Tulsa-based fast casual BBQ franchise Billy Sims BBQ is continuing rapid expansion across central Oklahoma with its newest opening January 20, in Norman, Oklahoma by seven-year Billy Sims franchisee veteran and businessman, Trent Crow. The restaurant is located at Crimson Center 2627 N. Classen Blvd. Suite 104, the busting east side of University of Oklahoma’s home town and next to Slim Chickens.
The grand opening will be held February 3—4, with appearances by Billy Sims BBQ co-founder, and former Detroit Lions and Heisman Trophy winner on February 3, from 3 to 7 p.m. and February 4, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Appearing with Billy Sims on February 4, will be his former teammates from the Detroit Lions Thomas Lott, Victor Hicks, and Joe Washington.
Crow, along with his wife, Nancy, currently owns and operates three other Billy Sims BBQ units throughout Oklahoma—one in Owasso near Tulsa, one in Midwest City near the Tinker Air Force Base and one in Moore, off the Oklahoma City’s northwest expressway.
A former Marketing Manager for Walmart, Crow helped to get Billy Sims BBQ sauce in 145 Walmart stores, where it quickly became the second-best selling BBQ sauce in Walmart stores across the state. After this introduction to the brand and upon retirement, Crow decided to explore business opportunities with the award-winning franchise.
“We love the quality of life as franchisees as well as creating jobs in our community, but we very specifically chose Billy Sims BBQ,” says Crow. “We were attracted to the highly structured-operations, great food and competitive pricing. Billy Sims’ name may get guests in the door, but the delicious barbeque keeps them coming back.”
The Crows chose Norman for their newest venture due to both its rapid commercial and residential development growth as well as its close proximity to UOK’s Gaylord Stadium, where football legend and Billy Sims BBQ’s co-founder, Billy Sims, made his name in the 1970’s.
“Trent and Nancy are among our most loyal and successful franchisees,” says Jeff Jackson, co-founder and CEO of Billy Sims BBQ. “Despite being Billy Sims BBQ’s smallest location, their Midwest City unit, which was a 90-day Quiznos conversion, boasts one of the largest revenues in our entire franchise system. I have zero doubt their Norman site selection will prove to be a smart move.”
The Norman restaurant is of the brand’s newest prototype design, featuring updated color schemes and sleek design elements, a digital menu board digital and an outdoor seating patio.
Named a Franchisee Satisfaction Award Winner for 2016 and 2015 by Franchise Business Review and a Future 50 fastest-growing small chain restaurant in 2015 by Restaurant Business, Billy Sims BBQ is consistently ranked highly by franchisees for its leadership, training and operations support, financial performance and general satisfaction.
