At Dickey’s, our greatest pride isn’t just the barbecue. It is the people who bring it to life every single day. In our new series, Legends Behind the Pit, we honor the team members whose dedication, warmth, and craft keep the smoke rolling and our guests smiling. 

This week, we shine the spotlight on a true original, Pablo Guevara. 

## A Legacy of Loyalty and Skill 

For 45 years, Pablo has stood behind the block, working the Dickey’s Pit at multiple corporate stores across the DFW area. He has become one of the longest-serving Pit Masters in our history. For many years, guests knew him best at our Central location and later, nearly a decade at our Love Field store, where his signature cowboy hat made him instantly recognizable. 

But Pablo is more than just a familiar face. He is the one you can always count on, whether it is filling in for a store, stepping up at a busy catering, or training new team members in the art of Texas barbecue. His knowledge, consistency, and tireless work ethic set the standard for what it means to be a Pit Master. 

![Pablo 1 (1).jpg](https://cms-www-dickeys-com.s3.amazonaws.com/Pablo_1_1_95f66984be.jpg)


## A Guest Favorite and Team Treasure 
Ask anyone who has worked alongside him and you will hear the same thing. Pablo is a joy to be around. His sense of humor and kindness light up the kitchen, and his steady leadership inspires those around him. Guests have long been drawn to Pablo not only for the barbecue he serves but for the genuine welcome he brings to each interaction. 

He has become a living example of what it means to serve with pride. When Pablo is on the block, guests know they are in good hands. 

## More Than Barbecue 

When he is not tending the Pit, Pablo enjoys spending time with his family and cheering on his favorite baseball teams. His passion for life is as steady as his loyalty to Dickey’s, and both shine through in everything he does. 

## Thank You, Pablo 

After 45 years, Pablo continues to embody the very best of our brand. He is hardworking, kind, and committed to making every guest feel like family. We are deeply grateful for his loyalty and leadership and proud to celebrate him as one of our true Legends Behind the Pit.

Pit Legends - Pablo Guevara 

Franchise Innovation Awards 2025: Celebrating the Most Disruptive Brands

When people talk about [legendary barbecue,](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/dickeys-barbecue-honors-84-years-164600133.html) the first thing they bring up is the brisket, ribs, sausage, or pulled pork. But any true pitmaster will tell you the truth: your sides can make or break the meal. They set the tone, balance the richness, and take a plate from good to unforgettable.


Below are the five must-have barbecue sides, why they work, the variations people crave, and how to serve them like a pro.


## Mac & Cheese: The Creamy Classic

Few things pair with smoked meats as beautifully as a warm, velvety bowl of mac and cheese. It is comfort food at its best and a universal favorite across all ages.


**Why it works**

· The richness of melted cheese cuts through smoky proteins.

· Its soft texture balances brisket bark or sausage snap.

· Familiar, nostalgic, and filling.


**A Homemade Recipe Variation to Try**

To elevate your mac and cheese, try a combination of cheddar, Gouda, and cream cheese for depth. Add smoked paprika for subtle BBQ harmony and finish with a toasted breadcrumb topping for crunch. For a bold twist, fold in roasted jalapeños or crispy bacon.


## Coleslaw: The Fresh, Crunchy Balance


Coleslaw is the unsung hero of barbecue meals. It is refreshing, bright, and exactly what heavy smoked meats need to stay balanced.


**Vinegar vs. Creamy Slaw**


Vinegar slaw offers tanginess and crunch that pairs perfectly with pulled pork or fatty brisket.

Creamy slaw brings richness and sweetness that complements smoked chicken or spicy sausage.


**Perfect Pairings**

· Vinegar slaw with pulled pork sandwiches and brisket plates

· Creamy slaw with smoked turkey and sausage links


**Make Ahead Tips**


Prep vegetables early, but wait to dress the slaw until one to two hours before serving. Keep it chilled until ready to plate to maintain crisp texture.


## Baked Beans: Sweet, Smoky, and Satisfying


A staple across barbecue regions, baked beans add warmth and sweetness that work beautifully with every smoke-kissed protein.


**What Makes Good BBQ Beans**

· A balance of sweet molasses or brown sugar

· Tang from mustard or apple cider vinegar

· Slow simmering until thick, rich, and caramelized


**Flavorful Add Ins**


· Brisket trimmings for extra smoke

· Bacon for salty depth

· Jalapeños for heat

· Onions and garlic for savoriness


These additions turn a simple side into a standout dish.


## Potato Salad: A Reliable Crowd Pleaser

Potato salad is a barbecue classic because it checks every box. It is creamy, hearty, and easy to scale for big gatherings.


**Southern Style vs. Mustard Style**


Southern style is mayonnaise based, mild, and creamy. Mustard style is tangy, brightly flavored, and bold.


**How to Keep Potato Salad Cold at Events**


· Place your serving bowl inside a larger bowl filled with ice.

· Keep it covered when not serving.

· Refresh the ice every 30 to 45 minutes.


Food safety matters, especially with dairy based dishes.


## Texas Toast or Cornbread: Essential for Soaking Up the Good Stuff


A BBQ meal without bread is like a grill without fire. Bread brings balance, texture, and practicality.


**Serving Recommendations**

· Texas toast: thick cut, buttered, and toasted to golden perfection

· Cornbread: slightly sweet and crumbly, excellent with ribs and beans


**Why Bread Matters in BBQ**

· Soaks up sauces and juices

· Adds a neutral, starchy counterpoint to smoky flavors

· Helps round out plates for gatherings or events


**Bonus: How to Build the Perfect BBQ Plate**


Even the best smoked meats need thoughtful pairing.


**Protein and Sides Ratio**


A balanced plate includes:

· One to two proteins

· Two to three sides

· One bread option


This keeps the meal satisfying without overwhelming the palate.


**Tips for Catering Events**


· Include at least one creamy side like mac and cheese or potato salad.

· Include at least one fresh or acidic side like coleslaw or pickles.

· Prepare servings in advance to keep the line moving.

· Label dishes clearly for dietary considerations.


[Barbecue](dickeys.com) may start with great meat, but it is the sides that turn a plate into an experience. The right combination brings balance, contrast, and comfort, honoring regional traditions while allowing room for creativity. Whether you are hosting a backyard cookout or planning a large gathering, pairing smoky proteins with thoughtful, well-prepared sides ensures every bite feels complete. A memorable BBQ is never just about the star of the show. It is about the harmony of every flavor on the plate.

The 5 Side Dishes That Make or Break a BBQ

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

Dickey’s BBQ Pit: Texas-Style Barbecue That Won’t Break the Bank

As families ease back into everyday routines after the holidays, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, the world’s largest barbecue franchise, is helping make family meals more affordable. To kick off its 85th anniversary, Dickey’s is offering its fan-favorite Kids Eat Free promotion, every day nationwide beginning December 26, 2025, through January 31, 2026. 

For over eight decades, Dickey’s has been a place where families come together over Legit. Texas. Barbecue™. This anniversary kickoff honors that legacy while helping parents ease back into busy schedules. For every $15 adult meal purchased, guests can receive a free kids meal, complete with one slow-smoked meat, one homestyle side, and the iconic Lil’ Yellow Cup. The offer is available for dine-in, carry out and online orders at Dickeys.com, limited to one free kids meal per order. 

“Dickey’s is about bringing families together over great barbecue,” said [Laura Rea Dickey](https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com/laura-rea-dickey-roland-dickey-jr/?r=global), CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Pit. “Kids Eat Free everyday is a simple way for us to say thank you and to continue offering genuine value for folks. From December 26 to January 31, families can enjoy our traditional Sunday only Kids Eat Free offer, every day of the week.” 

Traditionally available on Sundays, the promotion expands to every day throughout January as part of Dickey’s anniversary kickoff, giving families more flexibility and more value during one of the busiest times of the year. 

“For 85 years, Dickey’s has been built on family, hospitality, and authentic Texas barbecue,” said [Roland Dickey, Jr](https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com/laura-rea-dickey-roland-dickey-jr/?r=global), CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group. “This promotion celebrates our history while welcoming the next generation to the table.” 

With nearly a century of slow-smoked barbecue expertise, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit continues to deliver comfort, value, and memorable family moments, now with even more reason to celebrate. 

**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 387 locations 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.

Dickey’s BBQ Pit: Texas-Style Barbecue That Won’t Break the Bank

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