Dickey's Barbecue Pit: Mastering the Heat, In and Out of the Kitchen
Blog
Published: 02 Oct 2025
Stories written with older information and from other articles and not straight from the source are claiming that Dickey's Barbecue Pit is currently facing significant challenges to its business model. While it has grown from a single Dallas location to a global presence, recent articles suggest a bumpy road for the world's largest barbecue chain. It must be pointed out that most reporters did not reach out to Dickey’s for their side of the story.
In 2024, Dickey’s opened 12 new franchised units and so far in 2025, Dickey's has been anything but stagnant; they have opened 46 locations from January to September. The brand is on pace to surpass 60 new openings by the end of 2025 and expand to more than 400 locations worldwide. The iconic Texas-style barbecue brand has been rapidly expanding, marking a series of grand openings that reflect a clear strategy of introducing its signature slow-smoked meats to new communities. This expansion has been versatile, incorporating both traditional brick-and-mortar restaurants and innovative ghost kitchens, demonstrating the brand's adaptability in today's evolving food landscape.
These openings are not just dots on a map; they represent new local businesses, new jobs, and new opportunities for entrepreneurs to join the Dickey's family. Each new location is a testament to the brand's enduring appeal and its commitment to growth.
This small group has made some serious allegations; however, they have not been able to prove any of them in court. Others have changed their testimony when asked questions under oath. Dickey’s have consistently stated that these legal actions were meritless and apparently the courts agree with them.
While the adage "the squeaky wheel gets the grease" often holds true in business, leading to a focus on addressing problems and complaints, the narratives of Dickey's currently successful franchisees often remain untold or understated. These positive stories, which highlight operational excellence, robust customer engagement, and consistent profitability, tend to take a back seat to more pressing issues or the need to resolve immediate challenges. Consequently, a valuable source of inspiration, best practices, and tangible proof of the brand's potential for prosperity is overlooked, potentially depriving prospective franchisees and the wider public of a more balanced and encouraging perspective on the Dickey's franchise system.
A key element of their modern expansion is the strategic use of ghost kitchens. These professional kitchens, designed exclusively for delivery and takeout, require significantly less capital than traditional restaurants. This model allows Dickey's to quickly and efficiently enter high-demand urban areas and new territories, expanding its reach faster than ever before and transforming it into a modern, tech-savvy brand.
Dickey's story is a testament to its enduring family legacy and its successful adaptation to a dynamic business landscape. The company's future is bright as it continues to innovate and strengthen its franchise model.
Dickey’s Franchise | The Facts
While other big-name brands, such as Denny’s, Wendy’s, Red Lobster have been on a steady decline, closing many of their restaurants and other brands closing all their locations, Dickey’s is looking at innovation to get themselves in front of this issue that is affecting the restaurant industry.In 2024, Dickey’s opened 12 new franchised units and so far in 2025, Dickey's has been anything but stagnant; they have opened 46 locations from January to September. The brand is on pace to surpass 60 new openings by the end of 2025 and expand to more than 400 locations worldwide. The iconic Texas-style barbecue brand has been rapidly expanding, marking a series of grand openings that reflect a clear strategy of introducing its signature slow-smoked meats to new communities. This expansion has been versatile, incorporating both traditional brick-and-mortar restaurants and innovative ghost kitchens, demonstrating the brand's adaptability in today's evolving food landscape.
These openings are not just dots on a map; they represent new local businesses, new jobs, and new opportunities for entrepreneurs to join the Dickey's family. Each new location is a testament to the brand's enduring appeal and its commitment to growth.
Frivolous Legal Actions from Former Franchisees
These articles focus on the company's rapid expansion, particularly through franchising, which has been a key part of its growth. The focus continues on the small group of dissatisfied former franchisees who have been very vocal and have taken legal action. What is not mentioned is that they have failed to mention how some of these cases have been dismissed and others have not been successful against Dickey’s.This small group has made some serious allegations; however, they have not been able to prove any of them in court. Others have changed their testimony when asked questions under oath. Dickey’s have consistently stated that these legal actions were meritless and apparently the courts agree with them.
While the adage "the squeaky wheel gets the grease" often holds true in business, leading to a focus on addressing problems and complaints, the narratives of Dickey's currently successful franchisees often remain untold or understated. These positive stories, which highlight operational excellence, robust customer engagement, and consistent profitability, tend to take a back seat to more pressing issues or the need to resolve immediate challenges. Consequently, a valuable source of inspiration, best practices, and tangible proof of the brand's potential for prosperity is overlooked, potentially depriving prospective franchisees and the wider public of a more balanced and encouraging perspective on the Dickey's franchise system.
Dickey’s Franchise | The Future
Dickey's Barbecue Pit has consistently defied the restaurant industry's volatility by pioneering new business strategies. They recognized early on the importance of technology and convenience, implementing a fully integrated digital ordering system with online and app-based ordering. This forward-thinking approach continues to evolve, with Dickey's exploring ghost kitchens, retail partnerships, virtual brands, and seamless third-party delivery integration.A key element of their modern expansion is the strategic use of ghost kitchens. These professional kitchens, designed exclusively for delivery and takeout, require significantly less capital than traditional restaurants. This model allows Dickey's to quickly and efficiently enter high-demand urban areas and new territories, expanding its reach faster than ever before and transforming it into a modern, tech-savvy brand.
Dickey's story is a testament to its enduring family legacy and its successful adaptation to a dynamic business landscape. The company's future is bright as it continues to innovate and strengthen its franchise model.