jaxon Ruyack and his family celebrated the announcement at dickey's barbecue Saturday afternoon. His family says Jaxon has been through multiple treatments of chemo for many months. They say he is currently in remission and has a positive outlook on life. 

 
"We have been through a long journey. We were in the hospital for 10 months with awesome supporters and staff. I want to thank UMC and I want to thank god first of all," his mother Jillian Page says. 

 
Ruyack says he really looks forward to seeing what Hawaii has to offer and to meet some of the people there.

Make A Wish grants boy trip to Hawaii

<a href="https://www.fastcasual.com/articles/how-to-romance-customers-out-of-valentines-day-dollars/">Fast Causal</a> included Dickey's on a list of places to go this Valentine's Day.&nbsp;
A family affair at Dickey's and McAlister's
A recent study found that 60 percent of Americans that celebrate Valentine's Day include their entire families in the celebration, which is why Dickey's Barbecue Pit and McAlister's Deli are running promotions geared toward the entire family.
 
Dickey's Owner/Operator Muhammed Afzal will allow kids to eat free on Valentine's Day to help those families celebrate with great food at a reasonable price, according to a company press release.
 
"In my 22 years with Dickey's Barbecue Pit, I have met and worked with a diverse group of owner/operators all with different stories and backgrounds," said Afzal, who was one of the chain's first franchisees. "The one thing that brings us all together is that we have a passion for pit-smoked barbecue and serving our guests and their families."
 
CEO Laura Rea Dickey said she was happy that the chain's two original franchisees, Afzal and Dale Smith, are still part of the family. Since 1994, the franchisees have had a healthy family rivalry between the two which will continue this Valentine's Day to see who will host the most families for their pit-smoked family meal.
 
"At Dickey's, we constantly try to evolve to better ourselves while staying true to our barbecue and family roots," says Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. "This Valentine's Day, Dickey's hopes folks will see barbecue as the best way to their favorite people's hearts."
 
McAlister's Deli is celebrating Valentine's Day by encouraging families to spend the love-filled holiday together. On Feb. 14, participating McAlister's locations will offer two free kids meals with the purchase of an adult entree for all guests that dine in. In addition to celebrating on the holiday, McAlister's is hosting a sweepstakes, giving away a year's worth of family date nights, according to a company press release.
 
"McAlister's has always been committed to offering guests a welcoming, comfortable, and family-friendly place to enjoy each other's company along with a craveable, freshly made meal," said Paul Macaluso, president of McAlister's Deli. "This year we are taking that to the next level by hosting family date nights and offering free Kids Meals for Valentine's Day, in hopes of fostering more quality family time and inspiring new traditions." &nbsp;
 
McAlister's encourages fans across the country to share their family bonding fun and showcase what family date night means to them on social media using the hashtag #McAlistersDateNight. Through Feb. 14, guests can enter the sweepstakes to win a year's worth of McAlister's date nights by visiting http://bit.ly/mcalistersdatenight. One guest will win the grand prize – $50 a week in McAlister's Deli gift cards for one year. Fans are encouraged to tag @McAlistersDeli and follow the Valentine's Day fun on McAlister's Facebook, Twitter and Instagram channels.

Kids Eat Free on Valentine's Day

<a href="http://www.franchising.com/news/20170209_tampa_bay_offensive_tackle_demar_dotson_plans_to_o.html">Franchising.com</a> covered the signing of a development agreement with Tampa Bay's Demar Dotson.&nbsp;
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is continuing its expansion throughout the state of Florida with a well-known member of the Tampa community, Demar Dotson. Currently a professional football player with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dotson will open his Dickey’s Barbecue Pit location in in the Tampa area in late 2017.
 
Along with his passion for football, Dotson has always had a passion for slow-smoked barbecue. Upon deciding to open his own franchise, Dotson determined Dickey’s was the perfect fit for him. “I wanted to open a restaurant where I could fulfill my passion while also feeding my community pit-smoked barbecue,” says Dotson.
 
After opening his initial location in Tampa, Dotson plans to open more locations throughout the southern states, primarily in his home state of Louisiana. In his retirement, Dotson plans to run the day-to-day operations of his stores and be the face of his community’s Dickey’s Barbecue Pit.
 
“Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is proud to have Demar Dotson join our family and open his first Dickey’s location in Florida,” says Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. “Dickey’s is rapidly expanding nationwide and we are constantly looking for new Owner/Operators such as Dotson who have a passion for delicious, pit-smoked barbecue.”
 
To learn more about franchising opportunities visit www.dickeys.com/franchise or call 866-340-6188.
 
About Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc.
 
Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc., the nation’s largest barbecue chain was founded in 1941 by Travis Dickey with the goal of authentic, slow-smoked barbecue. All meats are still slow smoked on-site in each restaurant which is why at Dickey's, “We Speak Barbecue.” The Dallas-based family-run barbecue franchise offers a quality selection of signature meats, savory sides, tangy barbecue sauce and free kids’ meals every Sunday. The brand has expanded to 600 locations in 44 states. In 2016, Dickey’s won first place on Fast Casual’s “Top 100 Movers and Shakers” and ranked in the top ten of Franchise Times’ “Fast and Serious.” Dickey’s Barbecue Pit was recognized for the third year by Nation’s Restaurant News as a “Top 10 Growth Chain” and by Technomic as the “Fastest-growing restaurant chain in the country.” For more information, visit www.dickeys.com or for barbecue franchise opportunities call 866.340.6188.

Demar Dotson signs development agreement with Dickey's

<a href="http://www.thedailymeal.com/local-entrepreneur-opens-third-dickeys-barbecue-pit-location-southern-california">The Daily Meal</a> covered the opening of the newest Dickey's location in California.&nbsp;
Dickey's Barbecue Pit opens in Rancho Santa Margarita this Thursday with four weeks of specials and giveaways, including free barbecue for a year for three lucky guests. To enter to win, guests can either use hashtag #1FreeYearofBBQ on any social media page, order online or sign up for the &nbsp;Big Yellow Cup Club to receive loyalty points and members-only specials. The first four Thursdays after opening, Dickey's will offer the first 50 guests a complimentary taste of Dickey's newest limited time offer, the Buffalo &amp; Bleu Butcher Taco. On Fridays, the new store will offer 50 percent off meals for uniformed first responders, and guests will have the opportunity to donate to Dickey's charitable foundation, Barbecue, Boots &amp; Badges. On Sundays, kids eat free at Dickey's with every purchase of an adult dine-in meal of $10 or more. 

 
To join Dickey's Big Yellow Cub Club and receive members-only specials and discounts, click here.
 
"The Dickey's Barbecue Pit family congratulates Owner/Operator Jane Wabs on opening her third Dickey's location in the state of California," says Renee Roozen. "Dickey's is growing rapidly nationwide and we are proud to continue our expansion with existing Owner/Operators."
 
Doors open this Thursday and guests can enjoy the grand opening events over the next four weeks:
 
Thirsty Thursdays—All guests will receive a free iconic Big Yellow Cub with a reusable travel lid and straw. The first 50 guests will receive a taste of Dickey's Butcher Taco of the month, the Buffalo &amp; Bleu.
 
Philanthropy Fridays— "You Give, We Give", guests who donate to Dickey's charitable foundation, Barbecue, Boots &amp; Badges, will receive a gift card in appreciation for supporting Dickey's foundation. Uniformed first responders also receive 50 percent off their meal.
 
Kids Eat Free All Day Every Sunday with the purchase of a $10 dine-in meal per adult.
 
To find the Dickey's Barbecue Pit nearest you, click here.
 
Wabs' with her business partners, Chris James and Angela Pasten, have opened three Dickey's Barbecue Pit locations in the past year in California. After trying Dickey's delicious pit-smoked barbecue, the trio decided to invest in the brand and serve communities throughout Southern California. "We have had such great success with our other two locations," says Wabs. "We are excited to bring slow-smoked barbecue to the residents of Rancho Santa Margarita."
 
Residents of Rancho Santa Margarita can find their newest Dickey's location at 30451 Avenida de las Flores Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688. The phone number is 949-635-8100.
 
Find Dickey's Barbecue Pit on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
 
About Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc.&nbsp;
Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc., the nation's largest barbecue chain was founded in 1941 by Travis Dickey with the goal of authentic slow-smoked barbecue. Today, all meats are still slow smoked on-site in each restaurant living up to the company tagline, "We Speak Barbecue." The Dallas-based family-run barbecue franchise offers a quality selection of signature meats, savory sides, tangy barbecue sauce and free kids' meals every Sunday. The fast-casual concept has expanded to more than 600 locations in 44 states. In 2016, Dickey's won first place on Fast Casual's "Top 100 Movers and Shakers" and ranked in the top ten of Franchise Times' "Fast and Serious." Dickey's Barbecue Pit was recognized for the third year by Nation's Restaurant News as a "Top 10 Growth Chain" and by Technomic as the "Fastest-growing restaurant chain in the country." For more information, visit www.dickeys.com or for barbecue franchise opportunities call 866.340.6188.

New location in Rancho Santa Margarita

<a href="http://www.businessobserverfl.com/section/detail/bucs-lineman-preps-for-sweet-post-nfl-life/">Business Observer</a> covered Demar Dotson's development agreement with Dickey's.&nbsp;
TAMPA — Demar Dotson, an offensive lineman for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers since 2009, plans to open a Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in the Tampa area later this year.
 
After his initial location in Tampa, Dotson plans to open more Dickey’s throughout the South, primarily in his home state of Louisiana, according to a release. In his retirement, Dotson plans to run the day-to-day operations of his stores and be the face of his community’s Dickey’s Barbecue Pit after he retires, the release adds.
 
Dotson has played in 89 games at offensive tackle and started 65 since the Buccaneers signed him as free agent in 2009. “I wanted to open a restaurant where I could fulfill my passion while also feeding my community pit-smoked barbecue,” says Dotson in the release.
 
“Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is proud to have Demar Dotson join our family and open his first Dickey’s location in Florida,” adds Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants CEO Laura Rea Dickey in the release. “Dickey’s is rapidly expanding nationwide and we are constantly looking for new owner/operators such as Dotson who have a passion for delicious, pit-smoked barbecue.”
 
Travis Dickey founded Dallas-based Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants in 1941. The brand has 600 locations in 44 states.

Tampa Bay's Demar Dotson signs with Dickey's

<a href="http://tamuceasttexan.com/3302/news/commerce-celebrates-new-businesses-with-ribbon-cutting/">The East Texan</a> covered the ribbon cutting of the Dickey's in Commerce, TX.&nbsp;
The Commerce Chamber of Commerce celebrated the expansion of business in the community with two ribbon-cutting ceremonies for the new gym, Commerce Fitness, and Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, under new ownership.
“I like it, I like it,” Dickey’s owner, Aaron Byrd said. “I like ribbon cuttings because it gives you a chance for everyone to come out.” 

The ceremony began at 12 p.m. at the strip mall next to Braum’s with Commerce Fitness and ended next door at Dickey’s.
“It’s a lot different,” first-time owner Byrd said. “I don’t want to say [it’s] a little more pressure…”
Byrd hopes that the ceremony will signal a new chapter for the restaurant as he works to improve the restaurant’s image.
“I think the main thing is the reputation before, that I’ve heard…,” he said.
Byrd has ideas he aspires to implement to make the business successful and known around the area.
“There’s a lot of stuff,” he said. “Just getting out and making sure people know we’re open and trying to work closely with the university. I have some stuff working with the athletic department already, and making sure, you know, we’re benefiting the students as well.”
As for Commerce Fitness, the family owned and operated gym was put together in about two months and was opened on Jan. 14 by owners Chad and Julie Gentle.
“We try to give back to everyone in the community,” Julie said. “We have classes for the kids, Zumba on the weekends for free, we reach out to the seniors…”
The idea of a having and running a gym had been a dream for the couple.
“Literally one day Chad was sitting at Braum’s and somebody mentioned that this building was available and he thought ‘Uh, I can’t afford that,’” Julie said. “I’m like ‘Just call,’ and just that one phone call changed everything, and it just put a series of events into motion and here we are eight weeks later. It’s just surreal.”
The couple acquired the building in early Nov. and put in work to get it open.
“We worked from –we got the key Nov. 10 and we worked frantically,” she said. “We did all the construction ourselves; my husband, my son-in-law, and myself.”
With the gym having been open for almost three weeks, the owners have ideas planned for the future of the gym.
“We’re talking about bringing powerlifting shows, cross training shows, we’re hoping to bring people from other states…,” Julie said.
The couple envisions that the gym can be something beneficial to the Commerce community.
“Well, I think it’s going to be big for Commerce because we’re reaching out to a whole different dynamic of people,” Julie said. “It’s going to be a staple of Commerce. It’s just going to be the place to go. It’s going to be the hangout.”

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