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

# Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Celebrates 83rd Anniversary with a Focus on Menu, Franchisee Success and Giving Back

DALLAS, TX – September 30, 2024 – Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, the world’s largest barbecue franchise, is proud to celebrate its 83rd anniversary this October. Founded in 1941 by The Dickey Family in Dallas, the iconic Texas-style barbecue brand has grown into a global restaurant company, with 866 restaurants across eight concepts. The past year has been one of focus mostly on its core, barbecue roots as the family-owned and operated business, launches an expanded menu in all Dickey’s Barbecue locations and on dickeys.com. Dickey’s Barbecue Franchise will also celebrate its anniversary with guest loyalty specials and giving back all month long.
 
As Dickey’s enters its 83rd year, the company is taking significant steps to ensure its continued success by focusing on reinvesting with franchisees and giving back to local communities. The brand is reinforcing its commitment to operational excellence and brand consistency. Under the leadership of husband and wife team, [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 of Dickey’s Capital Group, and [Laura Rea Dickey](https://enterprenuer.org/ceo/meet-laura-rea-dickey-ceo-of-dickeys-barbecue-restaurants-inc/), CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, Inc., the company has embraced a strategic shift back to its core barbecue offerings.
 
“This anniversary is not just a celebration of our history, but of our future,” said Laura Rea Dickey. “Over the past year, we’ve doubled down on our barbecue and paused our focus on some of our other concepts. We have spent the past year prioritizing our barbecue menu, strengthening our franchise system and reinvesting in our restaurants.”
 
## Strategic Focus: Barbecue first
Dickey’s has taken on four key initiatives to celebrate 83 years in business 
 
1. Expanded Menu: the brand will launch a new expanded menu featuring southern favorites like crispy fried chicken, country fried steak, loaded mashed potatoes with gravy and three more loaded, stuffed baked potatoes to complement its traditional barbecue offerings that are smoked on site.
 
2. Restaurant Reinvestment: the brand launched a capital improvements campaign, heavily reinvesting in their traditional restaurants with upgrades including exterior signage, digital menu boards, catering van wraps, drive thru boards and store remodels.
 
3. Barbecue Focus: the brand has opted to stop expanding five of its non-barbecue concepts and retire licensing agreements outside its traditional franchise system. Dickey’s has opted to terminate and transition non-compliant restaurants, both traditional and licensed locations. Dickey’s has also expanded its brand champion program of giving 20% of royalties back to Dickey’s Barbecue Franchisees that meet brand standards and achieve operational, barbecue excellence.
 
4. Giving Back: the brand kicks off anniversary celebrations with exclusive rewards for Big Yellow Cup rewards members. Their iconic Big Yellow Cup pink to support breast cancer with a portion of all pink cup sales in October going to fund breast cancer screening in first responders. Finally, the brand will host their annual Denim & Diamonds event for The Dickey Foundation in order to raise over $250,000 to support grants for first responders in their local restaurant communities.
 
## Looking Ahead: Long-Term Success
Dickey’s also looks at its 83rd anniversary as an opportunity and an obligation to ensure the brands long term success for both its barbecue business and its barbecue franchisees.  
 
“Our focus at Dickey’s is on our core brand and our barbecue franchisees,” said Roland Dickey, Jr. “We are focused on ensuring we a strong barbecue future as we continue this journey together and celebrate our 83rd anniversary.”
 
Roland Dickey, Jr. added, “Continuing to serve better and better barbecue and build the Dickey's brand takes us back to our legacy and what my grandfather began in 1941. It's a heritage that we're really proud of, and we will continue to carry it well into the future—hopefully for another 83 years."
 
As Dickey’s Barbecue Pit celebrates 83 years of Legit. Texas. Barbecue.™, the company is committed to continuing its tradition of delivering authentic, high-quality barbecue while ensuring that franchisees have the resources and support they need to thrive.
 
## 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 four 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. For information about becoming a franchise partner, visit www.dickeysfranchise.com.


Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Celebrates 83rd Anniversary with a Focus on Menu, Franchisee Success and Giving Back

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is helping their guests get ahead of the holidays with a FREE Pecan Pie!

Starting on October 1st and running through October 31st, any guest that pre-orders the Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Complete Feast will receive one of the Texas-style barbecue brand’s holiday pecan pies for free! 

The Complete Feast includes the guests’ choice of a delicious Cajun Turkey, Smoked Turkey, Spiral Cut Ham, or Prime Rib accompanied by their famous Baked Potato Casserole, Green Beans, Cornbread Dressing, gravy and a dozen buttery rolls. This mouthwatering feast will serve 10 to 12 of your hungry holiday guests. Make sure you take advantage of the sweet deal by completing your pre-order either online, in your local Dickey’s franchise store, or through the Dickey’s App. 

“We understand the holidays are a busy and expensive time of year for our guests,” said Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. “Therefore, we’re happy to offer a free treat along with our Complete Feast to help alleviate the seasonal stress a bit.” 

Dickey’s also offers a variety of smaller and/or larger meal options during the holiday season, including their popular Holiday Big Yellow Box and many al a carte items. You can locate their entire holiday menu by visiting [www.dickeys.com](https://www.dickeys.com/). 

“At Dickey’s we love being your one-stop shop for everything you need to impress your family and friends during the holidays,” said Roland Dickey, Jr., CEO, Dickey’s Capital Group. “So let us do the cooking this year and come get a free pecan pie with your Complete Feast.” 

Always been a fan of Dickey’s Barbecue? Learn more about franchising with Dickey’s Barbecue Pit by visiting [franchise.dickeys.com](https://franchise.dickeys.com/). To find your nearest Dickey’s Barbecue Pit location, visit [dickeys.com/locations](https://www.dickeys.com/locations). 
 
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.

Dickey’s Barbecue Offers Free Pecan Pie with Holiday Pre-Orders

# 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

(Fletcher, NC) As the former senior vice president for Huddle House, Mike Wiemers knows about operating restaurants.&nbsp; On Thursday, August 28 at 11 a.m., Wiemers will take on barbecue when he opens his first Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in Fletcher. To celebrate his newest endeavor, he is throwing a three-day grand opening celebration.
“I was looking for a strong and growing brand with excellent quality food. We have the best barbecue I have ever tasted. I loved it so much I wanted to open my own Dickey’s near my home,” said first time franchisee, Mike Wiemers. “Fletcher is a great town and I’m excited about serving great barbecue and meeting new guests.”
Thursday, the first 50 guest will receive gift cards for up to $50.&nbsp; Friday, radio station 99.9 Kiss Country will be on-site from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and one lucky winner will be chosen for a $500 gift card and three winners will receive free barbecue for an entire year. Guests can also get a deal on barbecue with <a href="https://www.dickeys.com/menu">$2 pulled pork barbecue sandwiches.</a> On Saturday, guests can swing by for all day merchandise giveaways.
Wiemers served as senior vice president for the 24-hour diner-style chain, Huddle House where he oversaw operations for over 400 restaurants. He plans on opening three more Dickey’s Barbecue locations in the near future. The new Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in Fletcher is located at 235 St. John’s Road, Suite 10&amp;12 and the phone number is 828.303.2190. You can keep up with this location on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KennewickWA?ref=br_tf">Facebook.</a>

Restaurant Leader Takes on Barbecue with New Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in Fletcher

MORE ARTICLES