The Blake family has been serving Salina and Central Kansas the
best barbecue for nearly 30 years. Owners and founders Dale and
Robin Blake saw an opportunity to build a business serving simple, quality barbecue and over time have established a large number of
loyal customers from across the United States who plan their trips
to include a stop at Hickory Hut. Its popularity and success has
made Hickory Hut Barbecue a Salina tradition.
Owner/Founder Dale Blake began traveling throughout small towns in Kansas and Nebraska selling the now famous fare in grocery store parking lots under the name, Texas Tim's BBQ.

Growing tired of the road, the Blake's opened their first permanent location in Salina, KS at 1707 Crawford Street and "Hickory Hut" began. The first Hickory Hut was drive thru only and operated out of a small, modified travel trailer.

Also in 1983, the Blake's began a new tradition when they introduced Hickory Hut to Salina's Smoky Hill River Festival. Hickory Hut quickly became a festival favorite serving up its famous BBQ turkey drumsticks and polish sausage sandwiches out of their well known red and white stand. Hickory Hut was a River festival favorite for 25 years.
The Blake's moved their growing business to a permanent structure next door. Hickory Hut's popularity grew, and although still drive thru only, it carried a loyal customer base that knew where to find the best barbecue in the state.
In October of 2005, Hickory Hut opened at its present location offering for the first time both drive thru and dining room service. The tradition continues and the legend grows.