“BBQ Heaven? Trying Hickory Smokehouse for the First Time!”

“BBQ Heaven? Trying Hickory Smokehouse for the First Time!” 🔥 Welcome to BBQ Heaven! 🔥 In today’s video, we visit Hickory Barbecue Smokehouse, where the smoker’s always fired up and the flavors are unforgettable. From slow-cooked ribs and brisket to classic sides like mac & cheese and cornbread, we’re diving into everything this smokehouse has to offer. 🍖 What to Expect: • Full tour of the smokehouse • Taste test & honest food review • Vibe, service, and overall experience 📍 Location: SWINDON https://hickorys.co.uk/venue/swindon/ 💬 Have you been to Hickory Smokehouse? Let us know your favorite dish in the comments! Founded from Southern Roots (2010) Hickory’s Smokehouse was born out of founder Neil McDonnell’s passion for authentic American BBQ. After a road trip across the Deep South—featuring visits to classic smokehouses in Texas, South Carolina, Memphis, and Kansas City—he decided to bring that authentic southern hospitality and flavor back to the UK. A year later, the first Hickory’s opened its doors in Chester on the anniversary of that transformative trip . A Growing UK Brand From that single location, the chain expanded steadily. By 2020, Hickory’s had grown to 11 restaurants, stretching across the North West and Midlands . Capital Infusion & Expansion In 2014, a £6 million private equity investment from Piper accelerated growth, leading to new locations in Burton Green, Wall Heath, and Castle Bromwich by 2017. Sales and EBITDA also increased markedly during this period . Profitability Before Acquisition By the year leading up to late 2022, the chain achieved remarkable growth: turnover soared from £19.4 million to £50.8 million, and it posted a pre-tax profit of £5.4 million. During this phase, staff numbers also grew from around 896 to 1,188 employees . Acquisition by Greene King (2022) Recognizing its potential, pub giant Greene King acquired Hickory’s in 2022. At that time, the chain had expanded to around 17 locations across the North West and Midlands . Greene King’s acquisition aimed to transform Hickory’s into a national dining brand, leveraging its scale to fuel further expansion . Aiming for National Reach Following the acquisition, Hickory’s has accelerated its expansion—opening six new restaurants in 2024 alone. The plan is to launch 10 new restaurants each year through at least 2027. With a £25 million initial investment (plus another £10 million in 2025), the chain aims to triple in size by 2030, including converting existing Greene King pubs into Hickory’s locations. Even the original Chester site will undergo a £1 million makeover 👍 If you enjoyed the video, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit that bell 🔔 for more food adventures! #HickorySmokehouse #BBQReview #FoodVlog #SmokedMeat #barbecuelovers