Brad Bowman | Founder & Franchise Partner
Hickory River Smokehouse has been in business since 1995, when Brad and Krista Bowman opened their first restaurant in Urbana, Illinois, bringing this unique smokehouse-style barbecue to the Midwest. The venture was a total family effort, all joining in to make recipes together. Two years later, this husband and wife team opened their second location in Springfield, Illinois. Franchises later opened in Decatur and Peoria, and the Hickory River Smokehouse expansion was on!
Dan and Maria Davis | Tipp City, Ohio
We have always wanted to own our own business. When the opportunity came for us to purchase Hickory River Smokehousein Tipp City, Ohio we jumped at the chance to do just that - have a business of our own. We knew Hickory River Smokehouse was a successful and unique restaurant franchise opportunity. And what's not to love? The food is amazing and the concept is original and refreshing. Owning a Hickory River Smokehouse franchise was the best decision we have ever made, for our family, our careers, and our future. And business has never been better!
Mike Madigan | Champaign, Decatur, Springfield, & Urbana, IL
People ask me how we got involved with Hickory River Smokehouse and I say, "We ate there once!" It is simply the best barbecue we had ever tasted and we had to be involved. So we partnered with founders Brad and Krista Bowman to open more Hickory River restaurants. Do yourself and your family a favor today, get to the closest Hickory River Smokehouse and try it for yourself. We are confident you will agree that it is the best!
Mike Johnstone | Peoria, IL
If you would have asked me 20 years ago if owning my own business and still being involved with Hickory River was in my future, I more than likely would have told you I can only hope so! From the first time I tasted the mouthwatering brisket and perfectly seasoned ribs I was hooked, and have been part of the Hickory River team since.From being a dishwasher in high school, to opening our own Hickory River 10 years ago, a lot of hard work and long days have led to our success. Our Peoria location truly leads me to feel the American BBQ Dream is not only possible, but the amazing reality I wake up to everyday! I wouldn't be where I am today without Hickory River.
