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When Aaron Bruce walked away from the world of franchise food to launch something of his own, it wasn’t on a whim—it was a leap of faith built on experience, passion, and a bold vision for something better.

Together with his business partner, Aaron opened Hickory Stik in the heart of downtown Hutchinson on October 9, 2017. The concept was simple: take the soul of barbecue, strip away the corporate polish, and build a restaurant that served people the way Aaron wanted to be served—with quality, warmth, and pride.

Seven years later, that leap of faith has evolved into a downtown destination and a community favorite.

From Surviving to Thriving

Like many small businesses, Hickory Stik was tested during the COVID-19 pandemic. After a month-long closure in April 2020, Aaron and his team reopened on May 5 with uncertainty in the air, but the community showed up in full force.

“It was such a blessing. We were busy right out of the gate,” Aaron recalls. “At that point, it was like, holy cow, this dream is still alive.”

Since then, Hickory Stik has only grown. With new kitchen equipment, more staff, and a fresh marketing strategy, the team transitioned from surviving to thriving. Aaron says they have always made it a point to focus on long-term success and building relationships, not just orders.

And it’s working.

The Heart of the Kitchen

Step into Hickory Stik, and there’s a good chance you’ll see Aaron himself—slicing meat, seasoning brisket, or crafting one of their signature “mac & meat pies.” He leads by example, working alongside a team that includes his two sons, daughter, and longtime assistant of ten years. A familiar face is sure to be present anytime you visit the store.

“I’ve worked in fast food, casual dining, and high-end steakhouses,” Aaron says. “But I really love barbecue. There’s something beautiful about turning a raw product into something amazing. It’s hands-on, and every dish is personal.”

That care shows up in every bite,and it’s helped build a loyal customer base across Hutchinson and beyond.

Rooted in Hutchinson, Built on Community

Hickory Stik isn’t just located in downtown Hutchinson—it’s part of the fabric of it. From catering local school events to sponsoring youth fundraisers, Aaron’s commitment to the community is unwavering.

“The community helped us grow... one hundred percent,” Aaron says. “All the schools, businesses, friends and families… They took a chance on us, and because of that, we’re now able to give back.”

The business also contributes to the momentum of downtown Hutchinson, which has seen significant revitalization in recent years. Aaron credits fellow business owners, city planners, and volunteers for working “off the clock” to keep the downtown district vibrant and plan for a successful future.

“Downtown is a big community,” he says. “Everyone wants everyone to succeed.”

The Envista Partnership

From Hickory Stik’s inception, Aaron and his business partner turned to Envista Federal Credit Union for commercial services, and found that they matched his values.

“They’ve been fantastic to me, personally and professionally,” Aaron shares. “It’s at-ease banking, familiar faces, and real relationships. They know me by name. That’s the kind of service I try to offer here at Hickory Stik, and it’s exactly how they’ve treated me.”

From business accounts to auto loans, Aaron says the team at Envista has gone “over the top” to support his needs. “They’ve earned my trust and respect—and that’s something I don’t give lightly.”

Looking Ahead: Growth on the Horizon

While Hickory Stik continues to serve up fan-favorite dishes like giant stacker sandwiches and loaded mac creations, Aaron has big plans for the future. A remodel will soon be in the works—complete with expanded seating, possible banquet space, and a refreshed operational flow.

“We want to keep that family-owned feel, but with a few updates to help us better serve our guests,” he explains.

A food truck, new merchandise, and even a second-floor lounge or rentable event space are all ideas on the table for long-term grown. But no matter what direction the business takes, Aaron’s focus remains the same: quality food, excellent service, and community connection.

Words of Wisdom

Aaron’s advice to fellow entrepreneurs? “Treat people how you want to be treated. Whether it's banking, vendors, or customers—come with respect. And be consistent. People should know what to expect when they walk through your doors.”

It’s a philosophy that’s served Hickory Stik well—and one that continues to earn them both loyal customers and the admiration of fellow business owners.

At Envista, we believe in supporting the dreams and dedication of business owners like Aaron Bruce. Because when our local businesses thrive, our communities do too.

To learn more about how Envista’s commercial services can help your business grow, visit envistabusiness.com.

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