Dickey’s Barbecue Bets on Bentonville

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, a Dallas-born chain, is coming to Northwest Arkansas. Franchisee Randon Arney of Lowell is planning to open five restaurants in the region, starting with a flagship Bentonville location on Walton Boulevard in the new Shoppes at Fountain Plaza retail center.

Arney said he anticipates being able to open in the location this spring.

Over the next two years, he plans to open locations in Springdale, Fayetteville, Rogers and Lowell.

Dickey’s Barbecue was founded in Dallas in 1941 and has become the fastest growing barbecue chain in the country with 90 locations in 26 states.

The fast-casual restaurant, specializing in slow-cooked beef brisket and pulled pork, serves lunch and dinner and offers catering.

Each location will have a drive-thru window.

Arney said he became familiar with the Dickeys chain when he lived in Texas.

“It’s a good concept, a good company and I think it will be a good fit for the area,” he said.

Arney is working with Dana Culp of Grubb & Ellis to determine the additional Northwest Arkansas locations.