Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is opening its first Ohio location, with a father and son franchise team.

Anthony Salem and his father will open the restaurant in Akron.

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

“We are so thrilled Dickey’s will be expanding to Ohio,” says Roland Dickey, Jr., president of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. “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.

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,” Salem says.

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 says.