Eighty permanent jobs have been created at a popular Southern-style restaurant preparing to open its 25th site and very first in Staffordshire.
Hickory’s Smokehouse will open in Stafford on Monday, 2 December after a ‘significant investment’ has been made into the site of the former The King’s Horse pub, on Kingsway.
The much-anticipated venue promises something for the whole family and its design includes the likes of cosy booths, larger tables for groups, a chef’s bar where guests can watch food being cooked, an outside veranda, an outside play area and cinema room for youngsters and an interactive Fro-Co (frozen custard) creation station.
The menu is packed full of the flavours of the Deep South, with classic smokehouse dishes such as Memphis ribs, with non-smoker treats including burger, subs, steaks, and fajitas.
Managing Director John Welsh said: “We are delighted to be coming to Stafford. We have been looking at the area for a while and now felt the right time.
“Hickory’s Stafford will be located at the heart of some of our restaurants in Shrewsbury, Gresty Green near Crewe, Derby and the Midlands.
“We’ve spent time getting to know the area and everyone has been so welcoming so coming to Stafford is genuinely exciting for us all.
“Our ambition is to create something truly special, and we are looking forward to becoming part of the community for many years to come.”
The first Hickory’s – inspired by road trips across the Deep South – opened in Chester in 2010 and the group now has more than 20 venues and is popular with all ages.