Franchisee Spotlight: Justin Harris – Hattiesburg, Mississippi

When Justin Harris started exploring restaurant opportunities, he wasn’t just looking for a business—he was looking for something that would mean something to his community. After evaluating a wide range of concepts, he landed on Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, and hasn’t looked back since.

Finding the Right Fit

For Justin, the decision came down to alignment. He wanted to bring a barbecue restaurant to Hattiesburg that offered great food in a warm, family-friendly environment—and Dickey’s checked every box.

“We wanted to create a barbecue restaurant that offers great food while fostering a warm, family-friendly atmosphere,” he says. “After evaluating a wide range of options, we ultimately chose Dickey’s because it aligned with our vision.”

That clarity of purpose is something potential franchisees will recognize immediately when they talk to Justin: he knew what he wanted to build, and he found the right brand to build it with.

Why Barbecue?

Ask Justin what drew him to barbecue specifically, and his answer says a lot about how he runs his restaurant.

“Barbecue is all about bringing people together. 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 community-first mindset isn’t just philosophy for Justin—it shows up in how he operates day to day, from the guests he serves to the team he’s built around him.

The Part That Matters Most

With roughly 20 years as part of the Dickey’s brand, Justin has seen a lot—community events, grand openings, promotions, milestones. But when asked about his most meaningful memories, his answer doesn’t involve any of that.

It’s about his people.

“We’ve had employees who have been with us for 10 to 15 years, and being able to give back to them—whether that’s helping with something like a mortgage payment or finding other ways to show appreciation—has brought me the most joy.”

Two members of his team have been with him for over 15 years. Three more are approaching a decade. In an industry known for high turnover, that kind of loyalty doesn’t happen by accident—it reflects the culture Justin has intentionally built inside his restaurant.

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

What This Means for You

Justin’s story is a reminder that the most successful franchise owners aren’t just operators—they’re community builders. They show up for their guests, invest in their teams, and create something that lasts well beyond any single transaction.

If you’re exploring what it looks like to build something meaningful in your own community, Justin Harris’s Hattiesburg location is a pretty good example of what that can look like after 20 years of doing it right.