Terry Tracy envisioned Dickey's Barbecue Pit like a Norman Rockwell painting. He described it like the painting of two men involved in a deep conversation as they sat in front of a stove.
"People can come in for not just good food but for good company," the restaurant owner said.
He wants to serve not only a great meal but also offer good conversation. And that's right up his alley because when he's not working the block or operating the smoker, Terry's talking to customers and asking them about their meal.
Customers have been pleased. They've left happy and smiling with a full belly. Before saying goodbye, Terry asked if they had any ice cream. It's free with the meal. So why not?
Owners Marsha and Terry Tracy have been very hands-on when it comes to their restaurant.
Terry is one of a few owners who work the meat block. He said area owners have been more like investors, but he's very picky about who cuts the meats. He and an employee have been the only two who work the block.
Marsha does the paperwork, marketing, catering, scheduling and payroll. She'll also fill in on the line when needed.
"It's been a real learning experience, but I think we've got it down now," Marsha said.
Dickey's recently named the Tracys brand champions for how successfully they have promoted the brand through marketing and advertising in the community and with social media.
"That was nice," Marsha said. "We have worked hard."
The Tracys started their business in November 2013 after deciding to be closer to Terry's father when his health started to decline. Terry had been commuting to Oklahoma State University where he worked for a company that built high-speed cameras, which are used to determine repairs for roadways. The Tracys also operated a business that cleaned commercial vent hoods.
Before that, Terry worked 28 years in a factory that built oil coolers for Fords, semitrailers and farm tractors.
Terry grew up in Joplin, and Marsha was raised in Fayetteville. They have been married for 10 years, have four children and two grandchildren. They live in Fayetteville but plan to move to Siloam Springs after they move their business into a new location.
Terry expects business will increase 50 percent when he moves to a new location.
After they opened the restaurant, business had struggled for about a year.
The previous owners had cut corners, and left the Tracys in a difficult position. "It was in ICU," Terry said. "It was in trouble."
But they overcame. They worked through the issues and developed the business into a profitable restaurant.
Regular customers were those who lived out of town, were driving through and recognized the Dickey's brand. But that's changed. The Tracys have been seeing more regulars from the Siloam Springs area.
And sales have increased between 30 and 60 percent each year, Marsha said.
Bringing the restaurant back has been the biggest accomplishment so far, Terry said.
They chose to operate a restaurant in Siloam Springs because Marsha always liked the area, and Terry said it reminded him of Joplin when it was smaller.
"I've always loved barbecue," Terry said. For the most part, brisket has been Terry's favorite. Marsha said her favorites include the blackberry cobbler, chicken, coleslaw and green beans.
The best selling item has been the pork.
"We have two smokers here," he said. Brisket and pork are cooked overnight. Ribs, chicken and sausage are started in the morning. All meats are cooked at the restaurant using the Dickey's recipe. The Tracys have purchased nearly everything they serve from a food supplier that Dickey's has used. Dickey's has more than 500 restaurants nationwide and has served barbecue since 1941. Children eat free Sundays.
The full menu is available online at dickeys.com.
Marsha said Sam's Club in Bentonville offers $60 in gift cards to Dickey's for $48. She said people have used them for big catering orders and have saved a lot of money.
The restaurant at 1951 U.S. Highway 412 East can be reached by calling 479-238-1112.
General News on 06/24/2015