7 Tips from a Hot Tennessee Barbeque Franchise

“The only way to succeed in a Tennessee Barbeque Franchise is not to take shortcuts,” says Will Newman, owner of Edley’s Bar-B-Que. In a recent interview with Franchise Times, Newman described the process the Nashville-based restaurant is using to bring new franchise owners into the family – low and slow, just like the way they prepare their signature barbecue. “You're preparing today for tomorrow, so you just can't cheat the system," he said.

Edley’s Bar-B-Que can inspire those considering opening a Tennessee barbeque franchise. What are some of the key characteristics of a popular barbecue restaurant?

Table of Contents

1. Whip Up Some Mouth-watering Food, Cooked Low and Slow

2. Offer Up Locations with All the Fixin’s

3. Add a Tennessee Vibe of the Coolest Southern Sounds

4. Serve Up some Southern Comfort for your Tennessee Barbeque Franchise

5. Mix In a Unique, Strong Brand

6. Top It Off with Great, Friendly Staff

7. Wrap It Up with a Strong Investment Opportunity

A Tennessee Barbeque Franchise in a couple of clicks

1. Whip Up Some Mouth-watering Food, Cooked Low and Slow

Do things the old-fashioned way: make your food from scratch with best-quality ingredients and slow cooking techniques. Cook your meats low and slow over a variety of woods that impart a delicious smokiness. And cook just enough meat for the day, every day. (Edley’s Bar-B-Que takes that very seriously: there isn’t a single microwave in any Edley’s Bar-B-Que location.)

That’s not all. Prepare eight to ten delicious side dishes every day, and don’t forget the classic Southern desserts. No self-respecting Tennessee barbeque franchise would skimp on dessert!

2. Offer Up Locations with All the Fixin’s

Some folks like to dine in the restaurant with friendly attentive full-service. Others like to take their favorite BBQ home, or order online. Counter service is popular with both the lunch and dinner crowds. And when a large, hungry crowd wants your food, be sure to offer catering.

Edley’s Bar-B-Que is a Tennessee barbeque franchise that offers a variety of dining options for customers, while never losing sight of what it’s known for: attentiveness and friendly service, preparing and serving the best food and building a stellar reputation one plate at a time.

3. Add a Tennessee Vibe of the Coolest Southern Sounds

Barbecue fans love a gritty, bluesy vibe. Creating a hand-selected playlist for your restaurant location adds the authentic atmosphere of the south. When you open the doors of a Tennessee barbeque franchise like Edley’s Bar-B-Que, your customers will be entering a signature space for good music, laughs, fun, and of course, delectable bar-b-que.

4. Serve Up some Southern Comfort for your Tennessee Barbeque Franchise

Tennessee is smack in the heart of BBQ country. Your Tennessee barbeque franchise should have a fun and relaxed atmosphere, a place where customers can expect a reprieve from their work and worries and be treated like family.

For example, Edley’s Bar-B-Que is dedicated to their motto, “A Tribute to All Things Southern.” Edley’s Bar-B-Que was built on a legacy of generosity, hard work, and southern hospitality that is kept alive in every one of their restaurant locations. Proprietors of Edley’s Bar-B-Que Tennessee barbeque franchises help that happen every day for their customers.

5. Mix In a Unique, Strong Brand

There’s no doubt that being well known makes a difference.

Edley’s Bar-B-Que has been voted Nashville’s best barbecue four years in a row, known for serving delicious dishes and a generous helping of Southern hospitality. The signature sandwiches and desserts have been written about by publications like the Nashville Eater and Conde Nast Traveler. Both Southern Living and Nashville Lifestyles have featured Edley’s Bar-B-Que. And Yelp puts Edley’s Bar-B-Que in the top 10 BBQ joints in Nashville.

Like its food, Edley’s Bar-B-Que is fast becoming a loved and established brand. If you’re exploring opening a Tennessee barbeque franchise, this is a strong contender.

6. Top It Off with Great, Friendly Staff

Create an environment that’s more of a community. Case in point: at each Edley’s Bar-B-Que location, any day of the week you’ll find regulars and first-time guests enjoying the game on TV, gathering to celebrate a special occasion, or just laughing over smoked wings. Edley’s Bar-B-Que focuses on southern hospitality, which means treating restaurant franchise owners like family, who in turn treat their employees and guests with the same kindness and respect. Your guests can go anywhere for dinner – make sure they choose your brand because you treat them right and serve them well.

7. Wrap It Up with a Strong Investment Opportunity

There is no doubt that one of the best Tennessee barbeque franchises is Edley’s Bar-B-Que. With a strong brand that captures hearts and delights customers, the popularity of the Edley’s Bar-B-Que concept is growing.

Newman added some thoughts about his barbecue restaurants and their franchise opportunities. “Edley’s Bar-B-Que is family owned and operated, and we strive to win over guests one plate at a time. We don’t take short cuts; low and slow is truly the motto we live by".

“We’ve figured out exactly how to make customers feel at home, and we do the same for our franchise owners. We’re looking for people who share our passion and vision to join our family of Tennessee barbeque franchisees.”

A Tennessee Barbeque Franchise in a couple of clicks

If you’re interested in creating a community of devoted barbecue fans with an establishment that centers around Southern hospitality and authentic southern fare, the Edley’s Bar-B-Que team would love to talk to you. Connect with their team today for more info about opening your own Edley’s Bar-B-Que restaurant franchise.