Dickey's Barbecue Pit is set to open its inaugural Louisiana location in Houma. Carrel Hymel is the first Dickey's franchisee in the state.
"We all love barbecue and felt that Houma is missing a family atmosphere, backyard-style barbecue restaurant. On our family road trip to California this summer, we ate at two Dickey's restaurants and were hooked," Hymel said. "We came home and did our research and upon finding out what a great opportunity this was for us, we couldn't pass up bringing the first Dickey's to Louisiana."
He and his wife Nicole own and operate daycare centers throughout the city. They have been involved in a number of community events and organizations and anticipate hosting gatherings at the new Dickey's location.
Dickey's president, Roland Dickey Jr., and director of franchise development, Richard Philips, said it makes sense to have a Louisiana presence, since it's close to the chain's Texas roots.
"The people of Louisiana are familiar with Texas barbecue and most folks are familiar with Dickey's through traveling in and out of Texas," said Philips. "We have a presence in all of Louisiana's surrounding states. This is a no-brainer from a sales, marketing and operations standpoint."
The company's annual growth rate from the past two years has averaged 35 percent. There are 60 new locations slated to open this year.
