Springdale gained a Dickey's Barbecue Pit in February at 2576 W. Sunset Ave. in the Skyler Center between Gutensohn and Johnson roads.
"Springdale is booming, and we wanted to be a part of it by bringing the nation's largest barbecue destination to Springdale," co-owner Matt Womack said.
Dickey's in Springdale is an independently owned franchise location. Although the operation is separate from the other Northwest Arkansas locations, customers can expect the same quality food and recipes. That, in part, can be attributed to the national chain's involvement in setting up franchise locations.
"They are the nicest people. They helped us out through every step of the process. I couldn't ask for a better partner," Womack said.
The fast-casual restaurant's founding family continues to supervise operations.
"Today, every location smokes all of their meats on-site at the restaurant the same way it was done in 1941," as stated on dickeys.com.
The menu features sandwiches, meat plates, baked potatoes, salads and homestyle sides. House-smoked meats are available by the pound and are trimmed and sliced to order. The smoked meats are also available whole by the pound. Ribs are offered as a half or full rack.
Family packs range from the Picnic Pack with one pound of meat, two medium sides, four rolls and sauce for $26.95; to the XL Family Pack with three pounds of meat, four medium sides, eight rolls and sauce for $55.95.
Catering options include box lunches, delivery buffet or a full-service cater with delivery, set up, service and clean up.
Online ordering is available for any size order at order.dickeys.com/menu/dickeys-springdale.
The owners have focused on providing high-quality, consistent food and service to their guests, but just like most restaurant openings, there will be changes made as customers offer feedback and the owners get accustomed to the new establishment.
"During the [first few] weeks of opening, we have received some very important feedback from our customers, which we have embraced and have taken actions steps towards improvement.
"We are also beginning to learn exactly which menu items are the most demanded by our loyal customers and working to make sure we have those items available at all times," a March 8 post on the restaurants Facebook page read.
This is the first restaurant for Matt and Neikedra Womack, and they are dedicated to making it work and satisfying their customers.
"To me, this is like a dream for me," Matt Womack said.
Neikedra was uncertain at first about working in a restaurant, but after her first shift her outlook completely changed.
"Ever since, she's been so excited about it. We really love it," Matt Womack said.
Neikedra is at the restaurant during the week. Matt works a corporate job for Walmart Home Office during the week and mans the restaurant on the weekends. A driving factor for the Womacks in opening the restaurant was that they saw it as an investment for their future and for their family.
They are the parents of two children, ages 5 and 7, with another child expected by July. Conscious of the needs of their customers who are also parents, they installed baby changing stations in both the men's and women's restrooms.
The consideration of other people's needs expands beyond the brick-and-mortar restaurant, and the Womacks invest in their community.
Recently, a local church ordered an XL family pack for a memorial service, and the Womacks rounded out the order with donated whole pecan pies and several gallons of Miss Ollie's tea.
"We are trying to do everything we can for the community. We are willing to do fundraisers and sponsorships. We also give our teachers 5 percent off everyday," Matt Womack said.
The store has teacher appreciation cards, and the back of the card offers additional discounts for catering orders.
Dickey's in Springdale is a sponsor of the Springdale Kiwanis Cal Ripken Baseball League and has a banner at the Randal Tyson baseball field. They are also a supporter of the Arkansas Baseball Tournament.
"We are really working to integrate ourselves into the Springdale community as much as possible. As much as we can, we are willing to try to help out," he said.
Dickey's in Springdale offers Kids Eat Free Sundays with one free kid's meal per purchase of an adult meal. This offer is for dine-in customers and offered to children 12 years old and under.
A self-serve ice cream machine provides guests with complimentary ice cream with each order.
Additional specials are posted on Facebook and current offers include a discount on the family packs, as well as a discount for emergency responders.
Dickey's in Springdale is open from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily.
More information is available by calling (479) 802-0051 or online at facebook.com/dickeysspringdale.
NAN Dining Guide Cover on 04/10/2015