Bringing the deep south to life - HARRISON AND HICKORY ’ S SMOKEHOUSE -
Hickory ’ s Smokehouse , a leading authentic BBQ smokehouse restaurant which has seen huge success in the Midlands and Northwest , has appointed 360-degree global branding , interior design & architecture specialist , Harrison , to be their partners . The partnership will see Hickory ’ s Smokehouse and Harrison open additional sites this year across the UK , with the ambition to bring a new world of BBQ smokehouse dining to more guests .
The first new restaurant designed by Harrison opened in early March in Huddersfield in the former High Park Pub on Bradley Road , swiftly followed by Chellaston , Derby , at the site of The Bonnie Prince , at the end of July and most recently in Thornton-Cleveleys on 22nd September .
Following a competitive bid , Harrison secured the contract with Hickory ’ s Smokehouse to design the new sites and evolve the Hickory ’ s brand , while retaining the overall aesthetic and charm that makes each Hickory ’ s restaurant unique . The partnership began with a weeklong study tour in Texas , the home of BBQ . Neil McDonnell , founder of Hickory ’ s and Lisa Owen ( Marketing ) alongside Nathan Stevenson ( Lead Designer ) and Dean Concannon ( Design Director ) wanted to get under the skin of and strengthen their understanding of the rich history of Southern states BBQ .
Putting every element under the microscope , from the location to the atmosphere to food to restaurant design and even the way the team interacted with guests , together they visited over 120 sites across Dallas and Austin for inspiration ( including the legendary ‘ Blacks ’, ‘ Salt Lick ’, ‘ Kreuz ’ & ‘ Franklin BBQ ’ along with Meanwhile Brewing Company , Truck Yard and Ebeley ), experiencing the heart and soul of an
- 54 -