Dickey’s, a Texas-based chain, is known for its smoked-on-site meats. Photo courtesy Dickey's Barbecue Pit

Maricopan Maurice D’Aoust always went the extra mile to indulge in Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, but he wasn’t happy about that.

Like many a commuter, D’Aoust got tired of driving to Chandler, “so I decided to open my own here.”

The newest location for the Texas-based chain opens its doors Sept. 15.

A native of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, D’Aoust expects to employ 25 people in the remodeled space of Suite D7 at 20924 N. John Wayne Parkway. It is next to Maricopa Wells Animal Hospital and two doors down from Good Donuts.

“I would like to think we would be value added to the community by adding jobs and great food to Maricopa,” D’Aoust said. “I believe we have a sound business model that will be sustainable for years to come so financial success in the first year would definitely be nice.”

This is his first time owning a restaurant, but he knows how accountable a franchisee must be to the corporation and the community.

“Being a good corporate citizen is definitely one of our goals, so developing relationships with the community and giving back will surely be one of our success factors for the first year,” he said.

Serving up the goods is an important element to making a go of it. Dickey’s is known for its smoked-on-site meats. The beef, pork, chicken and turkey are served with an assortment of down-home sides.

Pulled pork sandwich. Photo courtesy Dickey's Barbecue Pit
Pulled pork sandwich. Photo courtesy Dickey’s Barbecue Pit

Alongside D’Aoust, Travis Cote will manage the store. Cote spent weeks hiring staff and training them to the Dickey’s model. The 1,750-square-foot Maricopa location will be the 10th Dickey’s franchise in Arizona.

D’Aoust’s affinity for Dickey’s brings the complexities of opening a franchise down to a simple truth.

“I love great barbecue,” he said.


This story appears in the September issue of InMaricopa and has been updated to reflect a new opening date.