D Magazine DALLAS 500: Laura Rea Dickey 

In this insightful [video](https://youtu.be/G9WdZGgUX7s), [Roland Dickey Jr.](https://www.linkedin.com/in/rolanddickeyjr/) delves into the invaluable lessons he gained from **Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson**, sharing how the biography’s rich exploration of Musk’s approach to decision-making, problem-solving, and driving innovation resonated with him. 
Roland highlights how Musk’s unique ability to assess situations quickly and make bold decisions is key to achieving optimal output—a trait essential for any entrepreneur striving to push the boundaries of possibility. 
This book provides a behind-the-scenes look at the ambition, risk-taking, and relentless drive that built companies like Tesla and SpaceX. For entrepreneurs, it’s a compelling guide on how to transform vision into reality through tenacity and innovative thinking. Click [here](https://youtu.be/G9WdZGgUX7s) to tune in to see how these insights inspire Roland’s own leadership and drive at Dickey’s!

Barbecue, Books, & Business by Roland Dickey Jr.: Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson

Dickey's Barbecue Pit CEO Laura Rea Dickey talks Supply Chain Crunch

The Dickey Foundation Donates $10k to Beckley Fire Department

In memory of Greg Smith, beloved franchise owner of Dickey's Barbecue Pit in Dothan, Alabama, and a dedicated Army veteran, his brother Mike Smith III, alongside business partner Larry Brunson, is stepping up to honor and continue Greg's legacy of serving quality barbecue and supporting their community. Greg, who passed away suddenly, was known for his passion for high-quality barbecue, a commitment to his customers, and his respect for the Dickey’s brand, which he believed stood by its franchisees with steadfast support.

To celebrate Greg’s life and dedication, Mike Smith III and Larry Brunson are inviting the Dothan community to a special “Buy One, Get One Free” [Pulled Pork Sandwich](https://www.dickeys.com/quote/everyday/dothan/sandwiches-a-la-carte/pulled-pork-sandwich-3) promotion from November 20th through November 27th. Guests can enjoy this offer in-store or online by using the code “DOTHAN” at checkout. The Dothan Dickey’s is located at [2115 E Main St, Dothan, Alabama 36301.](https://www.dickeys.com/locations/alabama/dothan/dothan)

“Continuing my brother’s work at Dickey’s is an honor and a responsibility I take deeply to heart. Greg built a place where our community could come together over great barbecue, and I am proud to keep that tradition alive,” said Mike Smith III, current franchisee of Dickey’s in Dothan. “This special offer is a way for us to remember Greg’s passion for hospitality and to thank the Dothan community for their continued support.”

[Laura Rea Dickey](https://enterprenuer.org/ceo/meet-laura-rea-dickey-ceo-of-dickeys-barbecue-restaurants-inc/), CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc., expressed her heartfelt sentiments, stating, “Greg was a remarkable member of our Dickey’s family and a dedicated veteran whose passion for quality and service was evident in every plate of barbecue he served. We are proud to stand with Mike, Larry, and the Dothan community as they continue Greg’s legacy.”

[Roland Dickey, Jr.,](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weddpg9ZWOI&ab_channel=Dickey%27sBarbecuePit) CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group, reflected, “Greg Smith exemplified the entrepreneurial spirit we value so highly at Dickey’s. His commitment to his business and community left a lasting impact, and we are honored to support Mike and Larry as they carry on the tradition of serving authentic, slow-smoked barbecue in Dothan.”

Visit the Dothan location to enjoy this special offer, honor Greg’s memory, and continue supporting his mission of bringing family and community together over a great meal.

## 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 over 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 over 866 restaurants across eight concepts in the U.S. and several countries, Dickey’s Barbecue Franchise and Dickey’s Restaurant Brands continues to grow under the leadership of Roland Dickey, Jr., CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group, and Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, 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](https://www.dickeys.com/). For information about becoming a franchise partner, visit [www.dickeysfranchise.com](https://franchise.dickeys.com/)


Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in Dothan Honors Late Franchisee Greg Smith’s Legacy with Special Offer

# After 80 years in Dallas, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is still smokin’

What started in 1941 as a single barbecue stand at the corner of Central Expressway and Knox-Henderson has grown into a Dallas institution as the oldest, continuously operating restaurant that has never moved, changed names or changed ownership in the city. Today [Dickey’s Barbecue Pit’s](https://www.dickeys.com/) iconic flagship location is still serving loyal guests, but the brand has since grown into the largest barbecue restaurant company in the world with more than 550 locations in 43 states and seven countries.

## Roland Dickey Jr and how they stay authentic
People ask how Dickey’s stays authentic. “Simple. We still prepare things the way my grandfather and father did. We work with suppliers to get the best cuts of meat. We use our secret seasonings and sauce. Every restaurant has a real hickory wood-burning barbecue pit. You can always smell the smoke from the parking lot,” says [Roland Dickey Jr](https://roland-dickeyjr.com/about/), CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group.

In 1967, when the second generation of the Dickey family took over the business, Roland Dickey Sr., with the help of his brother Travis Dickey Jr., opened more family-owned restaurants. They expanded the menu, adding more slow-smoked meats and sides. By 1969, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit was a small family chain with nine restaurants.

“We do barbecue, not rocket surgery, around here. It’s a great way to make a living – playing with fire, selling brisket and sharing laughs. I’m not cut out for anything else, so we have to serve the best barbecue to folks. I don’t want to get fired,” says Roland Dickey Sr., founder of Dickey’s Barbecue Pit.
![NBPU2YW75VFPZFUI5CGN66HA3Y.avif](https://cms-www-dickeys-com.s3.amazonaws.com/NBPU_2_YW_75_VFPZFUI_5_CGN_66_HA_3_Y_c0d6befd7b.avif)

In 1994, Dickey Sr. began [Dickey’s franchising](https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/directory/dickeys-barbecue-pit/294377) and started serving its trademarked “Legit. Texas. Barbecue.” outside Texas. Roland Dickey Jr. joined the company in 1999 and worked his way up to president in 2006 and CEO in 2011. Dickey Jr. expanded the brand from 90 restaurants to more than 500, before starting Dickey’s Capital Group, where he serves as CEO today. Since 2016, Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants has been led by CEO Laura Rea Dickey, who previously served as chief information officer and brought big data, technology development, delivery and online ordering to the brand.

In 2018 Dickey’s became an international brand, opening the first Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and now has locations in seven countries, including Japan, Brazil and Singapore. The brand continues to focus on ensuring that the guest experience is the same around the world — authentic Texas barbecue served with genuine hospitality that will bring guests back time and time again.

Roland Dickey Sr. introduced the original Dickey’s kielbasa sausage in the 1980s, and in 2010, Roland Dickey Jr. took the kielbasa sausage recipe to the next level by adding jalapeños and cheese. Now there are more than 20 varieties of Dickey’s handmade artisan sausage, handcrafted by Chef Phil Butler, and available at BarbecueAtHome.com.

“Our focus on authentic, quality barbecue is what has led us to bring so many parts of the barbecue business ‘in house’ and ‘online.’ From making our own sauce and spices, to BarbecueAtHome.com, to making our craft sausages by hand — we see our mission as protecting, preserving and serving the highest-quality Texas barbecue to as many folks as we can every day,” says Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants.

The brand’s recent launch on BarbecueAtHome.com allows folks to go online and order their favorite Dickey’s meals plus an expanded selection of chef-curated meal subscription boxes. All offerings arrive ready to heat and serve, designed for an easy, in-home Dickey’s experience.

Dickey’s growth and expansion have enabled the brand to give back. In 2016, Maurine Dickey started The Dickey Foundation to support first responders by providing them with safety and protection equipment. To date, The Dickey Foundation has donated more than 150,000 pulled pork sandwiches through first responder support packs and raised more than $250,000 for equipment donations.

Many amazing people have helped make Dickey’s Barbecue what it is today. The Dickey family recognizes many of them in a new cookbook publishing later this month, titled Behind the Barbecue: Recipes, Tall Tales and Cocktails from Dickey’s Barbecue. The new cookbook is a companion cookbook to Mr. Dickey’s Barbecue Cookbook, published in 2012.

Coming up, Dickey’s is celebrating its 80th anniversary with two parties in Dallas. On Wednesday, Oct. 20, Mr. Dickey’s Dollar Dinner Party will kick off the celebration from 5 p.m. to close at the original Dickey’s Barbecue Pit at 4610 N. Central Expy. The restaurant will serve dollar Lone Star beers and dollar pulled pork sandwiches, with all proceeds from sandwich sales benefitting The Dickey Foundation. All locations nationwide are offering an anniversary combo for $8.80, available at Dickeys.com.

On Thursday, Oct. 28, the Dickey family is hosting a celebration at The Rustic Dallas that includes live music by Josh Ward, live and silent auctions, plus an attempt to set a mark for the Guinness World Records with Dickey’s iconic Big Yellow Cup. Tickets are available online at Prekindle.com.

Eighty years hasn’t slowed down Dicky’s one bit. The company continues to bring authentic flavor to its fans globally and authentic support to its community locally.



Dickey’s Barbecue Pit - 82 years after

The Dickey Foundation – the charitable arm of Dickey’s Barbecue Pit – is once again celebrating their support of local first responders with their annual Denim & Diamonds fundraiser event this fall. 

This fun-filled event will be held on Thursday, October 24th at 6:30 p.m. at The Empire Room located at 1225 N Riverfront Blvd Dallas, TX 75207. The night of fundraising and fun will include food and drinks, live entertainment by the popular, local band 90 Proof, the fan favorite Champagne Diamond bar, and a celebration of the brave men and women of our communities.

Ticket sales for the Denim & Diamonds dinner will benefit The Dickey Foundation, which is dedicated to supporting first responder teams all over the country. With several sponsorship opportunities starting at $1,000, Dickey’s encourages the entire ‘cue-mmunity to pitch in and turn out to honor those who protect and serve us all. You can get your early-bird tickets and review sponsorship opportunities HERE. 

“We are so excited to partner with the Dickey Foundation for another great Denim & Diamonds fundraiser event this year,” said Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. “We’re always looking for ways to give back, and we invite the entire DFW community to join us in doing so. We can’t wait to see everyone on this fun night for a great cause!”

Tickets purchased before October 1st qualify for an Early Bird price of $80, while general admission will be $100. Guests are also invited to become Denim & Diamonds Sponsors, with a variety of levels available.

“Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is grateful for the opportunity to support the Dickey Foundation in hosting the 3rd Annual Denim & Diamonds event,” said Roland Dickey, Jr. CEO, Dickey’s Capital Group. “It’s going to be such a great night honoring our brave police officers, firefighters, medical professionals and other first responders,” 

To learn more, follow Dickey’s Barbecue Pit on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Download the Dickey’s Barbecue Pit app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
  
About Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. 
 
Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc., the world’s largest barbecue concept, was founded in 1941 by the Dickey family. For the past 80 years, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has served millions of guests in 44 states Legit. Texas. Barbecue. ™ At Dickey’s, all our barbecued meats are smoked onsite in a hickory wood burning pit. Dickey’s proudly believes there’s no shortcut to true barbecue and it’s why our name isn’t BBQ. Dickey’s is led by both Roland Dickey, Jr., CEO, Dickey’s Capital Group, who has had a large hand in the brand’s international expansion into 8 countries, as well as the opening of their USDA Certified manufacturing and distribution plant, and his wife, Laura Rea Dickey, CEO, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, Inc. The Dallas-based, family-run barbecue franchise offers eight slow-smoked meats and 12 wholesome sides with 'No B.S. (Bad Stuff)' included. Dickey’s Barbecue has over 500 locations across the United States and eight other countries. 
 
Dickey’s was named to Newsweek’s 2022 America’s Favorite Restaurant Chains list, Nation’s Restaurant News 2024 list for ‘Fast-casual restaurant brands that scored the highest for ‘value’, and USA Today 2021 readers’ choice awards. Dickey’s has finished in the Top 20 of the Fast Casual’s “Top 100 Movers and Shakers” four out of the past five years. The barbecue brand has been named a Top 500 Franchise by Entrepreneur and named to Hospitality Technology’s Industry Heroes list. Led by CEO Laura Rea Dickey, who was recently named to D Magazines Top 500 CEO’s in 2023, was named among the country’s 50 most influential women in foodservice in Nation’s Restaurant News, was recognized by Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers and Shakers list and honored by Dallas Business Journal. Dickey's Barbecue Pit has also been recognized by Fox News, Forbes Magazine, Franchise Times, The Dallas Morning News, The Wall Street Journal, People Magazine and QSR Magazine. Dickey’s Barbecue is part of Dickey’s Restaurant Brands which has more than 700 restaurants nationwide including brands Wing Boss, Trailer Birds, Big Deal Burger and bbqathome.com. DRB is led by CEO Roland Dickey Jr. For more information, visit www.dickeys.com.


 The Dickey Foundation Hosts 3rd Annual Denim & Diamonds Fundraiser Event

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is once again joining the fight against breast cancer this October with the return of  their popular limited-edition Pink Big Yellow Cup.

This October, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the world’s largest barbecue brand’s signature Big Yellow Cup will once again turn PINK. Throughout the month, Dickey’s will offer the limited-edition 32-ounce Tribute Cup for purchase to pit masters and barbecue enthusiasts in all of its locations across the country.  A portion of the proceeds from each charitable cup sold will be donated to The Dickey Foundation. The funds collected from the collectible Pink Big Yellow Cup Dickey will then be used to provide mammograms and other breast cancer detections, treatments and services for local first responders.

“We are thrilled to once again bring back our popular Pink Big Yellow Cup to support our local first responders in the battle against breast cancer,” said Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. “This tribute cup demonstrates our commitment and passion for the safety and health of the brave first responders across the country. And we couldn’t be happier to continue this tradition each October.”

The Pink Big Yellow Cup is coming soon to your local Dickey’s Barbecue Pit and made an early appearance to help cheer on the LSU Tigers at a recent football tailgating event hosted by local Dickey’s Baton Rouge Owner/Operator, Scott Carlton and his Pit Crew. 

“Dickey’s, along with The Dickey Foundation knows that early detection is key to increasing survival rates against breast cancer, said Roland Dickey, Jr., CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group. “Therefore, every cup donation can potentially life-saving mammography screening. Dickey’s is proud to continue doing its part to raise awareness and support for this cause.”

To learn more, follow Dickey’s Barbecue Pit on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Download the Dickey’s Barbecue Pit app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

## About Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. 
 
Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc., the world’s largest barbecue concept, was founded in 1941 by the Dickey family. For the past 80 years, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has served millions of guests in 44 states Legit. Texas. Barbecue. ™ At Dickey’s, all our barbecued meats are smoked onsite in a hickory wood burning pit. Dickey’s proudly believes there’s no shortcut to true barbecue and it’s why our name isn’t BBQ. Dickey’s is led by both [Roland Dickey Jr](https://www.offthemrkt.com/lifestyle/power-couple-roland-dickey-jr-and-laura-rea-dickey-leading-dickeys-barbecue-pit-franchise-to-new-heights) CEO, Dickey’s Capital Group, who has had a large hand in the brand’s international expansion into 8 countries, as well as the opening of their USDA Certified manufacturing and distribution plant, and his wife, Laura Rea Dickey, CEO, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, Inc. The Dallas-based, family-run barbecue franchise offers eight slow-smoked meats and 12 wholesome sides with 'No B.S. (Bad Stuff)' included. Dickey’s Barbecue has over 500 locations across the United States and eight other countries. 
 
Dickey’s was named to Newsweek’s 2022 America’s Favorite Restaurant Chains list, Nation’s Restaurant News 2024 list for ‘Fast-casual restaurant brands that scored the highest for ‘value’, and USA Today 2021 readers’ choice awards. Dickey’s has finished in the Top 20 of the Fast Casual’s “Top 100 Movers and Shakers” four out of the past five years. The barbecue brand has been named a Top 500 Franchise by Entrepreneur and named to Hospitality Technology’s Industry Heroes list. Led by CEO Laura Rea Dickey, who was recently named to D Magazines Top 500 CEO’s in 2023, was named among the country’s 50 most influential women in foodservice in Nation’s Restaurant News, was recognized by Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers and Shakers list and honored by Dallas Business Journal. Dickey's Barbecue Pit has also been recognized by Fox News, Forbes Magazine, Franchise Times, The Dallas Morning News, The Wall Street Journal, People Magazine and QSR Magazine. Dickey’s Barbecue is part of Dickey’s Restaurant Brands which has more than 700 restaurants nationwide including brands Wing Boss, Trailer Birds, Big Deal Burger and bbqathome.com. DRB is led by CEO Roland Dickey Jr. For more information, visit www.dickeys.com.


Dickey’s Barbecue Bringing Back Their Pink Big Yellow Cup to Support Breast Cancer Awareness

(San Diego, CA) Slow smoked Texas barbecue arrives on Thursday, January 15 when the nation’s largest barbecue chain, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, opens its first location in San Diego. To celebrate the opening of the first location to the area, the new location is hosting a three day grand opening event with the first 50 guests receiving gift cards worth up to $50. &nbsp;
“We are so proud to be expanding in Southern California,” said Roland Dickey, Jr. “Bringing slow smoked Texas barbecue to San Diego is an exciting milestone for our growing brand.”
On Friday, guests can grab Dickey’s Barbecue goodies with all day merchandise giveaways. On Saturday, radio station KSON will be on-site from noon to 2 p.m. and the new restaurant will serve hungry guests <a href="https://www.dickeys.com/menu">$2 pulled pork barbecue sandwiches</a>. One lucky winner will be chosen for a $500 gift card and three winners will receive free barbecue for an entire year.
“San Diego is going to love Dickey’s Barbecue Pit with all our options for slow smoked meats and home-style sides -- Texas style barbecue isn’t like anything in the city,” said first time owner, Assim Shammami.
Shammami resides in nearby Santee. The Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in San Diego is located at 5604 Balboa Avenue, Suite 105 &amp; 106 and the phone number is 858.278.8228.
&nbsp;

First Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in San Diego Opens with Three Day Grand Opening

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