Dickey's Owner: In 1 Year, 'We've Learned A Lot'

From project managers at Hewlett Packard to restaurant franchise owners, Gary and Kim Smith have gone through a lot of changes since opening  on Rochester Road .

"It's been trying at times – a lot of work – but anything worth it is worth the work," Gary Smith said Friday as he prepared to hang balloons inside the dining area of his restaurant. "We've learned a lot."

Happy anniversary

Smith said the past year has been mostly about finding and training employees, marketing, and building up a following at the Texas-style barbecue restaurant. 

"We have many, many regular customers now, and we visit with them when they come in, but we get new people coming in, too," he said. 

Smith said they take great care in choosing the best food for their customers, adding that his wife can often be found checking up on customers in the dining area when she's not behind the counter.

"We do everything we can to make sure everyone gets a good plate of food," he said. "We use all the original Dickey's family recipes, and we take a lot of care and pride in the meats we choose."

Giving back

But the most rewarding part of owning a business like Dickey's, Smith said, isn't necessarily the food or even the individual customers – it's becoming a valuable member of the Troy community.

"We're involved with Troy and Athens high schools," Smith said, adding that Dickey's has donated to multiple programs at both schools. Smith also started a scholarship program for area students, starting with Dickey's employee and recent Bishop Foley graduate Christina Powers. 

"It felt good to do that, and we're considering expanding to include another area school." 

Powers, who will be attending the University of Detroit Mercy this fall, received $500 from Dickey's, though Smith said he plans to increase the scholarship amount next year, if he can.

"It was a good experience," he said.

Looking forward

Now that the restaurant has survived its first year, Smith said he is planning for the future of his business.

Dickey's added an outdoor patio in June, which Smith said has been very well received, but he has bigger plans in the works, including possible expansion.

"We want to open a new store next year," he said, though they have not yet decided when or pinned down a location for a new Dickey's.

Smith said he also hopes to continue to partner with area schools for fundraisers and scholarship opportunities.

Time to celebrate

To celebrate its 1-year anniversary, Dickey's is offering special deals, treats and entertainment this Saturday starting at 11 a.m., including:

• $1 pulled pork big barbecue sandwiches (11 a.m.-1 p.m., limit 1 per customer)
• Free cake with purchase (1-4 p.m., while supplies last)
• Live clown entertainment (1-4 p.m.)
• Freebies from 105.9 KISS FM (2-4 p.m.)
• $5 pulled pork combo (2-6 p.m., limit 2 per customer)

Need a job?

Dickey's is currently hiring. Contact Gary Smith at gary@k-and-g.com. Or, stop into the store to fill out an application.