The largest BBQ restaurant chain in the U.S. has opened its first West Michigan location in Rockford with two more set to open this year in Muskegon.

Dickey's Barbecue Pit was founded in 1941. The restaurant is now open at more than 550 locations in 44 states, including eight near Detroit, one in Coldwater and one in Traverse City.

The 11th Dickey's Barbecue Pit location in Michigan opened in Rockford at 380 E Division St. on Feb. 8. The restaurant is owned by Joan Dahl and her husband, Karl Dahl. The couple has owned Little Caesars restaurants in the Grand Rapids area for the last 13 years.

Two more West Michigan locations are coming this year in Muskegon. Dan and Luke McKinnon plan to open the first location in May with the second following late this year.

Do we need more BBQ restaurants in West Michigan? I don't know, but I never think "less is more" when it comes to BBQ.

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