There's an ongoing debate about the merits -- or lack thereof -- of the barbecue scene in South Florida. For every die-hard devotee of some Broward or Palm Beach County joint, it seems you'll find an equally passionate 'cue fan who claims the goods are few and far between in our region. Carol Vu, a franchise owner set to open a Dickey's Barbecue Pit this August in Boca Raton, tends to the latter camp.
"There's a lack of Southern barbecue" in South Florida, says Vu, who lived in Dallas, Texas, for six years before moving to Florida about three and a half years ago.
Vu says she became familiar with Dickey's when she lived in Dallas, where the national franchise is based. The self-proclaimed "foodie" identified the franchise as her ideal match because she wanted to invest in a fast casual barbecue joint that would emphasize takeout and catering as well as fast service instead of "sit-down dining."
Having met many transplanted Texans (and others) in Florida, Vu expects to appeal to customers in the region who are familiar with Dickey's or at least the "slow-smoked, tangy sauce" Southern style served by the franchise. "Florida is such a transient state," she says.
The Boca location -- which will be in a 2,000-square-foot space at 21073 Powerline Road, Ste. 33 -- is the second Dickey's restaurant in our region. The closest store is in Miramar. The Boca Raton restaurant should open in August, and current plans would provide seating for 48 people.
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