WARNER ROBINS, Ga., -- Eric Barlow, a Warner Robins native, opens the first Dickey's Barbecue Pit in Warner Robins, Georgia, following the franchise agreement with Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc.

"For as long as I have wanted to have my own restaurant, I have known that I wanted it to be in my hometown so that my friends and family could share in the experience and of course, in the food," said Barlow.

This will be the ninth Dickey's location in Georgia and the first for Warner Robins.

Barlow grew up in Warner Robins. He has spent the past few years working in sales and technology in the Atlanta and Athens areas. Barlow's first job was with Wendy's and he has worked in every type of restaurant since. He has over 10 years of experience in the restaurant industry and it has always been his number one passion.

"I have loved restaurants for as long as I can remember. It was always a Friday night thing with my grandparents when I was growing up that we would go out to eat and I looked forward to it all week and loved trying a new place and a new meal every time," said Barlow. "I love the environment, the food, and the people. I am so excited to dive back in head first with the Dickey's family."

"We are excited to have Eric join the Dickey's family," said Roland Dickey Jr., President of Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. "This is a great time to be a part of the Dickey's brand."

Dickey's Barbecue offers a quality selection of signature meats, home style sides and tangy barbecue sauce.

For more information, including a full menu, other restaurant locations and franchising opportunities, please visit www.dickeys.com.

About Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants
Founded in 1941, Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants began in Dallas, Texas. More than 70 years later, Dickey's is now the fastest growing barbecue chain in the country. Beginning with an aggressive growth strategy and proven business model, and since implementing its proprietary five revenue streams for business growth, Dickey's is on track to become the largest barbecue chain in the country by the end of 2011. Currently, Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants can be found in more than 35 states and 177 locations nationwide. For more information on partnering with Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants in any location, call (866) 340-6188 or visit www.dickeys.com. Dickey's: Passionate about the Art of Great Barbecue.

Media Contact:
Kate Morganelli
972.248.9899
kmorganelli@dickeys.com

SOURCE Dickey's Barbecue