AKRON, Ohio, April 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Anthony Salem is joining forces with his father, to open the first Ohio location for Dickey's Barbecue Pit, the largest barbecue chain in the country, in Akron.

This is the first Dickey's franchise opportunity for Anthony Salem, a veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.  He recently returned to his hometown of Akron to pursue this franchise venture.

"I have loved Dickey's great food and I know the people of Akron will love it too," Salem said.

Texas-based Dickey's Barbecue Pit opened in 1941 and began franchising in 1994. Dickey's Barbecue Pit is well-known for their hot pit-smoked signature meats, complimentary ice cream and the big yellow cups.

"We are so thrilled Dickey's will be expanding to Ohio," President of Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. Roland Dickey, Jr. said. "This is an exciting time for the Salems and I'm happy to see them working together on this venture."

Owner/Operator Salem said the franchise's quality barbecue and down-home feel is a great fit to the Akron community.

Since early 2011, Dickey's has opened 12 stores and 60 are set to open before the end of 2011.

Anthony Salem is new to the business, but Dickey's business model is structured for success.  

"Dickey's was one of the most professional, appealing business plans and good barbecue is hard to find in this area," said Salem.

This seems to be the sentiment of all Dickey's owner/operators. The preparation prior to opening a Dickey's franchise is extensive, ensuring that owner/operators are thoroughly prepared to hit the ground running.

"We have so many new owner/operators who are investing with us. With this economy, we are glad people trust us for success and we certainly don't take that for granted. Their victory is our victory and we don't plan on going anywhere but up," Dickey said.

With unemployment at a steadily high rate, Dickey's and their entrepreneurial partners are expanding while 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 original Dallas location is still open for business and Dickey's Barbecue Pit is still owned and operated by the Dickey Family.

There are 147 locations in 33 states.

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 a great match for Ohio, according to Davis.

More information on Dickey's Barbecue Pit is available at www.dickeys.com. Franchising information is available at 866-340-6188.

Media Contact:
Amy Vercher
972-248-9899
avercher@dickeys.com

SOURCE Dickey's Barbecue Pit