Real Talk with Real Owners: David and Ashley Mullins of Nashville, TN

Owner/Operators David and Ashley Mullins are passionate about their community and passionate about the art of great barbecue. Both having restaurant backgrounds, the couple decided to become business owners by investing in a franchise concept. After researching several options, David tasted Dickey’s for the first time in an airport. He was hooked on the Texas-style, slow-smoked flavor, and knew he had to bring it to Nashville to share with his community.

Nashville is one of the fastest growing cities in the country, but when the couple began their barbecue venture there were not many Texas-style options in Music City USA. David and Ashley opened their first store in January 2016 and are opening their second next year. “This is a family business for us,” David says. “We are always asking what we can do to improve our community because the community has done so much for us.”

The Mullins’ store focuses heavily on giving back to Nashville’s first responders. They bring food to their local precincts once a month and offer regular discounts to uniformed officers. In July their store will host a special police night, in which the community will come together in appreciation of the officers’ service to the community. Guests will enjoy great barbecue, police horses and even an ice cream sundae bar.

Both David and Ashley are adamant when it comes to Dickey’s standards in their store. They know that their continued success is dependent on their continued efforts. “I believe the success we’ve had in our store is largely because of the marketing provided by the home office,” David says. “Everyone in the home office is always happy to help. The daily training videos are also really helpful in keeping us on our toes and giving us new ideas.” That is music to our ears!