A 77-year-old restaurant business that slowly smokes meat and claims to be the biggest barbecue chain in the country plans to open its first Hawaii location next month in Kapolei.

Texas-based Dickey’s Barbecue Pit announced Wednesday that the new restaurant is slated to open in early October at Kealanani Plaza, an almost year-old strip mall next to Walmart with tenants that include Panda Express and Jersey Mike’s Subs.

Dickey’s announced early last year that Danny Mabalot, a local Subway operator, was one of two franchisees with agreements to open restaurants in Hawaii.

In a statement, Mabalot said he is passionate about crafting “authentic barbecue” that the chain has trademarked “Legit. Texas. Barbecue.”

The Hawaii location, however, will depart from every other Dickey’s menu by offering rice as one of the side dishes.

“Our focus at Dickey’s is family and authentic barbecue, and I know that Danny will be successful in sharing a true Dickey’s experience with the folks in his community,” Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants Inc., said in a statement.

Dickey’s was created by Travis Dickey in 1941 as a barbecue stand in Dallas featuring a limited menu of brisket, ham sandwiches, beans, chips, beer, Dr. Pepper and milk.

The company expanded initially in Texas and in 1994 began franchising. Now there are roughly 550 Dickey’s restaurants in 45 states, and the menu features seven types of meats smoked for up to 14 hours.

Dickey’s operates in the fast-casual category of restaurants, with customers moving along a counter as their meal is assembled. The company advertises that meals include complimentary ice cream and that kids eat free on Sunday.