QSR: Dickey's Eyes Texas-Louisiana Gulf for 12 New Units

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Current Louisiana Dickey’s Barbecue Pit franchisees plan to open 12 more locations between Houston, Texas, and Louisiana. This group of barbecue lovers consists of investors Rick El Mogazi and Kris Hickingbottom, as well as franchisee Robert Ray. They are excited and inspired by the Dickey’s Barbecue Pit brand.

The group opened their first Dickey’s in Lake Charles, Louisiana, in November 2016.“We are proud to have such a strong group of owners be a part of our Dickey’s Barbecue Pit family,” says Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants. “With owners such as Rick El Mogazi, Kris Hickingbottom, and Robert Ray, the Dickey’s brand will continue to expand, and we will have the pleasure of serving more folks across the nation.”

Pairing Ray’s 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry with El Mogazi and Hickingbottom’s venture capitalist experience, the trio have set themselves up for success with the Dickey’s brand. Along with the 13 locations they have signed on for, the group plans to develop more in the future.

“When researching franchising concepts, we fell in love with Dickey’s business model, great food, and explosive brand,” Ray says. “We are thrilled to open all of our locations and have the opportunity to serve barbecue lovers Dickey’s Texas-style barbecue.”