Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, the fastest-growing barbecue chain, is modifying its menu for the first time in 50 years by adding a new permanent signature meat—Spicy Cheddar Sausage. Texas-based Dickey’s Barbecue Pit hears the message loud and clear: customers love spice and customers love cheese.

“Our Spicy Cheddar Sausage is packed with heat, but it has just enough kick to complement the rich cheddar. It is a mixture that just can’t go wrong, and I’m thrilled that it’s now a permanent option on the menu,” says Tyler Riddle, Dickey’s corporate chef.

Originally created as a limited-time option, Spicy Cheddar Sausage debuted nationwide in February to rave reviews. The last time Dickey’s added a signature meat to their menu was in 1952.

“Our new menu item adds spicy flavors to the polish-style sausage,” Riddle says. “Hints of roasted garlic, cracked black pepper, and old-world spices can be tasted, but we also loaded it with a fiery mix of fresh peppers, hearty chunks of cheddar, and a tantalizing blend of smokin’ spices!”

Due to the overwhelmingly positive feedback, Dickey’s decided to make Spicy Cheddar Sausage permanent in all stores. This marks the first menu change in 50 years and the first spicy item Dickey’s has offered customers.

“We have a breakthrough,” says Corby Cornin, vice president of operations. “With all of the positive feedback from customers, we were anxious to update the menu and make Spicy Cheddar Sausage a permanent option in our stores across the country.”

The original location opened in 1941 in Dallas, TX and began franchising in 1994. There are 147 locations in 33 states to date, with over 60 locations set to open in 2011.

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