Dallas-based Dickey’s Barbecue Pit celebrated its 500th store opening earlier this year, just over 20 years since the opening of the company’s first franchise. Those numbers spoke to local investor Eric Evans, a lover of barbecue who is now bringing Dickey’s to the Port City.

“I researched quite a number of ideas to invest in,” Evans said. “And the fact that the closest Dickey’s are in the Raleigh and Myrtle Beach markets led be to believe that there was a great opportunity to bring one here.”

Dickey’s was founded in by Travis Dickey in 1941. The business was passed on to his sons in 1967 and remains in the family today.

With a focus on slow roasted, hickory smoked barbecue that is prepared on-site each day, Dickey’s serves Texas-style barbecue brisket, pulled pork, hams, turkey, chicken and two types of sausages. Meats are served as platters or on three different sizes of sandwich. Sides will include fried okra, cole slaw, potato salad, macaroni and cheese, green beans and baked beans.

“Everyone in North Carolina loves barbecue and there aren’t a lot of places locally that smoke their meats on-site every day the old fashioned way,” Evans said.

Located in the strip across from Walmart in Monkey Junction, Dickey’s will seat about 50. Catering and carry out will also be available, and Evans says the restaurant will hire 15-20 employees this month. He hopes to open by the end of December.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit will be located at 5120 S. College Road, Suite 104.

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