Home Cookin' - The Hickory Log Tradition

Many times, a gift becomes an expectation. This is an absolute truth when it comes to the kindness and support John and LeVeda Banken have provided to the referees, announcers, chain gangs and other volunteers throughout every home Dexter Bearcat football game. But this is a gift of passion for the Bankens.

The great tradition of Friday Night Lights is only accented by the halftime snack provided by John. Typically, around the end of the first quarter, you will find John pulling up to the press box area, with a truck bed full of freshly smoked sides of ribs, Texas toast, and drinks for all the officials, media members, and chain gang crew to enjoy while taking a break during halftime.

Knowing that radio and TV broadcasters won’t have time to come downstairs, John is often found serving them throughout the press box.

This gift of passion is nothing new for the Banken family. For decades, John and LeVeda have given of themselves as a partner to the Dexter community, in countless areas of giving from service organizations to their local church. Their business, Hickory Log Restaurant, continues to be a community icon, drawing folks from far away for ‘The Log’s” legendary BBQ ribs.

The Bankens are a family that have established a tradition in Dexter, allowing their success in business to be used as a tool for doing good things in our community. So ”Thank You to John & LeVeda Banken” because the chances are we as a community don’t say that often enough for all you do.