Amador County – A Texas-based smokehouse calling itself the world’s largest barbecue franchise announced Thursday it has signed a lease for an Amador County franchise.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit will take Suite 74 in the Amador Ridge Shopping Center in Martell.
Franchise owners are Richard Wolcott and his wife, from Pioneer, who signed a lease and will begin construction. Wolcott said he and his wife will be going to Texas for training for the smokehouse restaurant.
Dickey’s franchise support begins at “Barbecue U, an intense three-week training session where owner-operators learn how to run the restaurant from open to close.
Dickeys.com’s location finder already lists the Martell franchise on its map, on Highway 49 near Oko Sushi and Jamba Juice.
In Dickey’s release, Wolcott said: “Amador County has a true need for a fast and friendly restaurant that serves great food and that is open regular hours every day of the week.” He said an excitement has spread as they talk about bringing a Dickey’s to town and “everyone is chomping at the bit.”
The past 25 years Wolcott worked for a financial services company, George Ballard Company, which he eventually bought and served as president the last 15 years. Before that, Wolcott worked in numerous food service businesses and construction.
Wolcott said: “My wife and I have been searching for a business where we can deliver a great product and service, while being an active and important part of the community. We see Dickey’s as being our avenue to fulfill this dream.”
Dickey’s Barbecue offers a quality selection of signature meats, home style sides and tangy barbecue sauce. All meats are slow smoked on-site in each restaurant.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit was founded in 1941 in Dallas and after 71 years stakes claim to being the “world’s largest barbecue chain,” according to its release, and it has more than 220 franchises in 42 states.
The Martell smokehouse, not yet open, will be at 12240 Industry Blvd., Suite 74.
Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
