Meet Michael: The Pit Master Behind Dickey's Barbecue Pit in Tacoma

Some people find barbecue, but for others, they are just sort of born into it. Michael Cheong Leen was definitely the latter. 

Growing up, barbecue wasn't just dinner, it was a reason to travel. Michael spent years driving up and down the East Coast and deep into the South, hunting down the best pits, the smokiest briskets, and the most memorable ribs he could find. That passion for regional barbecue drove him to become a pit master of his own, eventually owning a Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in Tacoma, Washington, where he is sharing that lifelong love of BBQ with his community.

Barbecue is Worth Getting Right

Before ever serving his first guest, Michael went deep into the craft. He learned the back-office side of running a restaurant, studied the financials, and—most importantly—spent serious time working the pit itself at Dickey’s Barbecue University.

"Working in the PIT was a lot of fun," he says. "I've never had the opportunity to do something like that before."

That hands-on approach is central to how every Dickey's location is built: real technique, real wood smoke, and a real commitment to doing things the right way before the doors ever open.

Don't Sleep on the Rib Sandwich

Ask Michael what he loves most from the menu, and he'll tell you the brisket is hard to beat. But when things aren't too hectic behind the counter, he has a move: pull the bones out of the ribs and build a delicious RIB sandwich.

It's the kind of creative, pit-side thinking that makes each Dickey's location feel personal—classic Texas-style barbecue with the personality of the person cooking it.

Legit.Texas.Barbecue.™

Dickey's Barbecue Pit has been serving slow-smoked, wood-pit barbecue for over 80 years. What keeps guests coming back isn't just the brisket or classic sides—it's knowing that behind every location is someone like Michael: a person who genuinely loves barbecue, knows the craft, and is committed to bringing great food to their neighbors every single day.