Hickory's Smokehouse on hunt for more restaurant sites after funding deal

Hickory's Smokehouse has stepped up its search for new sites after securing a major funding deal.

Hickory's launched in Chester in 2010 and now has 11 restaurants in Wales, the North West of England and the Midlands.

Now the group is looking to expand further after bagging a £13m funding package.

The deal with ThinCats will allow them to accelerate the roll out of new sites

A spokeswoman for the brand said: "The recent investment will see Hickory’s intensify its search for suitable sites across Wales and the rest of the UK."

Hickory's opening at Rhos On Sea. (Hadyn Iball)

Managing director John Welsh added: "We're pleased to have secured this deal with ThinCats as we step up our roll out plans and continue looking for potential new restaurants.

"We've broadened our target area and are keen to find sites on either side of the Pennines and increase our presence in the Midlands.

"Nothing is off limits – we've had particular success in converting old pub sites and are excited about our first new-build later this year.

"We look forward to bringing our own style of southern hospitality to new communities in the coming years."