The accolade comes as the restaurant group prepares to open its 14th site, in Wakefield, with a 15th venue due to open soon in Hutton, near Preston.
The group topped the 100 Best Large Companies category after achieving 11th position in the 2021 list.
“We are so incredibly pleased to have been awarded the number one position. Last year we said it was our proudest day to be at number 11, so to have reached the top spot is beyond what we ever imagined,” says Hickory’s managing director John Welsh.
“There are lots of restaurants serving great food, but it’s thanks to the passion, creativity, personality and the hard work of our teams that have helped us get where we are today.”
“It's been a busy period since reopening last year, our teams have worked unbelievably hard welcoming our guests and delivering an incredible experience but, in turn, we have been equally committed to looking after each and every member of the Hickory’s family. We have an exciting time ahead with our next restaurant due to open next month in Horbury and our 15th confirmed for Hutton.”
Hickory’s was founded by Neil McDonell in 2009 after a road trip around the Southern US states. It is now backed by investor Piper since 2014 and operates restaurants across the Midlands and North West and in March will open its first Yorkshire site in Horbury, Wakefield.