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Dickey's Barbecue Pit Comes to Utah

OREM and AMERICAN FORK, Utah, Dec. 13, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Dickey's Barbecue Pit, the largest, fastest growing barbecue chain in the country, is well-known for their hot, pit-smoked meats, free ice cream, and big yellow cups -- already in 32 states coast-to-coast, the franchise is opening their first two locations in Utah.

Dickey's is growing at a rapid pace, now with 134 locations and 18 set to open before the end of 2010.

The company's annual growth rate over the past two years has averaged 35 percent, according to company officials.

Dickey's firmly believes it can set the standard in barbecue by continuing to roll out a national footprint.

The Dickey's franchise locations in Utah are owned by business partners Jan & John Thomson, David Reilly and Dave Michelson.

"Barbecue is an underserved niche in Utah, and there is a lot of excitement about bringing Dickey's here," franchise co-owner David Reilly said.

The American Fork and Orem locations are the first two of three locations that will open in the state.

The third location will open in April, 2011.

The Dickey's concept is "move with the food" and is one that has already proven to be very popular with the fast casual dining segment in Utah, according to Reilly.

"Customers can enjoy a hot meal and easily be out the door in less than 30 minutes, without sacrificing quality," the co-owner said, smiling. "I just can't wait to open our doors."

It seems all of Dickey's owners share Reilly's enthusiasm.

"We have so many new Owner/Operators who are investing with us. In this economy, we are glad people trust us for success. It is a great feeling to help people stand on their own two feet and become their own boss," President of Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. Roland Dickey, Jr. said.

With the unemployment rate at a frightening high, Dickey's and their entrepreneurial partners are offering jobs to many and expanding when other businesses are shutting down.

"Our progress is surprising to a lot of folks, but it makes sense to us. People want to get out of the rat race," Dickey said. "In turn, these new stores are employing hundreds of people who otherwise would be on unemployment."

The first Dickey's Barbecue opened in 1941 in Dallas, TX.

The original location is still open for business and Dickey's Barbecue is still owned and operated by the Dickey Family.

Even today, Dickey's still slow smokes all of their signature meats overnight in every restaurant.

Committed to exceptional quality at a great value, Dickey's Barbecue is unlike anything in the area, according to Reilly.

For more information on Dickey's or owning a Dickey's franchise, visit www.dickeys.com.

    Media Contact:
    Lauren Albright
    972-248-9899
    lalbright@dickeys.com

SOURCE Dickey's Barbecue Pit