Hickory’s Smokehouse has strengthened its commitment to developing the next generation of hospitality talent after visiting Cheshire College to meet students exploring careers in the industry – and then inviting them for a Southern Welcome at their Chester restaurant.

The Hickory’s team recently spent the afternoon at the college’s Ellesmere Port campus, where John Kelly, Head of Training met with hospitality students and toured the college’s professional kitchens and training facilities alongside Lecturer in Hospitality Adam Gaunt-Evans. 

Then students visited the students to take a look behind the scenes at their founding restaurant – showing them their imported smokers, cutting their famous 16 hour slow and low brisket as well as enjoying a bbq lunch in the restaurants River Room.

The visits form part of Hickory’s ongoing commitment to recruiting and nurturing homegrown talent across the region, while building stronger links with colleges and training providers, helping to shape the future of hospitality.

Founded in Chester more than 15 years ago, Hickory’s has grown from a single smokehouse into one of the UK’s leading authentic BBQ restaurants, with training, development and progression remaining at the heart of the business.

During the visits, students heard more about Hickory’s story, career opportunities within the company and the importance the business places on investing in its people, from front-of-house roles through to professional chef development.

John Kelly, Head of Training at Hickory’s, said: “Hospitality is all about people and we’re incredibly passionate about supporting the next generation coming into the industry.

“Training has always been a huge part of the Hickory’s culture and something we’ve invested in from day one. We’re proud of our roots in Chester and committed to creating opportunities for local people to build rewarding long-term careers with us.

“It was fantastic to meet Adam and the students at Cheshire College, see the brilliant facilities they have access to and talk about the many different pathways available within hospitality. We’re looking forward to continuing the relationship and hopefully welcoming some future team members into Hickory’s.”Lecturer in Hospitality Adam Gaunt-Evans who has had a prolific and global career in the industry, added: “It was great to welcome the Hickory’s team to the college and give them the opportunity to meet our students. And getting on hand restaurant experience and working with the chefs at the Chester restaurant was invaluable for our students. Partnerships like this are incredibly useful in helping learners understand the real opportunities available within hospitality and gain insight from successful employers operating in the industry today. Especially big players like Hickory’s!”

Hickory’s has long championed career progression within hospitality, with many team members progressing through the business into senior management and specialist chef roles through hands-on training and development programmes.

To find out more about role opportunities at Hickory’s go to: hickorys.co.uk