Feel The Love This Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and if you're still looking for the perfect way to treat your special someone, look no further than Hickory River Smokehouse! This year, we're offering a Dinner for Two that will make your Valentine's Day one to remember. Our Dinner for Two includes two delicious BBQ Dinner Plates, featuring your choice of meat - from our mouth-watering brisket to our juicy pulled pork. And, of course, no BBQ dinner is complete without sides - so we're including two sides of your choice, as well as cornbread and your choice of two soft drinks or teas. But that's not... Read More

Posted by Hickory River on Feb 08, 2024



Veterans & Active Duty Military

Veterans Day is a day set aside to honor our brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. It's a time to recognize and appreciate their sacrifices, their courage, and their unwavering commitment to protecting our country and our freedoms. Hickory River Smokehouse is a company that truly values and respects our veterans. That's why every year on November 11th, we offer a free meal to all veterans and active duty military with proof of service.Hickory River Smokehouse restaurants were started by a veteran and have been serving up delicious BBQ since 1995. We are proud ... Read More

Posted by Hickory River on Oct 17, 2023



Value Pack for Family-Takeout

When it comes to feeding your family a delicious and satisfying meal, nothing quite compares to the Hickory River Smokehouse's Family Pack. Not only is it affordable, but it also provides all the elements of a proper barbecue meal that your family will surely enjoy. The Family Pack includes 2 lbs of the finest meat straight from "The Pit", which can be brisket, pulled pork, or smoked turkey, pork loin, smoked ham and polish sausage. Your choice of any 2 lbs of those meats all prepared to perfection with the signature smoky flavor that Hickory River Smokehouse is known for. You also get to cho... Read More

Posted by Hickory River on Sep 26, 2023



Summer BBQ

Summer is here, and what better way to enjoy it than with some delicious BBQ from Hickory River Smokehouse? Whether planning a family outing or a picnic with friends, we have you covered. Our restaurants offer a comfortable atmosphere where you can enjoy your meal peacefully. Our menu features a variety of options, including ribs, brisket, chicken, and pulled pork, and all are smoked to perfection. And if you're in a hurry, you can get it to go for an easy at-home BBQ.At Hickory River Smokehouse, we understand the importance of good food and good company. That's why we take pride in our barbec... Read More

Posted by Hickory River on Jul 26, 2023



This Summer Bring Home The Flavor

Barbecue sauce is an essential complement to any BBQ, and Hickory River Smokehouse's BBQ sauce is a great option. Our sauces come in different flavors, each with a bold taste, enriched with a blend of spices that give it a smoky flavor. Hickory River's BBQ sauces have won awards and have been described as tangy, sweet, smoky, and spicy. These sauces are gluten-free, High-Fructose Corn Syrup Free, and MSG Free, without sacrificing their signature taste. Catering to every palate, Hickory River barbecue sauces are available in mild, honey, hot, chipotle mustard, or habanero.   Our best sel... Read More

Posted by Hickory River on Jun 14, 2023



BBQ Comfort Food

The term "comfort food" evokes different thoughts and feelings in all of us. For many people, the thought of comfort food instantly conjures up a memory of Mom's chicken noodle soup on a cold day while suffering from a stuffy nose or trying to warm up from the outdoors. For some, the thought of comfort food stirs up memories of Nonna's famous spaghetti and meatballs, Abuelita's sauce-drenched enchiladas, Mam's rich Irish stew, Nani's crispy samosas, or Granddad's finger-licking BBQ ribs. Regardless of who's doing the cooking, these are all indisputably delicious dishes. If BBQ really rings a ... Read More

Posted by Hickory River on Feb 13, 2023



Daily Lunch Special

It's a NEW YEAR, and time to change your boring lunchtime routine. Aren't you tired of waiting in line for expensive, thin, greasy burgers? Those "Value-Meals" aren't really a value! Our Lunch Specials are available Monday-Friday until 2:00 pm and come with a savory smoked sandwich with sauce, your choice of two succulent sides, and a drink! All of our 6 locations have a drive-thru and carry-out service to make picking up a hearty lunch convenient and quick! Stop wasting time in a line for a sub-par meal and get to your local Hickory River Smokehouse today.

Posted by Hickory River on Jan 13, 2023



Tis' the Season

Do you have difficulty finding the perfect gift for that particular person? Our BBQ BUCKS Gift Cards are the right size and never go out of style. Nothing says "I LOVE YOU" more than a hot meal, especially one you don't have to clean up afterward! Our slow-smoked BBQ is rubbed with our secret blend that pairs perfectly with our savory sauces. The winning combination will ensure that you are the star of the holiday season! We also have A 3 pack of BBQ Sauce bottled and ready to sit under your tree for the chef in your life. Stop by or drive-thru and ask for our special BBQ sauce gift set TODA... Read More

Posted by Hickory River on Dec 15, 2022



Hickory River Smokehouse Lunch Special

"Pitted" Against the Smokehouse Flame, Other Fast Food Has Got No Game. We've all been there: work is crazy, you've still got a ton of emails to catch up on and need to get back to your desk, but you haven't had a thing all day and are famished. Or you're in the car, the kids are off school for the summer and are in the back seat whining that they're "staaarving" after a long day at the pool. You get the idea— you need lunch, fast. At times like these, the temptation is usually just to hit up the nearest fast food drive-thru. While you may not consider Texas BBQ an option, you absolutely... Read More

Posted by Hickory River on Aug 03, 2022



Graduation Parties Catered by Hickory River are Guaranteed Smokin’!

The month of May brings many things to get excited about: warmer weather, trees, and flowers inbloom, the smell of freshly cut grass, and baseball season in full swing. But for millions of highschool and college seniors the country over, May means one particularly exciting thing:graduation. Finally! Books are closed, exams are done, grades are in, and it’s time to celebrateyears of hard work and exciting new chapters on the horizon! Here at Hickory River Smokehouse, we extend our hearty congratulations to all of 2022graduates and their families! Befitting of these momentous achievements... Read More

Posted by Hickory River on Apr 29, 2022



Spring Specials

Spring is so close; we can taste it! We have some fantastic spring specials this month, including our Cod and Shrimp Specials during Lent and our Ham for Easter later in the month! Make sure you are following us on social media to have a chance at winning our weekly giveaways, see our secret menu, and be the first to know about specials!   This time of year is a time of new beginnings, and we are excited to say we will be opening our West Champagne, Illinois location this year! This location will have a few new features that are a welcome addition to our franchise. We hope that you will... Read More

Posted by Hickory River on Mar 11, 2022



Happy Valentine’s Day, Y’all! Do You Heart Texas BBQ???

February in the midwest may not inspire thoughts of sunny summer get-togethers, but you don’t have to sit at home pining for the smoky, succulent flavors of Lone Star State barbecue!The seductive aromas and tastes can be all yours with Hickory River Smokehouse’s sweetValentine’s Day deal… We’re really sharing the love this Valentine’s Day with our oh-so-sweet and savory Valentine’sDay deal! Available now through February 15th, treat that special someone and yourself to dinner for two for only $32! This special offer includes two of our mouthwatering ... Read More

Posted by Hickory River on Feb 04, 2022



Comfort Food

Warm-up with our signature chili. We know it's chilly outside, but that's no excuse to have leftovers for lunch today. We make it so easy for you to order online and swing through our drive-thru to pick up your food. There is something so comforting about warm food on a cold day. Many of us have fond memories of this comfort food from our childhoods and don't forget our chili pairs nicely with our thick cornbread. That will leave you feeling warm and cozy! Remember, comfort food doesn't have to be complicated! Order online today at HickoryRiver.com

Posted by Hickory River on Jan 06, 2022



Christmas Is Upon Us

It's the time of year when stress and spending are high, while time and money are low. Hickory River Smokehouse has a few ways we can help you during all the hustle and bustle of the season!   A meal is an excellent gift for everyone on your list. Our gift cards are a sure way to satisfy even the hardest person to shop for on your list. You can put whatever amount you want, making it great for stockings or envelopes. Just add a bow and watch the smiles.   If you aren't the gift card type of gifter, we have you covered! You can purchase a two-pack of our BBQ Sauce. They are pre-wr... Read More

Posted by Hickory River on Dec 07, 2021



The Word Thankful

The dictionary defines the word THANKFUL as   thank·ful /ˈTHaNGkfəl/ adjective   pleased and relieved.   Hickory River Smokehouse aims to please and relieve you of your holiday cooking. We want you to enjoy the day with your friends and loved ones.   This year we are offering three different dinner options to satisfy the family:   Thanksgiving Dinner with Sides (12-16 servings) Smoked Whole Turkey OR Smoked Half Ham (12-16 servings) Smoked Whole Ham (24-32 servings)   Thanksgiving Dinner includes your choice of either a Smoked ... Read More

Posted by Hickory River on Nov 01, 2021



Hickory River Employees Are a Big Ol’ Texas Barbecue Family

Hickory River Smokehouse is proud to serve up unparalleled Texas-style barbecue to the public, and we’re extremely proud of and grateful for the loyal employees who help make it possible. As it turns out, they had some pretty nice things to say about us, too! In interviews with company employees, they described why working for Hickory River is a great job. Zach, a 10-year veteran at Hickory River Smokehouse in Tipp City, Ohio, appreciates the strong team dynamic. Everyone at the restaurant is truly good people and they genuinely help each other out however possible. Zach has worked just... Read More

Posted by Hickory River on Oct 08, 2021



Memories and Meal Deals

It’s the final days of summer and we have made some pretty amazing memories this year. From catering family reunions and weddings to taking our delicious BBQ to a few festivals. We hope that you were able to create beautiful memories with your friends and family this summer as well! Now that the kids are back in school and those pool days are dwindling down, we want to make the transition into fall easy for you by providing our $25 Meal-2-Go. Just go through our drive-thru and let us worry about dinner.

Posted by Hickory River on Sep 09, 2021



Savor Late Summer with Hickory River BBQ

Can it really be August? Although the summer won’t officially be over until the end of September, what many of us think of as summer is already winding down. Many—if not most—kids will back in school before the end of this month, in person! Given all that students, parents, and teachers have been through since March 2020, we hope that 2021-2022 will be as normal of a school year as possible. Needless to say, it has been a stressful time for families trying to balance work with children’s remote education, and educators struggling to do their best in an unideal ... Read More

Posted by Hickory River on Aug 06, 2021



Drive Right Through for Your Next Effortless BBQ Picnic

It’s high summer, heatwaves are rolling across parts of the country, temperatures in the midwest stretch into the 90’s, and few people are excited at the prospect of turning on an oven. Better to not heat up the kitchen when the mercury is rising. Here’s an idea: gather up some friends and pile the kids in the car, grab a spacious blanket, find a tree with some generous shade, and roll through Hickory River’s drive-thru on your way to it. All of our four Illinois and one Ohio locations have drive-thrus ready to serve up juicy, delicious, hand-rubbed and slow-smoked Tex... Read More

Posted by Hickory River on Jul 15, 2021



A Return to Summer Gatherings

Happy June! The weather is warming up, people are beginning to safely gather again, and summer officially starts at the end of this month. It’s the season to be outdoors and enjoy a gradual return to socializing with family and friends. What better reason to let Hickory River do the cooking, so you can relish the much-missed time with those who matter most? Our authentic Texas-style barbecue is just the ticket for warm-weather get-togethers we’ve been waiting months to return to.   Texan barbecue is particularly known for smoked and grilled meats, namely brisket, pork ribs,... Read More

Posted by Hickory River on Jun 08, 2021



Graduation Catering

Congratulations to all of our 2021 graduating seniors, and congratulations to the parents and family that helped them achieve this major milestone. Hickory River Smokehouse would like to cater your graduation party, big or small. We have Meats from ‘The Pit’ for carry-out options, and catering is available.   Catering with Hickory River Smokehouse is an easy crowd pleaser! You can easily go online to HickoryRiver.com and click the catering button to see our menu or even to place your online catering order.   Don’t just take our word for it, check out some of o... Read More

Posted by Hickory River on May 18, 2021



Honey Baked Ham Recipe

Easter is this weekend, and nothing says Sunday dinner quite like a delicious Honey Baked Ham!     1/2 cup Hickory River Smokehouse Honey BBQ sauce, 1 tablespoon dijon mustard, ham Step 1 Preheat oven to 338F or 122F fan-forced. Step 2 Combine Hickory River Smokehouse Honey BBQ sauce, mustard and 1/2 cup of water in a small saucepan. Simmer on medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 5 mins, or until sauce begins to thicken slightly. Step 3 Line a large baking dish with foil. Place ham in pan and brush over the glaze. Bake ham for 2 hours, brushing with g... Read More

Posted by Hickory River on Mar 30, 2021



Honey Baked Ham Recipe

Easter is this weekend, and nothing says Sunday dinner quite like a delicious Honey Baked Ham!     1/2 cup Hickory River Smokehouse Honey BBQ sauce, 1 tablespoon dijon mustard, ham Step 1 Preheat oven to 338F or 122F fan-forced. Step 2 Combine Hickory River Smokehouse Honey BBQ sauce, mustard and 1/2 cup of water in a small saucepan. Simmer on medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 5 mins, or until sauce begins to thicken slightly. Step 3 Line a large baking dish with foil. Place ham in pan and brush over the glaze. Bake ham for 2 hours, brushing with g... Read More

Posted by Hickory River on Mar 31, 2021



Crockpot BBQ Chicken

With a great taste and the convenience of using a crockpot, make the easiest crockpot BBQ chicken that will surely warm you up during these cold winter days. 1. Season chicken breast lightly (a small pinch per breast)  with some sea salt and place in your crockpot. 2. In a mixing bowl combine your favorite Hickory River Smokehouse BBQ sauce, Italian dressing, brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until well combined. 3. Pour over chicken, cover and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours. 4. Once time is up, you can serve the breast whole, or shred with 2 forks. If shredding, recover and let ... Read More

Posted by Hickory River on Jan 22, 2021



Family Meals Together Matter

How can you help keep your family healthier and happier together? Eat together. Many of us are fortunate enough to have fond memories of eating meals together, but it is often harder to do in today's busy world. Many studies have been conducted to associate eating together and behavior. One such study demonstrated that eating family meals together increased the feeling of positive moods. The dinner table is a place to build trust, model family values, and create space to feel connected. Eating together has many desirable effects, especially for children. Just having conversations around the d... Read More

Posted by Hickory River on Sep 25, 2020



Hickory River Smokehouse Celebrates Labor Day

Labor Day is celebrated Monday, September 7th, this year. This annual celebration traditionally brings families and friends together to celebrate and pay tribute to hard-working Americans. Labor Day also symbolizes the end of summer and back to school. Although this Labor Day will be unique, we still know many of us will be firing up our grills and enjoying our backyards. Labor Day began in the late 1800s due to reforms initiated by the Industrial Revolution's poor working conditions. The labor movement was formed to make changes for workers and create labor laws. According to the History Ch... Read More

Posted by Hickory River on Aug 26, 2020



Moving Forward with Confidence

Our very own Hickory River Smokehouse owner, Dan Davis, sat down with Congressman Warren Davidson of Ohio's 8th District to discuss the details and concerns regarding EIDL (Economic Injury Disaster Loans) and PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) loans. Not one to be idle when there's a problem, Dan reached out to several Ohio congressmen and congresswomen to express his concerns about the new financial struggles small business owners, specifically, restaurateurs, were facing to comply with the new Covid-19 regulations. Dan received feedback via letters, but last week, Congressman Davidson made a... Read More

Posted by Hickory River on Jun 22, 2020



Dedicated to Ensuring a Safe Dining Experience

Hickory River Smokehouse is dedicated to ensuring a safe dining experience for your family and ours. We have gone above and beyond the newly required safety standards to allow our guests to feel safe coming in to enjoy their favorite comfort foods. By coordinating with our local health department and restaurant advisory teams, we ensure our restaurants comply with best practices standards to keep you and our employees protected while dining with us.  Our updated floor plans provide the warmth you’ve come to expect with the additional space and barriers to ensure proper distance comp... Read More

Posted by Hickory River on Jun 18, 2020



Barbecue Grilled Salmon Recipe

A delicious recipe using Hickory River Smokehouse Hot, Mild, or Honey Sauce (your choice)!Barbecue Grilled Salmon 8 oz. Skin on Salmon (the larger salmon pieces are easier to grill; when the skin is left on, it gives it more moisture) Cooking spray Hickory River Smokehouse Rub; if not available, use Slap Yo Mama Seasoning Hickory River Smokehouse Barbecue Sauce, Mild, Hot, or Honey (use your favorite)   Preheat grill on high for 5 minutes Spray both sides of Salmon with spray Season salmon side with rubOpen grill lid, turn grill to med-low Spray with cooking spray generousl... Read More

Posted by Hickory River on Mar 02, 2020



Barbecue Pizza Recipe

Looking for a unique recipe? This is a great Barbecue Pizza Recipe using Hickory River Smokehouse BBQ sauces, Hot, Mild, or Honey Sauce (or, you can mix them), Hickory River Ranch Beans, and your favorite Hickory River smoked BBQ meat. This recipe would be great for parties or family dinners. Exact measurements are not necessary...it is all according to your taste preferences. You will find that this recipe is EASY and FUN to prepare. Select any of these Hickory River Smokehouse Barbecue to top your pizza: Sliced Brisket (chopped), Pulled Pork, Ham, Pulled Chicken, or Smoked Turkey, and Hickor... Read More

Posted by Hickory River on Dec 13, 2019



Meat Lovers! Let's Talk About Hickory River's Smoked Brisket!

Most importantly, first, let's talk about the taste! Hickory River Smokehouse uses only the highest-quality brisket, seasoned with our own special rub. Our pitmasters slowly smoke and infuse it with real hickory taste. Our sliced brisket comes out of the smoker, fork-tender and juicy. Worrying about your calorie intake? Search the internet calorie counters, and you will find overwhelmingly that ground beef has more calories than brisket. The calorie counters range, for three ounces of ground beef (80% Lean / 20% Fat), about 232 to 290 calories. In comparison, Hickory River Smokehouse's smok... Read More

Posted by Hickory River on Dec 13, 2019