Chef Kent Rathbun opening a Hickory restaurant to DFW Airport Terminal B

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Kent Rathbun is expanding his new Plano-based Hickory restaurant concept to DFW International Airport. The new Hickory is scheduled to open late next year in Terminal B with a Rathbun spin on barbecue and burgers.

“Airport food doesn’t have to be boring, and we’ll prove that every day with our exciting menu of Texas-tinged comfort food and craft drinks,” Rathbun says.

The sports bar menu will include Texas-style barbecue, including smoked pepper crusted Wagyu brisket, thinly shaved roti pork, smoked pork loin chop and St. Louis style pork spare ribs as well as several burger options. There will also be be an extensive craft beer selection and “Texas Born and Bred” specialty cocktail list.

“We are thrilled to have been chosen by DFW to bring Hickory to the airport,” said Bill Casey, senior vice president of food and beverage with Paradies. “Kent Rathbun is an Iron Chef winner and a Dallas area icon so partnering with him was an absolute home run for this market, the airport and its passengers.”

According to Rathbun’s PR spokeswoman, “the new location will appeal to travelers with its cozy lounge, backlit bar, large HD TVs and a healthy collection of Dallas-area sports memorabilia from the past and present.”