Serving up burger stacks, steaks, and gooey mac and cheese, an American-inspired fast food chain branded ‘unreal’ is opening 10 new branches across the UK in 2025.
The first Hickory’s Smokehouse opened in 2010, born out of a US road trip that saw founder Neil McDonnell travel across the likes of Texas, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
It all started in Chester, a year to the day that he returned from the trip of a lifetime – and since it was acquired by pub chain Greene King in 2022, its dreams have got even bigger.
In 2024, Hickory’s opened six new restaurants – bringing the grand total to 26 as part of a £25,000,000 investment from the 2600-strong pub chain.
So far in 2025, a new location in Milton Keynes has already opened. The chain has plans to introduce 10 each year until at least 2027, some of which will see existing Greene King pubs converted into smokehouses.
‘We knew Hickory’s was a brilliant brand with a unique proposition when we made our initial investment, but it has been great to see the expansion of the brand really resonate with guests,’ said Greene King chief executive Nick Mackenzie.
‘At a time when the sector is facing significant pressures and layering of costs, Hickory’s growth provides a blueprint for our investment strategy to drive the brand’s expansion, unlock value and delight Hickory’s guests.’
Thinking about popping down? Its smokehouses stretch across the UK, including Derby, Lincoln, Wrexham, Leeds, and Huddersfield, with new locations set to open in Swindon and Sheffield later this year.
It’s no secret that fast food lovers have long been fangirling over Hickory’s, which is known for Southern-inspired dishes including brisket popcorn bites, corn dogs, Memphis-style back ribs and smoked brisket.
Burgers are also a menu staple, including the famous ‘Go Big or Go Home’ tower with three toasted buns, two beef patties, a Southern fried chicken fillet, streaky bacon, pork collar, hash brown, and not one but three slices of cheese.
And of course, brunch is served every day until 2pm, offering American classics including homemade pancakes, steak and eggs, and a chicken fried waffle. We’ll have ours sunny side up, please.
Over on Reddit, @Dear_Hornet_2635 said they ‘love[d]’ their visit to Hickory’s and recommended the ‘pulled pork baked beans and the cheese and jalapeno sausages.’
@AfternoonPenalty recently stumbled across the Gloucestershire restaurant and immediately ‘grabbed the brisket sub with gravy,’ which they thought was ‘bloody lovely.’
‘Deffo worth a visit – and we will be going back,’ they added, while @ihavenoimaginaation labelled their ‘brisket and bacon bites with the blue cheese sauce’ ‘top tier.’
Visiting Solihull’s location after it opened in 2023, TikToker @westmidlands_foodie described the food as ‘incredible,’ while @user751117768 said it was their ‘absolute favourite place’ and @jamesbcfc84 labelled the combo ‘unreal.’
And Priya Holland, who visited the new smokehouse in Milton Keynes earlier this month, wrote in a Facebook post that ‘the food was delicious’ and with ‘good-sized portions.’
‘I have never experienced proper American-style food,‘ she added. ‘I’m planning my next visit already.’
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