Meet Justin: The Heart Behind Dickey's Hattiesburg

Some restaurant owners are in it for the business. Justin Harris is in it for the people.

When Justin started looking at restaurant concepts to bring to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, he had a clear vision: great food, a welcoming atmosphere, and something that would genuinely mean something to his community. Dickey's Barbecue Pit checked every box—and nearly 20 years later, he's still showing up for his guests and his team every single day.

Barbecue Is How People Come Together

For Justin, barbecue has always been bigger than the food itself.

"Barbecue is all about bringing people together," he says. "It's rarely something you enjoy alone—it's shared with friends, family, or colleagues. Whether it's a graduation, a milestone celebration, or even a casual office gathering, barbecue has a way of creating connection."

That belief shapes everything about the way his Hattiesburg restaurant feels. Walk in and you're not just getting a meal—you're walking into a place built around the idea that good food is better shared.

A Team That Feels Like Family

Nearly two decades in, ask Justin what he's most proud of and he won't talk about sales numbers or grand opening days. He'll talk about his people.

Two members of his team have been with him for over 15 years. Three more are closing in on a decade. In an industry where turnover is the norm, that kind of loyalty tells you everything about the culture Justin has built inside his four walls.

"I consider our team family," he says. "Being able to support and invest in them is the most fulfilling part of what we do."

That investment goes beyond a paycheck. Justin has found ways to show up for his long-tenured employees in meaningful, personal ways—because to him, taking care of the people who take care of his guests is just part of the job.

Real Barbecue. Real Community.

Dickey's Barbecue Pit has been slow-smoking meats the right way since 1941. But what makes each location special is the person running it—and in Hattiesburg, that person has spent nearly 20 years proving that a great barbecue restaurant is really just a great community hub with really good brisket.