Hickory River Smokehouse: Bringing Authentic Texas Barbecue to the Midwest

Hickory River Smokehouse is a celebrated barbecue restaurant chain renowned for its authentic Texas-style barbecue. Launched on January 16, 1995, by Brad and Krista Bowman in Urbana, Illinois, the business originally operated under the name Longhorn Smokehouse as a family-run venture.

Motivated by a desire to introduce true Texas barbecue flavors to the Midwest, the Bowmans built a loyal following thanks to their focus on quality and tradition.

Their success spurred the decision to franchise the Hickory River Smokehouse brand in 2000, leading to growth throughout Illinois and Ohio, with locations in cities such as Springfield, Peoria, Champaign, and Tipp City.

Each restaurant boasts an on-site smokehouse where meats are carefully dry-rubbed with a proprietary spice mix and slow-smoked over hickory wood, offering guests tender, richly flavored barbecue every time.

Training

Hickory River Smokehouse offers a structured and detailed training program to ensure its franchisees are well-prepared to run their restaurant successfully.

1. Initial Training Program: The franchisor requires the Principal Owner, a Certified Manager, and two assistant managers to attend and complete the initial training program. This program lasts approximately 4 to 6 weeks and is conducted at a designated training restaurant in Illinois, Ohio, or another specified location. The training covers all critical aspects of restaurant operations, and while tuition for up to four people is included in the franchise fee, franchisees are responsible for all related expenses such as travel, lodging, and meals.
2. On-Site Opening Support: Hickory River Smokehouse provides an Opening Team to assist with the launch and initial operation of the restaurant. This team delivers hands-on guidance to ensure proper setup and adherence to operational standards during the crucial opening period.
3. Ongoing and Refresher Training: The franchisor may require the Principal Owner, Certified Manager, and other key employees to attend ongoing training sessions or refresher courses at designated locations. These sessions are designed to maintain high operational standards and incorporate any updates to the system, with the franchisee covering associated costs like travel and accommodations.

Territory Protection

Hickory River Smokehouse provides franchisees with a designated area for their restaurant operations but does not grant exclusive territory rights. Franchisees are permitted to operate at a specific location described in their Franchise Agreement, and while no other Hickory River Smokehouse restaurant will be placed within their Designated Area, this area may overlap with others.

Franchisees also have the option to relocate within their Designated Area, subject to franchisor approval and specific relocation criteria. Despite the local protection, Hickory River Smokehouse retains broad rights to sell products such as sauces or pre-packaged items within the franchisee’s territory through various channels, including grocery stores and online platforms.

The franchisor also reserves the right to open or franchise restaurants under different trademarks both within and outside the Designated Area. Special site locations like airports, military bases, and sports facilities are excluded from territorial protections, allowing further flexibility for the franchisor’s expansion.