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IN THE NEWS

This article originally appeared on r<a href="https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/operations/dickeys-takeout-strategy-paved-way-reopening-locations">estaurantbusiness.com</a>
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has been doing a robust takeout business almost since COVID-19 closed most of the chain’s locations in mid-March. “Online orders took a 38% dip the first five days, then built back up to almost 100% of same-store sales,” says <a href="https://www.dickeys.com/company/meet-our-team">CEO Laura Rea Dickey</a>. “We’ve had continuous operation, and our pitmasters were smoking meat throughout the shutdown.”
So when Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced that restaurants could <a href="https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/operations/texas-reopen-restaurants-25-capacity" title="reopen for dine-in">reopen for dine-in</a> at 25% capacity on May 1, Dickey’s was prepared. Employees, food supplies and sanitation protocols were in place at the chain’s seven company restaurants in the state, and most Texas franchise locations were ready to reopen last Friday, too, Dickey says.
She was also pretty confident that customers would return. “We did several key things to keep guests engaged during the shutdown,” Dickey says. “First, we kept in touch through social media, discovering what they needed most and meeting those needs.”
For example, Dickey’s always offered a “kids eat free” deal on Sundays to encourage families to come out and dine in the restaurants. The same deal was offered online over the past seven weeks, and the online promotion will continue in the foreseeable future. “This provided comfort and a sense of normalcy for families to continue the Sunday tradition,” says Dickey. “It also avoided a disruption in our Sunday sales.”
Like other chains, Dickey’s also expanded its <a href="https://www.dickeys.com/press/in-the-news/nations-restaurant-news-how-restaurant-chains-are-catering-to-families-kids-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic">family meal packages</a> for contactless takeout and delivery, offering meats by the pound. “But guests indicated there was a gap in our side offerings, because we only offered medium and extra-large sizes. To fill the gap, we added large sides,” says Dickey—a move that spiked orders.
In some neighborhoods, Dickey’s discovered that customers were ordering earlier than in pre-COVID-19 times, so the chain added box lunches to go. “We will continue with these ideas and maintain a lot of what we were doing because we realize that folks will be cautiously coming back to our dining rooms,” she says.
With sales steady, supply hasn’t been an issue—even with the retail meat shortage and decreased production in packing plants. “We contracted with our vendors for 12 weeks of protein products and other supplies at the beginning,” says Dickey, adding that establishing good working relationships with long-term partners has helped the chain through the worst of the crisis. “They helped us forecast demand and shore up our balance sheets,” she says. And this support extended beyond food suppliers. Dickey’s worked with its tech partner to renegotiate pricing to make up for the loss in dine-in business during the shutdown.
May 1 was the start of National Barbecue Month, a promotion that Dickey’s usually ties into with LTOs. “This year, I didn’t want to add another category or SKU, in case a supply issue did develop as stores reopened,” says Dickey. “Instead, we launched ‘Upgrade your Cue,’ introducing six new sandwiches that cross-utilize products and sauces already in inventory.” Guests can choose a Brisket Double Cheese or spicy Wild Westerner sandwich, for example, and get something new and different. “Folks need more options about now. They’re getting a little bored ordering the same thing,” she says.
Dickey’s was already practicing enhanced sanitation protocols at all its company and franchised locations, but visibility is now key as stores reopen. “Before, a welcoming smile was enough of a greeting, but now guests want to see face masks on employees, floor stickers for social distancing and continuous sanitizing of surfaces,” says Dickey.
Most of all, Dickey believes compassion, kindness and community involvement go a long way in bringing business back. The chain has expanded its first responder feeding efforts: Guests can order food to donate, and Dickey’s is matching the donations. “People really want to do good and their support has been amazing,” says Dickey.
In return, the chain is supporting its customers, making sure they know “we’re here to serve you however you want to be served,” she says. “Our loyal guests are actually openly expressing thanks to our pitmasters.”&nbsp;

Dickey's Takeout Strategy Paved the Way to Re-Opening Locations

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RsqJmEMo78&amp;feature=youtu.be">Watch Dickey's Barbecue Pit CEO, Laura Rea Dickey, speak with Bill Hemmer from Fox News </a>&nbsp;
Fox News Host Bill Hemmer asks how the world's largest barbecue franchise feels about being able to re-hire staff in the midst of many other restaurants having to furlough employees due to the coronavirus pandemic and Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. CEO Laura Rea Dickey discusses how Dickey's is keeping Owner/Operators and guests safe in Texas as the state announces a new mandate allowing restaurants to re-open at 25% capacity. &nbsp;

FoxNews: Laura Rea Dickey speaks with Bill Hemmer Reports of Fox News 

This story originally appeared on the <a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/news/2020/04/30/dickeys-barbecue-restaurants-laura-rea-dickey.html">Dallas Business Journal</a>
Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants Inc. has seen nearly 98 percent of its business come from online orders and its off-premise business, the company’s <a href="https://www.dickeys.com/company/meet-our-team">CEO Laura Rea Dickey</a> said.&nbsp;
The company, which has more than 480 restaurant locations, has temporarily closed some units because the restaurants were in non-traditional places, such as an airport, an entertainment venue, or the zoo, as it looks to meet demand and comply with shelter-in-place orders.&nbsp;
Dickey said that the Dallas-based restaurant chain has actively replicated its in-person experience for off-premise dining and has bolstered digital capabilities to improve the user experience. It has also pivoted, shifting its strategy to meet fresh consumer preferences.
Dickey spoke with the Dallas Business Journal about how restaurant employees have been affected, opening new locations and an overall shift in strategy.
How do you think consumer behavior will shift long term?
We've definitely seen a shift in consumer behavior in how folks are ordering and what they're ordering. Certainly, they're coming in and ordering higher ticket averages, but they are ordering for every few days instead of a single meal at a time. (Customers are) more coming into look for value as opposed to trial.&nbsp;
So, it’s, how can I feed my family for the weekend?
Or maybe this is their one trip out this week to get groceries, and Dickey's is on the list. We need to be able to meet their needs for a couple of days.
How have your employees been affected? Have you had layoffs or furloughs?
We've been very lucky not to have mass layoffs or furloughs. Instead, we reduced royalties the first day for our operating partners by 50 percent. We didn't abate them – just reduced them – because we knew that we would need in this industry that cash flow and that type of resource. We immediately did that to help our operating partners (so that they did not) have to also have furloughs and layoffs. We have had hours cut back for (some) folks, but we have not had to have mass layoffs in that regard.
What are your thoughts on Gov. Greg Abbott’s recent order that allows restaurants to open at 25 percent capacity later this week?
My initial reaction is to always be very conscientious. … So (we’re) serving the community, but also making sure that, first and foremost, we're taking care of our pit crews' health and safety and our guests' health and safety.&nbsp;
Slowly, we’re opening some locations, including our family-owned locations. We’ll open in partnership with the community guidelines. We will open in Dallas on Friday at 25 percent occupancy. For us being fast-casual, that's also not the tectonic shift that it is for folks that have full-service or casual dining, meaning that we don't have waiters or waitresses. … That evolution for us isn't there. Folks that are coming in are interacting with our pit crew in two minutes or less, and that is what our standard is. Then, most folks' average time at a table is about 20 minutes. On the high side, it's 30.
We expect the majority of our business to stay online and stay online for the coming months. I don't think that part of the business will actually recede. We may see dining rooms go back up, but that capacity will be reduced for the foreseeable future. We're working with those partners where it makes sense for the community and makes sense for the pit crew. Some locations have chosen for at least the next couple weeks ... to just do online business.&nbsp;
Is Dickey’s planning to open new locations in the next year or so?
Absolutely, we are still opening doors. We have actually opened several in the past couple months, and the (restaurants) have continued. They have stayed on. We have opened a location in <a href="https://www.dickeys.com/locations/Florida/Ocoee">Florida</a>, in <a href="https://www.dickeys.com/locations/Nevada/Henderson">Nevada</a>, and in <a href="https://www.dickeys.com/locations/Colorado/Windsor">Colorado</a>. We talked to them. We're certainly willing to partner with an alternative opening schedule, and they have pushed ahead and opened to serve their communities. They have just opened with the majority of the online business.
Yes, we will continue to open restaurants. We have literally signed our 100th franchise partnership deal in the pipeline during the pandemic. That interest is there. The growth is there.
This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.

How Dickey's Is Adapting to Changing Consumer Preferences

<a href="https://www.kolotv.com/content/news/Dickeys-BBQ-Pit-helps-feed-first-responders-during-COVID-19-569681231.html?jwsource=cl">View the video interview with Brian Geiger, Regional Business Leader for Dickey's Barbecue Pit</a> &nbsp;
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit and the Dickey family are showing support for those working on the front lines during the COVID-19 crisis.
Starting Wednesday, April 15, 2020, guests can donate sandwiches to first responders in their communities with the new <a href="https://www.dickeys.com/press/press-releases/dickeys-barbecue-pit-and-the-dickey-family-launch-national-program-to-feed-first-responders">First Responder Relief Packs</a>, which include bundles of five or 10 Pulled Pork Classic Sandwiches.
In addition, the Dickey family has pledged to match every sandwich donated to double the efforts to feed first responders.
To participate, guests can go to the <a href="https://www.dickeys.com/">Dickey's Barbecue Pit website</a> and add First Responder Relief Packs to their order. If guests would like to donate more, they can add any number of individual sandwiches to their donation. Then Dickey’s, in partnership with <a href="http://www.dickeyfoundation.org/">The Dickey Foundation</a>, will carry out the delivery on the guest’s behalf.

Dickey's Barbecue Pit helps feed first responders during COVID-19

<a href="https://www.everythinglubbock.com/news/trends-and-friends/dickeys-barbecue-offering-pulled-pork-sandwich-donations-for-first-responders/">View the full video of Laura Rea Dickey and Chef Phil Butler</a> &nbsp;
LUBBOCK, Texas–While many are looking for ways to give back, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is offering a way for you to do just that. Whether you call and place your own order or just simply call and place an order for a first responder, they’ll make sure it’s delivered fresh and hot. Take a look at the video to see just how good their barbecue sandwiches are and how to make your donations

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Donates Pulled Pork to First Responders

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is rolling out a new program allowing guests to purchase sandwiches online to be donated to their local first responders.
In addition, The Dickey family has pledged to match every sandwich donated to double the efforts to feed first responders.
At dickeys.com, guests can add First Responder Relief Packs to their order to be donated to first responders in their market. Dickey’s, in partnership with The Dickey Foundation, will carry out the delivery on the guest’s behalf. The First Responder Packs include bundles of 5 or 10 Pulled Pork Classic Sandwiches and guests can also add any desired number of individual sandwiches to their donation.
"We wanted to create an easy way for folks to safely support those on the front lines,” said Laura Rea Dickey CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. “Our family will be matching every donation our guests make to honor all of the countless first responders who are working tirelessly to keep our communities safe and healthy.”
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit’s charitable arm, The Dickey Foundation, proudly supports first responders across the United States. The foundation provides safety equipment such as helmets, shields, respiratory masks and overall support for local first responders. Donate to The Dickey Foundation.

Dickey’s and Family Start Program to Feed First Responders Nationwide

Starting April 14, 2020, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is rolling out a new program allowing guests to purchase sandwiches online to be donated to their local first responders. In addition, The Dickey family has pledged to match every sandwich donated to double the efforts to feed first responders.
At dickeys.com, guests can add First Responder Relief Packs to their order to be donated to first responders in their market. &nbsp;Dickey’s, in partnership with <a href="https://www.thedickeyfoundation.org/">The Dickey Foundation</a>, will carry out the delivery on the guest’s behalf. The First Responder Packs include bundles of 5 or 10 Pulled Pork Classic Sandwiches and guests can also add any desired number of individual sandwiches to their donation.
"We wanted to create an easy way for folks to safely support those on the front lines,” said <a href="https://www.dickeys.com/company/meet-our-team">Laura Rea Dickey CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc.</a> &nbsp;“Our family will be matching every donation our guests make to honor all of the countless first responders who are working tirelessly to keep our communities safe and healthy.”
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit’s charitable arm, The Dickey Foundation, proudly supports first responders across the United States. The foundation provides safety equipment such as helmets, shields, respiratory masks and overall support for local first responders. <a href="https://www.thedickeyfoundation.org/give-today">Donate to The Dickey Foundation</a> .
 
About Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc.&nbsp;
Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc., the world’s largest barbecue concept, was founded in 1941 by Travis Dickey. For the past 79 years, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has served millions of guests Legit. Texas. Barbecue.™ At Dickey’s, all our barbecued meats are smoked on-site in a hickory wood burning pit. Dickey’s proudly believes there’s no shortcut to true barbecue and it’s why they never say bbq. The Dallas-based family-run barbecue franchise offers several slow-smoked meats and wholesome sides with 'No B.S. (Bad Stuff)' included. The fast-casual concept has expanded worldwide with 2 international locations in the UAE and operates over 500 locations in 44 states. In 2016, Dickey’s won first place on Fast Casual’s “Top 100 Movers and Shakers” list and was named a Top 500 Franchise by Entrepreneur in 2018. Dickey's Barbecue Pit has also been recognized by Fox News, Franchise Times, The Wall Street Journal, QSR Magazine, Forbes Magazine and Nation’s Restaurant News. For more information, visit www.dickeys.com.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Launches Program to Feed First Responders

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit delivered 30 box lunches to the team at the <a href="https://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/pasadena">Shriner’s for Children Medical Center in Pasadena, California</a>. The Shriners for Children Medical Center is focused on ensuring “every child gets the best possible care” and continues to offer pediatric subspecialty care during the pandemic.
We appreciate Dickey’s Barbecue Pit franchisee Andrew Lee and his team who prepped all the box lunches with a pulled-pork sandwich, a side of cabbage slaw, a bag of chips and a cookie. Lee ensured a “no-contact” delivery at the patient entrance of the Shiner’s for Children Medical Center.
Thanks to <a href="https://www.thedickeyfoundation.org/">The Dickey Foundation</a> for their assistance in the execution! The Dickey Foundation, formerly known as Barbecue, Boots, and Badges, supports first responders in communities across the United States.
Thank you to all the millions of heroes working tirelessly to support the health of those impacted. Please stay safe and do your part to reduce the spread of the virus.
<a href="https://www.nuarxinc.com/foodforheroes-dickeys-barbecue-pit-delivered-in-pasadena/" title="&lt;span data-offset-key=&quot;agivb-0-0&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold;&quot;&gt;&lt;span data-text=&quot;true&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: border-box;&quot;&gt;View the full article on Dickey's Barbecue Pit and Shriner's for Children Medical Center&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;">View the full article on Dickey's Barbecue Pit and Shriner's for Children Medical Center</a> &nbsp;

#FoodForHeroes: Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Delivered to Pasadena Hospital

<a href="https://www.wxxv25.com/2020/04/10/dickeys-barbecue-teaming-community-members-give-back-medical-staff/">View the full video of Dickey's Barbecue Pit and John Lockett &nbsp;</a>&nbsp;
Dickey's Barbecue Pit owner/operator John Lockett of multiple Gulf Coast restaurants said, "The brave men and women of the medical field right now, they are working 14 plus hour days and they are literally putting their lives on the line with handling the COVID-19 patients. We just have to give back. We got to be able to provide them with a gesture of gratitude and thanks."
Dickey's Barbecue Pit is teaming up with members of the community to serve the brave men and women of the medical field who are helping COVID-19 patients.
You can help Dickey's Barbecue say thanks to the medical community by joining ‘Operation Feed the Front Line.' Dickey's is looking for people in the community who can connect them with any local hospital directly handling COVID-19 patients.
Dickey's will prepare their pulled pork sandwiches for free for medical staff. They just need someone to reach out to the local hospitals for sandwich counts and coordinate the delivery of the sandwiches.

Dickey’s Barbecue Partners with Community to Support Medical Staff

Shoutout to Kevin Ferrall Jr. of Dickey's Barbecue Pit in Victoria, TX! He has been crushing his drop-offs with his team, his photo game is on point and he’s being super creative with his social media!&nbsp;

Dickey's Barbecue Pit: Serving the Community in Victoria, Texas

Shoutout to owner/operator Miguel Zarate of Dickey's Barbecue Pit in Elk Grove, CA for his awesome delivery to the Elk Grove Police Department! Looking good and appropriate social distancing!

Dickey's Barbecue Pit: Serving the Elk Grove Police Department

<a href="https://www.franchisehelp.com/franchise-lead-generation/franchise-hope-how-dickey-s-barbecue-is-adapting-to-support-their-owners-during-tight-times/">View the full article from Franchise Help about Dickey's Barbecue Pit</a>&nbsp;
<a href="https://classic.dickeys.com/franchise">Dickey's Barbecue Pit is the largest barbecue franchise</a> in the world and is an award-winning brand. With over 500 locations in 44 states as well as international locations, their smokin' franchise has been treating guests to great tasting barbecue since 1941.
In our research, we find this business offers an attractive franchise opportunity for numerous reasons. Dickey’s is a successful business model, they have low startup costs, offer multiple revenue streams, not to mention an expert home office support team for <a href="https://classic.dickeys.com/franchise/franchise-testimonials">franchise owners</a> . Oh, and all owners get to attend Barbecue University.
It’s no surprise, then, that during the economic crisis, Dickey’s ability to innovate has not only been making headlines but making a difference. Both in the lives of their owners, but also their customers and communities.

Dickey’s Barbecue Adapts to Support Owners During Tight Times

<a href="https://www.easttexasmatters.com/community/east-texas-live/dickeys-bbq-gives-a-demonstration-on-how-to-make-easter-dinner-special/">Watch the KETK video with Laura Rea Dickey and Chef Phil Butler</a>&nbsp;
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is offering an Easter Ham dinner and they talk about making great sides to put together for your Easter dinner!

Dickey's Barbecue Pit Shows How to Make Easter Dinner Special

Listen to the podcast interview with Laura Rea Dickey
<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/special-why-transparency-is-key-to-dickeys-coronavirus/id1448762355?i=1000470160243" title="&lt;span data-offset-key=&quot;7qopv-0-0&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: border-box; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: 14px; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;&quot;&gt;&lt;span data-text=&quot;true&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: border-box;&quot;&gt;Apple Podcasts&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;">Apple Podcasts</a> &nbsp; 
<a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/1oQCsOWhZiqIa1Cl6FRuji" title="&lt;span data-offset-key=&quot;fkenn-0-0&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: border-box; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: 14px; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;&quot;&gt;&lt;span data-text=&quot;true&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: border-box;&quot;&gt;Spotify&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;">Spotify</a> &nbsp;
QSR continues their series helping restaurants through the coronavirus pandemic. With input from executives, operators, vendors, and more, these episodes will facilitate incredibly important conversation on how we can collectively survive the coronavirus scare.
<a href="https://www.dickeys.com/company/meet-our-team">Laura Rea Dickey is CEO of Dickey's Barbecue Pit</a>, which has more than 500 locations across the U .S. She talks about how the brand has evolved its service structure and menu offerings in the wake of the coronavirus, and how the brand is leaning into transparency with customers to earn their trust through this time of fear and uncertainty.

QSR Magazine: Why transparency is key to Dickey's coronavirus efforts

Shout out to owner Mike Lott of Dickey's Barbecue Pit in Houston, TX, visiting Houston Police Department’s Clear Lake Substation and the Fire Department to deliver 120 free sandwich coupons to these brave first responders! Enjoy your next sandwich on us!

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