The current franchise owner is trying to sell, making it possible for Tri-Cities' three Dickey's BBQ locations to re-open, but the new owner will have quite a bill to pay.

Court documents reveal the franchise owner owes $83,000 in taxes and the state has been trying to collect for some time.

In fact, the state has demanded a new owner must post SIX MONTHS worth of estimated taxes IN ADVANCE before being granted a new business license.

That means roughly 25 restaurant employees are out of work until a new owner is willing to purchase the franchise and property belonging to the restaurants PLUS the tax money.

Good luck to all involved. It sucks to fall behind financially and the community appreciated the good barbeque!

More From 97.1 KXRX