Dickey’s Barbecue Pit makes mouths water in Plains Township

EILEEN GODIN
Published: November 20, 2014
Times Leader

Opening the doors at 11 a.m., Mamary found a line of people waiting eagerly to enter his Texas-based franchise located in the newly developed 315 Marketplace off Route 315, in Plains Township.

By 2 p.m. his staff served nearly 200 guests. On Wednesday during a soft opening event, he said they served 150.

“We have had a wonderful grand opening,” he said.

With fresh meats marinated for 24 hours and then smoked in-house for 14-hours at 225-degrees, sweet aromas of smoked meats filled the air, making mouths water instantly.

If the draw of fresh smoked pork, brisket, sausage and more with fresh side dishes were not enough, the franchise sweetened the deal by providing the first 50 guests gift cards worth up to $50.

The grand opening celebration will extend into the weekend.

Today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. customers will be offered $2 pulled pork barbecue sandwiches. One guest will win a $500 gift card and three guests will receive a free barbecue for an entire year. Plus 98.5 KRZ will be broadcasting on site.

Saturday, there will be all-day merchandise giveaways.

Mamary noted the eatery also provides catering and delivery within a 10-mile radius. Coming soon, Mamary plans to offer wine and beer once the liquor license is issued.

With a passion for people and cooking, the former 33-year sales veteran with Yellow Book, was all smiles as he watched people enjoy a robust menu centered around in house smoked meats, fresh sides including baked potatoes.

“This is my dream job,” Mamary said.

Planning ahead, Mamary knew he wanted to retire, but also wanted to have a business of his own. He began to look for a business model he could combine his passions for people and cooking.

“I looked for three years for a franchise,” he said.

He said he tried Dickey’s menu once before and enjoyed it. Then he attended a VIP event at a new Dickey’s Barbecue Pit with his wife, Linda, who is a member of the Chamber of Commerce for Monroe County.

He was hooked.

“Three weeks later I opened a franchise,” he said.

Mamary, formerly of South Wilkes-Barre, talked with close friend and commercial developer Robert Tamburro. Tamburro owns the 315 Marketplace, there were no worries of where he would establish his new restaurant.

“The Route 315 corridor is growing,” Mamary said.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is the 10th franchise in the state. The next closest three are located in Allentown, Bethlehem and East Stroudsburg.

Planning to take his time and grow slowly, Mamary has his eyes set on opening a second location in Scranton.