Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Reopens in Perrysburg After Fire, Bringing Pit-Smoked Favorites Back to the Community
Months after a devastating kitchen fire forced the closure of a beloved neighborhood barbecue restaurant, the familiar aroma of slow-smoked meats is once again filling the air along Fremont Pike in Perrysburg. The locally owned Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has officially reopened its doors, marking an important milestone for franchise owner and U.S. Army Combat Veteran Steve Mowery, who has spent months rebuilding the restaurant and preparing to welcome the community back. The reopening represents more than just the return of a restaurant; it symbolizes resilience, determination and a strong bond with the local community that supported the business through a challenging time.
A Comeback Story Rooted in Determination
The road back to reopening was not an easy one. A kitchen fire forced the restaurant to close its doors, leaving customers and staff uncertain about when the popular barbecue destination might return. For Mowery, however, the setback was simply another challenge to overcome. Drawing on the discipline and perseverance he developed during his military service and his role as a local deputy sheriff, he committed himself to rebuilding the restaurant and restoring it to full operation.
The months following the fire were spent carefully renovating the restaurant located at 10413 Fremont Pike in Perrysburg, Ohio. The process included installing new fixtures, upgrading equipment and ensuring the kitchen and dining areas were fully refreshed. Every detail was considered to ensure the restaurant would reopen stronger and better prepared to serve customers.
For Mowery, the restaurant has always represented more than just a place to enjoy barbecue. It is a gathering spot where neighbors come together, families share meals and the community builds connections over great food. The decision to rebuild was fueled by the support and encouragement he received from customers who continued to ask when the restaurant would return.
“This is more than just a restaurant to us,” Mowery said while reflecting on the journey back. “After the fire, we were determined to come back better than ever. We’ve missed our Perrysburg neighbors and thank everyone for their patience while we worked to bring them an experience as special as this town deserves.”
Renovation Brings New Life to the Restaurant
The reopening of the restaurant is accompanied by noticeable improvements throughout the space. Mowery invested significant time and resources into modernizing the location while maintaining the warm and welcoming atmosphere that customers have come to expect.
New kitchen equipment ensures that the restaurant can continue preparing its signature pit-smoked meats using the traditional slow-smoking techniques that define the Dickey’s brand. Updated fixtures and refreshed dining areas create a comfortable environment for guests to gather and enjoy meals with friends and family.
The renovations were designed not only to restore what was lost in the fire but also to elevate the overall customer experience. From improved food preparation capabilities to a refreshed interior, every aspect of the restaurant reflects the commitment to delivering quality barbecue and hospitality.
Community Celebration Marks the Reopening
To mark the long-awaited return of the restaurant, Mowery and his team have organized a multi-day celebration that invites the Perrysburg community to come together and enjoy the newly renovated space. The festivities are designed to bring excitement, entertainment and family-friendly activities to the reopening while highlighting the restaurant’s role as a local gathering place.
The celebration runs from Thursday, March 5 through Sunday, March 8 at the Fremont Pike location. Throughout the week, visitors can experience live music, interactive family activities and a variety of special food promotions that showcase the restaurant’s signature barbecue offerings.
The event schedule is filled with activities intended to create a welcoming atmosphere and celebrate the restaurant’s return.
Opening Day Ribbon Cutting and Live Music
The reopening celebration officially begins on Thursday, March 5, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that marks the official relaunch of the restaurant. The ceremony will be followed by an invite-only preview event where guests can explore the renovated space and enjoy the first servings of freshly prepared barbecue.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, the Ben DeLong Band will perform a live set from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., providing music and entertainment as guests reconnect and celebrate the restaurant’s comeback. The evening serves as both a thank-you to loyal supporters and a moment of excitement for the team that worked tirelessly to rebuild the location.
Friday Night Brings Local Music and Energy
The celebration continues on Friday, March 6, with another evening of live entertainment. Local musician Stephen B. Hardy will perform from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., bringing lively music and energy to the restaurant. Guests will be able to enjoy the performance while sampling classic pit-smoked dishes such as brisket, pulled pork and ribs.
Friday’s event highlights the restaurant’s commitment to supporting local talent and creating a vibrant environment where food and entertainment come together.
Family Fun Takes Center Stage on Saturday
Saturday, March 7, is designed with families in mind and features a full lineup of activities that will entertain guests of all ages. During the afternoon, children can enjoy a petting zoo hosted by Sharpesville Family Farm from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The attraction allows younger visitors to interact with friendly farm animals, creating a memorable experience for families visiting the restaurant.
Later in the day, the excitement continues with a Disney-themed family trivia competition. Participants will test their knowledge of beloved Disney movies and characters, with the grand prize winner taking home a new big-screen television. The trivia event adds a playful and competitive element to the celebration, encouraging families to participate together.
Throughout the evening, Madison Mitchell will perform live music, creating a lively backdrop for the festivities. The night will conclude with a pulled pork eating contest scheduled for 7 p.m. Participants will compete to see who can finish the most pulled pork, and the winner will receive an especially appealing reward: free Dickey’s barbecue for an entire year.
Sunday Wraps Up the Celebration With Community Activities
The final day of the reopening celebration takes place on Sunday, March 8, offering another opportunity for the community to gather and enjoy the restaurant’s return. The petting zoo will return for a second day, giving families another chance to bring children for an afternoon of fun.
Live music will once again fill the restaurant as Ryan Roth performs for guests throughout the day. Additionally, kids will have the chance to take the stage during a karaoke session hosted by DJ Mandi, allowing young visitors to showcase their singing talents and enjoy a lively and interactive activity.
These events are designed to ensure that the reopening celebration remains engaging and welcoming for everyone who visits.
Special Food Deals Available All Week
In addition to the entertainment and activities, guests visiting during the reopening week can take advantage of a variety of special food promotions. The deals highlight the restaurant’s most popular menu items while providing an opportunity for customers to enjoy classic barbecue at a discounted price.
Customers will find buy-one-get-one-free pulled pork sandwiches available in the restaurant, allowing guests to share the signature dish with friends or family. Brisket sandwiches will be offered for just five dollars, providing an affordable way to enjoy one of Dickey’s most popular smoked meats.
The restaurant will also feature two-meat plates priced at $12.99, giving diners the chance to sample multiple barbecue favorites in a single meal. In addition, the first 36 customers will be able to purchase half-price slabs of ribs, adding extra excitement for early visitors eager to take advantage of the promotion.
These special offers serve as a thank-you to loyal customers who patiently waited for the restaurant to reopen and supported the business throughout the rebuilding process.
A Brand That Values Service and Community
The reopening of the Perrysburg location reflects the broader values of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc., a brand that has built its reputation around quality food and community engagement. For company leadership, Mowery’s dedication to both his business and his public service roles represents the spirit of the brand.
Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc., emphasized the importance of service in the company’s culture and praised Mowery for his commitment to the community.
“At Dickey’s, service is the heart of what we do,” she said. “Steve’s dedication to service as a business owner, combat veteran and first responder is what makes this restaurant so special and why we’re proud to see these doors open again.”
Her remarks highlight the unique story behind the Perrysburg location and the determination that brought the restaurant back to life.
Looking Ahead After the Reopening
With the restaurant now open again, Mowery and his team are focused on rebuilding relationships with customers and continuing to serve the community that supported them during the months of renovation. The reopening marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Perrysburg location, one that combines improved facilities with the same dedication to hospitality and quality barbecue.
For longtime fans of the restaurant, the return of the familiar pit-smoked flavors signals a welcome return to normal. For new visitors, the celebration offers an opportunity to experience the brand’s signature dishes and welcoming atmosphere for the first time.
As smoke once again rises from the pits on Fremont Pike, the reopening stands as a testament to perseverance, community support and the enduring appeal of great barbecue shared among neighbors.
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