Real Talk with Real Owners: Kevin and Randy Daniel of South Lebanon, OH

It’s deeper than blood-relation for Owner/Operators Kevin and Randy Daniel. Businessmen by nature, the two have been chasing their dreams of owning a restaurant since the beginning of their careers. After working with McDonald’s franchisees for more than 15 years, Kevin and Randy immediately hit reset in the world of franchising after noticing how underrepresented authentic, slow-smoked barbecue was in Ohio. “We knew it was time to expand our business portfolio once we learned about Dickey’s explosive growth and franchising model,” says Kevin. 

To ensure the success of their store, the brothers proactively utilize Dickey’s marketing department as a support to activate their community marketing initiatives. “This isn’t just about food for Randy and me,” shares Kevin. “It’s about the people and our daily interaction with the community from the moment they visit our store to when we are delivering catering orders to nearby businesses.” Recently, they experienced the largest month in catering sales after a Dickey’s operations team member, Henry Lara refreshed their local brand ambassador’s strategies. “We appreciate how easily accessible Dickey’s training, operations and marketing support is for Owner/Operators.  From the moment an Owner/Operator signs an agreement to the opening of your store, there’s a high engagement from the Dickey’s home office that can’t be replicated anywhere else.”

South Lebanon guests can easily find the Daniel brothers giving away food samples at local soccer games, festivals and corporate events. “We are always trying to find ways to be proactive and bring customers back into the store,” says Kevin. He adds, “This includes pouring back into the very community that supports us.” Focused on becoming the fabric of the community, these brothers truly embody South Lebanon’s motto—“Reclaiming the past, embracing the future.”  “Being a part of Dickey’s has grown our perspective in franchising greatly and we look forward to opening 11 more stores in greater Cincinnati.”