Real Talk with Real Owners: Eric Davis of Raleigh and Southern Pines, NC

There’s a smoking trail of success in the Tar Heel State with Owner/Operator Eric Davis, who’s been slow smoking meat since childhood. A North Carolina native, Eric’s barbecue roots run deep as he’s turned his passion into purpose with Dickey’s Barbecue Pit four years ago. A pharmaceutical representative for the last 18 years, Eric spends his time balancing his healthcare career and overseeing the operations at his two locations in Raleigh and Southern Pines. 

With his stores maintaining a 10-15 percent catering sales and increased store visits daily, Eric’s ‘claim-to-fame’ in execution is consistency. “I am relentless in consistently serving the best quality product to our guests and delivering a customer experience that’s second to none,” he shares. Taking a customer-centric business approach, Eric credits the training and operations support to the high-quality guest experience that his team delivers daily. “The training program is a great blueprint in keeping our in-store staff up to standards. It is also operations staff like Kim Juda and Brian Lepera that make a difference by providing the appropriate resources and insights that improves our operations and positively impacts the guest experience.” 

When he’s not juggling the healthcare world and in-store operations, Eric also oversees his team’s community marketing efforts. “I tell my team to take a full court press when it comes to current and prospective guests. It’s our constant and enthusiastic approach with nearby businesses, schools and churches that has made our stores a top-of-mind dining option to the surrounding communities.” Eric adds, “It’s a rewarding experience to be an integral part of the community because our guests recognize the high-quality of our food and first-class guest experience.”