Partners plan four barbecue restaurants

Partners plan four barbecue restaurants

Dickey's Barbecue Pit, founded in 1941, says all of its meats are "slow-smoked" in each restaurant." Photo via fb.com

A pair of partners are planning to open four new barbecue restaurants in the region.

Krage Fox, of Kalamazoo, and a business partner whose name was not disclosed recently became franchisees of Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, a restaurant chain based in Dallas.

The partners plan to open their first location in Kalamazoo this summer, followed by three other locations in undisclosed “neighboring cities.”

Fox owns another business in Kalamazoo, Commercial Window Coverings, and said he has always had a passion for barbecue and dreamed of opening a restaurant.

“When researching franchises, it all came down to loving the business model and the quality of the food,” Fox said. “Dickey’s offered everything we were looking for in a franchise concept, including delicious food, a proven business model, support for franchisees and an established brand.”

Fox’s business partner has experience in the restaurant industry and also has “a passion” for Texas-style barbecue.

“The dedication and excitement Krage and his business partner have shown is something that truly inspires all of us at Dickey’s,” said Laura Rea Dickey, CEO, Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants.

Dickey’s

Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants was founded in 1941 by Travis Dickey.

The fast-casual concept now has more than 550 locations in 45 states.

Dickey’s landed in the first position on Fast Casual’s 2016 list of the “Top 100 Movers and Shakers,” and this year, the chain made the list's top 10.