With over 30 years each in the oil and gas industry, business partners Ray Smith and Jim Rogers were first introduced to Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in their travels throughout Texas.

Having both retired from the same major oil company, the two decided to expand their business portfolio into the world of franchising and have become the owner/operators of the newest Dickey’s in Oxford, which is located at 2311 West Jackson Ave.

“We are excited to bring Oxford the first Dickey’s Barbecue Pit that serves authentic slow-smoked barbecue,” Smith said.

The doors opened Thursday, and to celebrate the grand opening, three guests won free barbecue for a year at the Oxford location.

Residents interested in the restaurant can learn more on its social media page, and will be able to order online. Guests can also sign up for the Big Yellow Cup Club to receive special offers and loyalty points which can be redeemed for free barbecue.

“We welcome owner/operators Ray Smith and Jim Rogers to the Dickey’s family,” said Roland Dickey Jr., CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants Inc. “We congratulate them on the opening of their first store in Oxford and can’t wait serve the community Texas-style barbecue.”

Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants Inc., the nation’s largest barbecue chain, was founded in 1941 by Travis Dickey with the goal of authentic slow-smoked barbecue.

Today, all meats are still slow smoked on-site in each restaurant living up to the company tagline, “We Speak Barbecue.”

The Dallas-based family-run barbecue franchise offers a quality selection of signature meats, home-style sides, tangy barbecue sauce and free kids’ meals every Sunday. The fast-casual concept has expanded to more than 550 locations in 43 states.