Franchise Innovation Awards 2025: Celebrating the Most Disruptive Brands

There’s nothing quite like a perfectly smoked brisket. Tender, juicy, and full of deep, smoky flavor, this iconic barbecue dish defines Texas cooking. Whether you’re a pitmaster in training or just love the smell of slow smoked meat, this **smoked brisket recipe** will help you master the art of **Texas style smoked beef brisket** complete with rich, caramelized **burnt ends** and a smoky sweet sauce to finish it off. 

## What Is Smoked Brisket 

**Smoked brisket** comes from the lower chest of the cow, a hardworking muscle that becomes ‘melt in your mouth tender’ when cooked low and slow. For anyone wondering, “**Is smoked brisket beef or pork?**”, the answer is always beef. Pork has its place in barbecue, but brisket is pure Texas born beef perfection. 

## How to Make Smoked Brisket 

### 1.Choose the Right Cut 

Go for a **whole packer brisket** that includes both the flat and the point. The point is where those juicy, flavorful **burnt ends** come from. Look for a brisket with solid marbling because fat means flavor. 

### 2.Trim and Season 

Trim excess fat but leave about ¼ inch of the fat cap to help keep the meat moist. Then, season generously with a **Texas style smoked brisket rub**: 
- ½ cup coarse salt
- ½ cup coarse black pepper
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional for a deeper bark) 

Rub it on every side and let the brisket rest at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes before smoking. 
[![dickeys order.png](https://cms-www-dickeys-com.s3.amazonaws.com/dickeys_order_9b9e1c6427.png)](https://www.dickeys.com/quote/everyday?type=carryout)


### 3.Smoke It Low and Slow 

Set your smoker to 225°F and use oak or hickory wood for that signature Texas flavor. Place the brisket fat side up, close the lid, and smoke until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, usually 6 to 8 hours. Keep the smoke consistent and resist opening the lid too often. Patience is key. 

### 4.Wrap and Finish 

Once it hits 165°F, wrap the brisket tightly in butcher paper or foil, then return it to the smoker until the internal temperature reaches 203°F. This can take another 4 to 6 hours. Once done, let it rest (still wrapped) for at least an hour. 

![Brisket_Whole_TopView_RGB1.jpg](https://cms-www-dickeys-com.s3.amazonaws.com/Brisket_Whole_Top_View_RGB_1_8aeed667b2.jpg)


## Making Burnt Ends 

Now for the good stuff. The **burnt ends** come from the point of the brisket, the fattier, more flavorful half. 
1. Separate the point from the flat after resting.
2. Slice the point into 1-inch cubes and place them in an aluminum pan.
3. Toss the cubes with ½ to 1 cup of your brisket sauce (recipe below).
4. Return the pan to the smoker, uncovered, for another 1 to 1½ hours until the cubes are dark, sticky, and caramelized.

These little nuggets of smoky, saucy goodness are what barbecue dreams are made of. 

## Signature Brisket Sauce Recipe 

To finish your brisket or toss your burnt ends, try this **smoky honey bourbon BBQ sauce**. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and bold. 

**Ingredients:**
- 1 cup ketchup
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon bourbon (optional but delicious)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper

**Directions:**
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let it thicken slightly before removing from heat. Toss your burnt ends or brush it over sliced brisket just before serving. 

## What to Do with Leftover Smoked Brisket 

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, there are endless ways to use smoked beef brisket:
- **Brisket tacos** topped with pickled onions and BBQ sauce
- **Brisket chili** for smoky comfort food
- **Brisket grilled cheese** or sliders
- **Breakfast hash** with eggs and potatoes

You can even freeze portions for later, and they reheat beautifully. 

## The Secret to the Best Smoked Brisket Recipe 

The secret isn’t fancy equipment or complicated marinades. It’s time, temperature, and trust. Keep your smoker steady, let the smoke do its work, and give your brisket time to rest. When you slice into it, you’ll taste every bit of that patience. 

Mastering **Texas style smoked beef brisket** is more than cooking, it’s an experience. From the first puff of smoke to the last bite of **burnt ends**, you’re creating something worth sharing. Fire up that smoker, grab your rub and sauce, and make your best **smoked brisket recipe** yet.

The Ultimate Smoked Brisket Recipe: How to Make Texas Style Brisket

CEO Magazine: Secret Sauce: Laura Rea Dickey & Roland Dickey Jr

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit: Pulled Pork Slow-Smoked to Perfection

*Friday, October 31, 2025 – Enjoy a free kids meal with any Dine In adult meal purchase* 

 
This Halloween, [Dickey’s Barbecue Pit](https://www.dickeys.com/) is serving up something spooktacular for families! On Friday, October 31, 2025, kids eat free in-store all day, with an adult meal purchase. It’s the ultimate treat with no tricks, just Texas-style barbecue that’s scary good. 

“Halloween is all about fun, family, and a little flavor magic,” said [Laura Rea Dickey](https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/people/laurareadickey/), CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. “At Dickey’s, we love giving families another reason to celebrate together. Whether your little ghosts and goblins are out trick-or-treating or stopping by before the candy hunt begins, our pits are open and the barbecue is smoking.” 

 

Families can dig into all their Dickey’s favorites including fall-off-the-bone ribs, slow-smoked brisket, creamy mac n’ cheese, buttery rolls and more. Each Kids Meal includes one meat, one side, a roll and a Lil’ Yellow Cup, making it the perfect Halloween treat for the tiniest barbecue fans. 

 

“We’ve been bringing families together around the pit for almost 85 years,” said [Roland Dickey, Jr.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7gaDKwS_zg), CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group. “Halloween is the perfect time to share a meal, a laugh and a little barbecue magic. We’re proud to keep that family tradition alive with a fun, affordable way to celebrate.” 

 

The Kids Eat Free Halloween offer is valid in-store only on Friday, October 31, 2025, at participating [Dickey’s Barbecue Pit](https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2025/10/03/franchising-is-not-for-everyone-and-thats-exactly-why-it-works/) locations. One free kids meal for children 12 and under with a minimum $12 adult meal purchase. Dine-in only. One free Kids Meal is available per transaction. 

 

So grab your costumes, gather your little monsters, and creep on over to Dickey’s Barbecue Pit for a frightfully good feast this Halloween. Because at Dickey’s, the only thing scary is missing out on barbecue this good! 

## 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 more than 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 more than 866 restaurants across eight concepts in the U.S. and several countries, Dickey’s Barbecue Franchise and Dickey’s Restaurant Brands continue to grow under the leadership of Roland Dickey Jr., CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group, and Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, 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 franchise opportunities, visit www.dickeysfranchise.com.

No Tricks, Just Treats: Kids Eat Free This Halloween at Dickey’s 

*Celebrate the season with Dickey’s Complete Feast, featuring slow smoked meats, classic sides, and a sweet pumpkin pie on the house*
 
The holidays are all about gathering around the table with loved ones, and this season [Dickey’s Barbecue Pit](https://www.nrn.com/emerging-chains/q-a-roland-dickey-jr-of-dickey-s-barbecue-restaurants) is making it even sweeter. Guests who pre order a Complete Feast will receive a free pumpkin pie to share with family and friends. 
 
Starting October 1 through October 31, every Complete Feast pre order comes with a freshly baked pumpkin pie on the house. It is [Dickey’s](https://www.rolanddickeyjr.com/blog/dickeys-franchise-near-me) way of saying thank you for letting us be part of your holiday traditions. 
 
The Complete Feast includes your choice of one of the following main entrées:
- Cajun Turkey
- Smoked Turkey
- Spiral Cut Ham
- Prime Rib

Guests will also enjoy comforting sides including baked potato casserole, green beans, cornbread dressing, savory gravy, and a dozen buttery rolls. Designed to serve 10 to 12 people, it is everything you need for a memorable holiday meal. 
 
“We know the holidays can be busy, and we want to help families spend more time making memories and less time in the kitchen,” said [Laura Rea Dickey](https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com/laura-rea-dickey-roland-dickey-jr/?r=global), CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. “By adding a free pumpkin pie to our Complete Feast, we hope to bring even more joy to the table.” 
 
Dickey’s also offers a variety of other holiday meal options including the Holiday Big Yellow Box and a la carte dishes so families can choose exactly what works best for their gathering. To view the full holiday menu, visit [www.dickeys.com](https://www.dickeys.com/). 
 
“Let us take care of the cooking this year,” said [Roland Dickey, Jr.](https://www.rolanddickeyjr.com/blog/rolanddickey-dickeysfranchise), CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group. “Our slow smoked meats, classic sides, and now a free pumpkin pie make it simple to celebrate the holidays with a table full of comfort and tradition.” 
 
Pre orders can be placed at dickeys.com, at your local [Dickey’s Barbecue Pit](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0TKzuLBmek), or through the Dickey’s app. 

## About Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. 

Founded in 1941 by the Dickey family, [Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants](https://medium.com/@glendavosburghtx/sizzling-dispute-dickeys-fires-back-at-franchisee-misrepresentation-and-new-york-times-coverage-9c4989e04d9b), Inc. is the world’s largest barbecue concept and continues as a third-generation family-run business. For more than 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 more than 866 restaurants across eight concepts in the U.S. and several countries, Dickey’s Barbecue Franchise and Dickey’s Restaurant Brands continue to grow under the leadership of Roland Dickey Jr., CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group, and Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, 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](http://www.dickeys.com/). For franchise opportunities, visit[ www.dickeysfranchise.com](https://www.dickeysfranchise.com/). 

Contact:
Louisa Garrett
lgarrett@dickeys.com

Free Pumpkin Pie at Dickey’s with Holiday Pre-Order

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is proud to celebrate the one-year anniversary of its Calgary location at [**55 Castleridge Blvd NE #156**](https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.google.com_maps_search_55-2BCastleridge-2BBlvd-2BNE-2B-2523156-3Fentry-3Dgmail-26source-3Dg&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=LcUMPxkEM_eQTRqFFGdH2bj_fyIYuEvREtmthZ9mr5E&m=skAwWZVHJG8mOObqCdy80IYR3WqQsDOEsER6iFJ1nZPUdaEmt1JW58Wb9x6Fmuyw&s=Rfetcyyd13Rk2n4c5HAMxCuviJoZECx98MJ3wpVMSxc&e=), bringing *Legit. Texas. Barbecue.™* to the heart of Alberta. Since opening its doors in 2024, the Calgary restaurant has quickly become a community favorite for slow smoked meats, southern sides, and genuine hospitality.
 

“Celebrating our first year in Calgary is incredibly meaningful,” said **Jamal Kayani, Calgary franchisee**. “This community has welcomed us with open arms, and it has been an honor to share authentic Texas barbecue with our neighbors. We are grateful for every guest who has made us part of their family gatherings, celebrations and everyday meals.
 

This is only the beginning and we are excited for many more years to come.”
 

## Bringing Texas Barbecue to Canada
 

Founded in Dallas, Texas in 1941, Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. is the world’s largest barbecue concept. The Calgary location has introduced Albertans to Dickey’s famous hickory smoked brisket, fall off the bone ribs, smoked chicken, and savory sides such as mac and cheese and barbecue beans.
 

“Canada has proven to be an amazing market for [Dickey’s](https://www.restaurantnews.com/new-york-media-misrepresents-texas-based-dickeys-barbecue-pit-success-in-franchising-081325/), and Calgary has led the way in showing how much Canadians love great barbecue,” said [**Laura Rea Dickey**](https://www.dmagazine.com/publications/d-ceo/2019/december/women-leaders-laura-rea-dickey-ceo-of-dickeys-barbecue/), **CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc.** “Jamal and his team have built more than a restaurant. They have built a gathering place where the community can experience authentic Texas flavors and southern hospitality. We could not be prouder of the impact they have made in just one year.”
 

## A Family Legacy of Growth
 

Dickey’s continues to expand its global footprint. The Calgary restaurant is part of a larger vision to share Texas barbecue with communities around the world while supporting franchisees with proven systems and a family driven culture.
 

“Our family has always believed barbecue is about more than food. It is about connection, comfort, and tradition,” said **Roland Dickey, Jr., CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group**. “Seeing our brand thrive in Calgary is a testament to the hard work of Jamal and his team, and to the community that has embraced them. We are excited for the future of [Dickey’s](https://enterprenuer.org/ceo/meet-roland-dickey-jr-ceo-of-dickeys-capital-group/) across Canada.”
 

For more information, visit [www.dickeys.com/ca](https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.dickeys.com_ca&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=LcUMPxkEM_eQTRqFFGdH2bj_fyIYuEvREtmthZ9mr5E&m=skAwWZVHJG8mOObqCdy80IYR3WqQsDOEsER6iFJ1nZPUdaEmt1JW58Wb9x6Fmuyw&s=hJT1EgpmGJktdaFV5wW0PYuRcHB32LkueETQlY9xbuA&e=).
 

## About Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc.
 

Founded in 1941 by the Dickey family, [Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants](https://medium.com/@glendavosburghtx/sizzling-dispute-dickeys-fires-back-at-franchisee-misrepresentation-and-new-york-times-coverage-9c4989e04d9b), Inc. is the world’s largest barbecue concept and continues as a third-generation family-run business. For more than 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 more than 866 restaurants across eight concepts in the U.S. and several countries, Dickey’s Barbecue Franchise and [Dickey’s](https://www.nrn.com/emerging-chains/q-a-roland-dickey-jr-of-dickey-s-barbecue-restaurants) Restaurant Brands continue to grow under the leadership of **Roland Dickey Jr., CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group**, and **Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, 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**](http://www.dickeys.com/). For franchise opportunities, visit [**www.dickeysfranchise.com**](https://www.dickeysfranchise.com).

Dickey’s Barbecue Calgary Marks 1 Year of Texas Flavor 

**Texas-style barbecue brand shows solid growth, on pace to surpass 60 new openings in 2025 and expand to more than 400 locations** 

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, the world’s largest barbecue brand, shows extremely strong growth trajectory during the first three quarters of 2025. From January through August 2025, the iconic Texas-born brand opened 46 new locations across 17 U.S. states and internationally in Canada and the Philippines. With this momentum, Dickey’s is on track to exceed 60 new openings by the end of the year, a milestone that positions the brand well ahead of industry benchmarks and pushes its systemwide store count past 400 restaurants worldwide. 

In 2024, Dickey's experienced its slowest year on record. Rising costs, some franchise litigation fueling negative press made for a lackluster year. "We took a serious look at our business and built a two year plan to return Dickey's to its position as a top fast casual restaurant brand. We have seen an enormous sales recovery. Our most important overall goal driving all of our plans is exceptional profitability and financial success of our amazing family of franchisees," said Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. 

Sales success has opened the door to store count growth also. New locations span from Alabama to Washington and internationally in Alberta, Ontario and the Philippines. Each opening brings more jobs, more small business ownership opportunities, and more access to Dickey’s famous slow-smoked barbecue. 

“Every new opening represents not just growth for Dickey’s, but growth for communities and families,” said Laura Rea Dickey. “Our franchisees are the heart of this brand. Their success, combined with our technology, support systems and authentic barbecue, is what keeps this momentum going. We are building more than restaurants, we are building community connections across the globe.” 

“Barbecue has always been about gathering people around good food, and it is exciting to see that resonate everywhere from Texas to the Philippines,” said Roland Dickey, Jr., CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group. “We are proving that legit flavor, paired with strong franchisee support, can thrive in any market.” 

If Dickey’s continues at its current pace, the brand is poised to surpass 60 new openings by the end of 2025, one of the strongest expansion streaks in its 84-year history. The true story is not just about openings, despite clickbait headlines and industry trends to the contrary, but about the systems that empower every owner. With powerful digital tools and proven playbooks, the brand is building on a foundation for sustained growth and success. 

By combining authentic barbecue with franchisee support, innovation and resilience, Dickey’s is not just growing, it is redefining what expansion looks like in the competitive restaurant industry. 

For more information about franchise opportunities with Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, visit http://www.dickeys.com/franchising. 

**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 more than 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 more than 866 restaurants across eight concepts in the U.S. and several countries, Dickey’s Barbecue Franchise and Dickey’s Restaurant Brands continue to grow under the leadership of Roland Dickey Jr., CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group, and Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, 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.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Fires Up Expansion With 46 New Openings and Global Momentum

<a href="https://www.multivu.com/players/English/7992454-dickeys-barbecue-pit-middle-east/">https://www.multivu.com/players/English/7992454-dickeys-barbecue-pit-middle-east/</a> <o:p></o:p>

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Fires Up First International Deal

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