Billy Sims BBQ will open another Kansas–based restaurant in Newton, Kansas, on June 30. The 2,400-square-foot barbecue franchise will be located at 1414 North Main Street and will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.  It will be the third of at least five units planned to open in Kansas in 2016.  Billy Sims opened two locations in Chanute and Arkansas City earlier this year.

“Kansans know and love barbecue, and the state will continue to be a great location for us to grow,” says Jeff Jackson, cofounder and CEO of Billy Sims BBQ. “We want to bring our barbecue to guests across Kansas and will open new locations in the coming years.”

The Newton, Kansas, restaurant is owned and operated by franchise partners Dave Dunn and Sean O’Brien. They currently operate three other Billy Sims BBQ franchise locations in Andover, Arkansas City, and Dodge City.  They have been franchisees for six years and plan to open at least several more Kansas locations this year in Emporia, West Wichita, Hays, and possibly Hutchison if they can find the right space.

“We are excited to be opening Billy Sims BBQ throughout the state,” says Dave Dunn, franchisee. “We strongly believe that this BBQ is the best in the country and are opening nearby locations as fast as we can.”

Founded by University of Oklahoma running back and 1978 Heisman Trophy winner Billy Sims and cofounder and CEO Jeff Jackson, the popular Billy Sims BBQ brand has experienced phenomenal growth in recent years as BBQ enthusiasts embrace its special proprietary recipes and processes for preparing and smoking beef, pork, and more. The restaurant chain first began operation in 2004, franchising in 2009, and diners now enjoy 50 locations across six states.