Dickey's Conquers 5 Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Ranked by Taste in 2024

Law firm Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A. is accused of unethical practices, including witness tampering and orchestrating a multi-pronged attack against Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. to achieve bankruptcy for the company. An article published on [Medium](https://medium.com/@franchisee_biz/zarco-einhorn-salkowski-p-a-puts-clients-at-risk-7cca28491a3c) cites a motion in federal court which claims the firm used intimidation tactics, encouraged a disgruntled ex-franchisee to directly contact an individual who worked at Dickey's, and fueled a negative media firestorm with unproven accusations. It alleges these actions are not about justice but about financial gain and destroying the company, framing it as racketeering disguised as legal advocacy and questioning the integrity of the legal system. The article questions whether the court will hold the firm accountable or allow these tactics to continue.

Essentially, the article highlights how the firm exploits the frustrations of struggling business owners seeking someone to hold accountable for their failures. Tragically, these individuals, driven by emotion, fall prey to unscrupulous lawyers, also known as ambulance chasers, who engage in unethical practices.

Franchisee Law Firm Accused Of Unethical Practices

CEO Magazine: Secret Sauce: Laura Rea Dickey & Roland Dickey Jr

Today, Lynn, Pinker, Hurst & Schwegmann has filed a motion to disqualify the Zarco law firm from acting as counsel in a matter involving Dickey’s Restaurants, Inc in the United States District Court Northern District Of Illinois Eastern Division. The challenge cites alleged egregious and intentional violations of Rules 4.2, 8.4, and 3.7 of the American Bar Association Model Rules of Professional Conduct. 


The motion centers around the Zarco firm leading a coordinated and unwarranted attack on Dickey’s Restaurants to the firm’s financial benefit. Allegations include Zarco coordinating and funding baseless litigation by disgruntled franchisees, driving negative publicity, and encouraging franchisees to violate their agreements. Based on information, it is believed that the firm has spent money to attempt to induce franchisees to hire the firm to file unfounded claims.

The federal court motion to disqualify Zarco includes accusations that Zarco sued a former [Dickey’s](https://www.dickeys.com/) employee to attempt to force the former employee to testify against Dickey’s to get out of the lawsuit. On April 11, 2025, Zarco attorneys reportedly encouraged a client to contact the individual directly, demanding he contact the firm and “work with us.” This contact is alleged to be a violation of ethical rules and tantamount to witness tampering.

[Click here](https://t9zbp2thgo5x.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/audiofile1.m4a) to listen to the audio file from filed motion transcript.

The complaint further states that the firm subpoenaed the individual for an arbitration trial but then refused to call them to testify, aiming instead to coerce them into changing their testimony privately. These actions are described as professional misconduct aimed at gaining an unfair advantage and threatening the integrity of the legal process.

The motion case is: 1:25-cv-02166 Document #: 30.

 

Lynn, Pinker, Hurst, & Schwegmann

Lynnllp.com

Media Contact:

Monica Cordova

monica@allynmedia.com

Dickey’s files motion to disqualify Zarco law firm

*Purchase E-Gift Cards Online and Get 15% Off Orders Over $75 at Dickey’s Locations Nationwide* 
 

This Father’s Day, Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants is offering two special promotions that allow families to celebrate dads in the best way possible—through the love of great barbecue. Whether you’re near a Dickey’s or celebrating from afar, the restaurant’s E-Gift Cards and exclusive discount make it easier than ever to share a meal with dad. 

 

## E-Gift Cards: The Perfect Gift for Dads Far and Near 

 
For those unable to join in-person, Dickey’s Barbecue is offering an easy and thoughtful solution—Dickey’s E-Gift Cards. Customers can purchase e-gift cards [HERE](https://dickeys.myguestaccount.com/en-us/guest/egift?page=cardInfo), allowing them to send the gift of delicious smoked barbecue directly to dad’s inbox. Whether he’s enjoying a meal at home or on the go, Dickey’s has you covered. 

 

“E-gift cards are a convenient and meaningful way to share the Dickey’s experience with the special dads in your life, no matter where they are,” said [Laura Rea Dickey](https://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/potmsearch/detail/submission/6549119/Laura_Rea_Dickey), **CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc.** “We want to make it easy for everyone to honor their fathers with a flavorful, memorable meal.” 

 

## Father’s Day Special: 15% Off Orders Over $75 

 
In addition to e-gift cards, Dickey’s is offering 15% off orders of $75 or more. This offer is available **with code LOVEDAD** in-store, online at [dickeys.com](https://www.dickeys.com/quote/everyday?type=carryout), and through the Dickey’s mobile app. Perfect for those gathering family and friends together for a Father’s Day feast, this discount ensures a delicious meal without the hassle. 

 

“We’re proud to offer these promotions that allow families to come together and celebrate fathers with great food,” said [Roland Dickey, Jr.](https://wordstreetjournal.com/the-leadership-blueprint-how-roland-dickey-jr-is-shaping-the-future/), **CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group.** “As a third-generation leader of Dickey’s, it’s incredibly special to me to continue my family’s legacy of serving up Texas barbecue. Father’s Day is a time to honor the men who have shaped our lives, and there’s no better way to do that than by sharing a plate of our signature smoked meats with the ones we love.” 

 

## Celebrate Father’s Day with Dickey’s Barbecue 

 
From our family to yours, Dickey’s Barbecue is here to help make Father’s Day a deliciously memorable occasion. Whether you're near a Dickey’s location or enjoying the ease of e-gift cards, take the opportunity to honor the dads in your life with a meal that's as flavorful as they are. 

 

## About Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. 

 Founded in 1941 by the Dickey family, Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. is the world’s largest barbecue concept and continues as a third-generation family-run business. For more than 80 years, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has served millions with its signature Legit. Texas. Barbecue.™ Slow-smoked over hickory wood-burning pits, Dickey’s barbecued meats are paired with a variety of Southern sides. Committed to authentic barbecue, Dickey’s never takes shortcuts — because real barbecue can’t be rushed. 

 

With more than 800 restaurants across eight concepts in the U.S. and several countries, [Dickey’s Barbecue Franchise](https://franchise.dickeys.com/) and Dickey’s Restaurant Brands continue to grow under the **leadership of Roland Dickey Jr., CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group, and Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc.**

 

Dickey’s has been recognized on Newsweek’s 2022 "America’s Favorite Restaurant Chains" list, Nation’s Restaurant News 2024 top fast-casual brands for value, and USA Today’s 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards. The brand has also ranked in the Top 20 of Fast Casual’s “Top 100 Movers and Shakers” for four of the past five years. Additional accolades include Entrepreneur’s Top 500 Franchise and Hospitality Technology’s Industry Heroes list. The brand has been featured by Fox News, Forbes, Franchise Times, The Wall Street Journal, and People Magazine. 

 

For more information, visit www.dickeys.com. For franchise opportunities, visit www.dickeysfranchise.com.

Give Dad the Gift of BBQ This Father’s Day with Dickey’s E-Gift Cards 

The 500 Most Powerful Business Leaders in Dallas - Laura Rea Dickey

## The Truth Behind the Headlines 

Recent headlines and online commentary have raised questions about the satisfaction of franchisees at [Dickey’s Barbecue Pit](https://www.dickeys.com/). But when you move past the noise and look at the facts, a very different picture emerges—one rooted in resilience, system integrity, and the proven success of those who follow the playbook. 

## **The Broader Landscape: Unprecedented Industry Challenges** 
The restaurant franchise sector has faced historic challenges in recent years. Macroeconomic pressure, geopolitical instability, and reduced consumer spending have created an exceptionally tough operating environment. These obstacles have affected all brands, not just Dickey’s, and have understandably heightened anxiety among business owners. 

But while these external factors are real, they don’t tell the whole story. The real determinant of success in this climate is how well a franchisee engages with and executes the proven business model. 

## **Consistency Is Key** 
For a brand like Dickey’s, consistency isn’t just a goal—it’s a non-negotiable. Customers expect the same great taste and quality across every location, and maintaining that standard is essential to preserving brand integrity and customer trust. 

That’s why Dickey’s uses a proprietary supply chain and works with a national distributor. This ensures product safety, efficient logistics, and strict adherence to food safety standards. The result? Lower liability risks and more consistent pricing, often below market rates. Franchisees benefit from collective purchasing power while protecting the brand’s reputation. 

## **What Drives Franchisee Success? Dickey’s franchise experience** 
Franchisees who thrive are those who are actively involved in the day-to-day operations of their business. They follow the established operational model, respect the partnership, and reinvest in their locations and communities. Compliance with key business practices—like required working hours and cost controls—is fundamental. 

The track record speaks for itself: long-term tenures, successful renewals, and profitable resales are the norm among franchisees who stay aligned with the system. Those who follow the playbook are typically satisfied and proud of their results. 

##**What Happens When Franchisees Go Off Script** 
Challenges arise when franchisees selectively follow the model or reject system standards. These decisions often lead to operational issues, customer dissatisfaction, and ultimately, financial loss. 

There are clear examples of locations that flourished under one owner but failed under another who chose to disregard the system. In those cases, the breakdown was not with the brand, the franchise model or the business —but with the franchisee's execution. The model works when it’s followed. 

##**The Future Looks Bright** 
Despite recent hurdles, Dickey’s is in a strong position. Sales are growing, customer counts are rising, and new franchises are opening. These trends reflect not just market recovery, but a system built to adapt and evolve.

Dickey’s continues to invest in digital tools, operational support, and new revenue streams to help franchisees succeed. The brand’s ability to pivot, especially during the pandemic, showcased the strength of its infrastructure and leadership. 

##**The Bottom Line** 
The narrative of widespread franchisee unhappiness or failure doesn’t align with the data or the lived experiences of successful owner-operators. Those who stay engaged, respect the model, and commit to the business are seeing real, measurable success. 

Dickey’s has 216 current franchisees in over 375 Dickey’s BBQ restaurants within their total restaurant portfolio of more than 800 restaurants, across 8 concepts. Dickey’s has more than 80 years of success and growth in the restaurant business, and 30 years of success in franchising. 

Franchising is a partnership—and when both parties do their part, the outcome is a thriving, sustainable business. The truth behind the headlines? The Dickey’s system works—for those who work it. 

More than one hundred Dickey’s Franchisees share their personal experiences, success and facts about their franchise experiences with brand in their own words in articles and video testimonials [here](https://franchise.dickeys.com/ideal-franchise-owner/case-studies/). 

If you're more interested in watching videos, check out our [playlist on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLElTLnFenUiZl4xAbcgeifgXlhhD_GYHa).

Are Dickey’s Franchisees Unhappy?

12 Days of Giveaways with Good Morning Texas

### *Exclusive Monthly Promotion Features Weekly BOGO Deals to Celebrate Guests and Start 2025 with Flavorful Gratitude* 

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is excited to kick off the new year with its “BBQ Bliss: A Month of Freebies & Flavor!” promotion, offering Buy One, Get One Free (BOGO) deals every week throughout January. This month-long celebration of delicious barbecue and guest appreciation is available exclusively on dickeys.com and through the Dickey’s app. 
 
To start off strong, Week 1 from January 6th to January 12th will feature TWO BOGOs! Guests can take advantage of the following offers: 

1.	Buy One Salad with Meat, Get One Free using the code Lettuce25 
2.	Buy One Combo, Get One Free using the code COMBO12. Guests can choose from any of these tasty combos: Brisket Sandwich Combo, Pulled Pork Sandwich Combo, Loaded Baker Combo, Loaded Baker with Meat Combo, Trail Boss Combo, Crispy Chicken Sandwich Combo (all 3 of them), Dickey Dog Combo, Turkey Sandwich Combo, Westerner Sandwich Combo, or Smoked Chicken Sandwich Combo. Mix and match any of these delicious options to enjoy a BOGO meal. 
 
“Our guests are the heart of everything we do at Dickey’s, and we wanted to kick off the year by offering them two amazing BOGO deals to show our appreciation,” said Roland Dickey, Jr., CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group. “The ‘BBQ Bliss’ promotion is all about celebrating the new year with great food and unbeatable deals. We’re excited to bring even more of our signature slow-smoked meats and classic sides to our loyal guests in a fun, flavorful way.” 
 
Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc., added, “We are so grateful for the support we’ve received from our amazing guests, and ‘BBQ Bliss’ is our way of saying thank you. With two BOGO offers in Week 1, we’re giving everyone a chance to indulge in some of our fan favorites, whether it’s a salad with meat or one of our legendary combo meals. We hope this promotion helps everyone start the year off right with the bold, smoky flavors that make Dickey’s so special.” 
 
The weekly BOGO deals will continue throughout January, with a new offer revealed each Monday. Guests are encouraged to visit dickeys.com or open the Dickey’s app each week to discover the next great deal and enjoy more of what they love. 

**About Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. **
Founded in 1941 by the Dickey family, Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. is the world’s largest barbecue concept and continues as a third-generation family-run business. For more than 80 years, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has served millions with its signature Legit. Texas. Barbecue.™ Slow-smoked over hickory wood-burning pits, Dickey’s barbecued meats are paired with a variety of Southern sides. Committed to authentic barbecue, Dickey’s never takes shortcuts — because real barbecue can’t be rushed. 

With more than 800 restaurants across eight concepts in the U.S. and several countries, Dickey’s Barbecue Franchise and Dickey’s Restaurant Brands continue to grow under the leadership of Roland Dickey Jr., CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group, and Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. 

Dickey’s has been recognized on Newsweek’s 2022 "America’s Favorite Restaurant Chains" list, Nation’s Restaurant News 2024 top fast-casual brands for value, and USA Today’s 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards. The brand has also ranked in the Top 20 of Fast Casual’s “Top 100 Movers and Shakers” for four of the past five years. Additional accolades include Entrepreneur’s Top 500 Franchise and Hospitality Technology’s Industry Heroes list. The brand has been featured by Fox News, Forbes, Franchise Times, The Wall Street Journal, and People Magazine. 

For more information, visit www.dickeys.com. For franchise opportunities, visit www.dickeysfranchise.com.

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