Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, the fastest-growing restaurant chain in the country according to Technomic, will open in Traverse City by May 2017. Three others will follow in Kent County, joining eight other Dickey’s locations in the state.

Franchise owners Andre Bushell and Loren Akerman of Traverse City met at a Fortune 15 company before deciding to strike out on their own. Having both grown up in economically challenging circumstances, they hope to provide local jobs and be a model of diversity in the community. “We are looking to grow our business even further than these first four stores,” Akerman says. “We hope that our business can provide much-needed jobs and economic stability all over Michigan and beyond.”

Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. was founded in 1941 by Travis Dickey. The fast-casual concept has expanded to more than 560 locations in 43 states.