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IN THE NEWS

        <div><a href="http://www.wibw.com/content/news/New-additions-to-Arrowhead-Stadium-concessions-announced-442897013.html">WIBW </a>in Kansas City covered Dickey's Barbecue Pit opening in Arrowhead Stadium.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (WIBW) -- When Kansas City Chiefs fans fill Arrowhead Stadium for the first regular season home game of the 2017 season, they will be greeted with a plethora of new concession options.</div><div><br></div><div>BBQ Alley at the Chiefs Hall of Fame (sections 118-122) will feature three local barbecue favorites: Smoke Brewing Company, Plowboys Barbecue and The Little Pig BBQ. Each will be serving their own signature barbecue items.</div><div><br></div><div>BRGR Kitchen and Bar in section 102 will be serving 4 different burgers and other signature menu items, including "Pig Wings" and "Not-So-Standard Tots."</div><div><br></div><div>Zoom Food, a new Aramark prototype, will be located in section 111 and aims to create a new way of delivering fan favorites, such as burgers, fries, and chicken tenders, by featuring new self-ordering kiosks and beverage stations.</div><div><br></div><div>Philadelphia icon Chickie's and Pete's will be serving cheese steak sandwiches, boneless buffalo wings and their famous "Crabfries" in section 130.</div><div><br></div><div>Dickey's Barbecue Pit will add to its five other locations in the Kansas City metro area by bringing their barbecue favorites to section 301.Stadium Stockyard can be found in section 220 and will feature burgers with meats from the Kansas City Steak Company and premium toppings, as well as a variety of chicken wings.</div><div><br></div><div>Kingdom Kantina in section 238 will offer south-of-the-border options, such as "Nacho Grande" with homemade chips, chili rellenos and street tacos topped with queso fresco.</div><div><br></div><div>There will also be new drink locations spread throughout the stadium, serving beer, wine, mixed drinks, soda and bottled water.</div><div><br></div><div>In addition to the new restaurants being added to Arrowhead, new menu items are being introduced at general concession stands. Such signature items include "The Arrowhead Biscuit," the loaded potato skin burger, Coca-Cola braised short rib mac and cheese, the bacon-alfredo chicken sandwich, the carved roast beef sandwich and the carved turkey sandwich.</div><div><br></div><div>The Chiefs' first regular season home game will be held Sunday, Sept. 17 at 12 p.m. against the Philadelphia Eagles.</div>        
      
      

WIBW: New additions to Arrowhead Stadium concessions announced

<div><a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/albuquerque/news/2017/09/06/dickeys-barbecue-pit-smoking-out-three-more-nm.html">Albuquerque Business Journal</a> covered Dickey's expansion in New Mexico.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Dickey's Barbecue Pit is expanding again in New Mexico with a development agreement to open three new locations in Albuquerque and Santa Fe in coming years.</div><div><br></div><div>The first of the Dallas-based chain's new restaurants is set to open in Albuquerque in spring 2018. Specific locations have not yet been found, according to Callie Head, a spokesperson for Dickey's. Current Dickey's franchisees David Montoya and Soleille Lopez will be opening the stores here in their home state after opening their first location in Colorado."We originally bought into Dickey's because the brand is family-oriented and those values are extremely important to us," Montoya said in a statement. "As our own Dickey's brand continues to grow, we are proud to serve Dickey's delicious barbecue to our communities and look forward to opening even more locations in the future."</div><div><br></div><div>Dickey's first New Mexico location, 4320 The 25 Way NE, opened in Albuquerque in 2014 and a second opened in 2016 at 1410 Wyoming Blvd. NE. The chain also has locations in Ruidoso, Farmington and Hobbs.</div><div><br></div><div>Dickey's opening in Hobbs was the largest in grand opening sales the business has ever seen, Maurine Dickey, a vice president at the company, told Albuquerque Business First in 2014. She grew up in Albuquerque.</div><div><br></div><div>The restaurant serves ribs, brisket and sausage that are slow-smoked on-site at every location along with homestyle sides and ice cream.</div><div><br></div><div>"Having experienced franchisees eager to open new locations is a testament not only to the success of our business but the brand as a whole," said Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants Inc., in a statement.</div><div><br></div><div>The second new location is planned to open in Albuquerque in late 2018, and the third is slated to open in Santa Fe in early 2019.Dickey's initial franchise fee is $15,000 with a total investment cost ranging from $280,819 to $481,819, according to its website. The company has nearly 600 locations in 44 states.</div>        
      

Dickey's Barbecue Pit smoking out three more NM locations

<p><a href="https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/dickeys-barbecue-pit-expands-new-mexico">QSR </a>covered Dickey's expansion in New Mexico.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p> Dickey’s Barbecue Pit continues its expansion in New Mexico with the addition of a three-store development agreement by current Dickey’s franchisees David Montoya and Soleille Lopez. These locations will be the duo’s first of many in the Land of Enchantment which they plan on running as a family business.<div><br></div><div>“Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has and always will be a family-run, family-oriented business and that is something we pride ourselves on,” says Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. “Having experienced franchisees eager to open new locations is a testament not only to the success of our business but the brand as a whole.”</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>As New Mexico natives, Montoya and Lopez looked to open their first Dickey’s Barbecue Pit location in their home state, but were offered the opportunity to open a location in Colorado so they took it with their business partner Robert Moss. After seeing great success in their first location, they pursued their original plan to open a Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in New Mexico, which they intend to run with their children.</div><div><br></div><div>“We originally bought into Dickey’s because the brand is family oriented and those values are extremely important to us,” says Montoya. “As our own Dickey’s brand continues to grow, we are proud to serve Dickey’s delicious barbecue to our communities and look forward to opening even more locations in the future.”</div><div><br></div><div>The first of the three locations is slated to open in Albuquerque Spring of 2018, the second is planned to open in Albuquerque following late 2018 and the last to open in Santa Fe in early 2019.</div></p>

Dickey's Barbecue Pit Expands in New Mexico

View the full video <a href="http://www.kvoa.com/clip/13651142/news-4-cooks-smoked-chicken">here</a>.&nbsp;

News 4 Cooks: Dickey's Barbecue Pit Makes Smoked Chicken

Growth Chains: Papa John’s has signed development agreements to open 45 restaurants across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Poland. Seafood operator Shell Shack signed development agreements for 11 units so far in 2017. Wingstop signed a franchise agreement for 110 locations in Australia and New Zealand. Tropical Smoothie Café signed its 100th franchise agreement so far this year. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit will open restaurants in Joliet, Ill., San Diego and Tolleson, Ark. White Castle quietly signed a deal with a partner to open two restaurants in Shanghai. Dunkin’ Donuts signed a multiunit development agreement for seven locations in the Raleigh- Durham area. Pret A Manger will open its first university locations with two units at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and one unit at the University of Chicago. Newk’s Eatery will open seven locations in the Ft. Worth area.        
      

Midwest Minimum Wage Resistance, Chicago Burger Market Tougher

<div>On the way home, we stopped by Dickey’s BBQ in Irvine. &nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Certainly adding some smoked meats and savory side dishes would be the perfect ending for our “man day” of golf and beers at one of Orange County’s finest golf courses. After we finished eating some delicious pulled pork, beef brisket, and mac’n’cheese, it was time for dessert. Dickey’s BBQ provides free ice cream cones to all guests.</div><div><br></div><div>As I was walking over to grab some ice cream, I received an email notification from Dosh with my cash back. &nbsp;Not only was this a great cash back surprise, that it happened so quickly that I haven’t even left the restaurant was a total shock!</div><div><br></div><div>&nbsp;</div>        
      

BaldThoughts.com:The Exciting Feeling When You Get Surprise Cash Back

<div>Dickey's Barbecue Pit is continuing growth in the Peach State with a Smyrna, Georgia, opening in Spring 2018</div><div><br></div><div>"At Dickey's Barbecue Pit, we pride ourselves on serving each and every guest authentic, Texas-style barbecue," Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, said in a company press release. "With new franchisees such as Ben Kessie that truly love the brand, we can continue our growth and more importantly continue serving our guests delicious barbecue.”</div><div><br></div><div>Smyrna's franchisee Ben Kessie spent years eating at Dickey's Barbecue Pit and made the brand a part of his family's holiday by catering Dickey's for Thanksgiving every year. With a passion for barbecue, he decided it was time to invest in a barbecue joint of his own. After researching other franchising concepts, Kessie found a home in Dickey's Barbecue Pit.</div><div><br></div><div>"The Dickey's Barbecue Pit model is unlike anything I have ever seen," said Kessie. "I have traveled all over the country looking at barbecue concepts and Dickey's was by far the best choice for me."</div>        
      

FastCasual: Dickey's expands presence in the Peach State

<div>Dickey’s Barbecue Pit continues growth in the Peach State with a new Smyrna, Georgia, location slated to open in Spring 2018. The new location will be owned by new Dickey’s franchisee Ben Kessie, a Georgia Tech alum and passionate barbecue lover.</div><div><br></div><div>“At Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, we pride ourselves on serving each and every guest authentic, Texas-style barbecue,” says Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. “With new franchisees such as Ben Kessie that truly love the brand, we can continue our growth and more importantly continue serving our guests delicious barbecue."</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Kessie spent years eating at Dickey’s Barbecue Pit and made the brand a part of his family’s holiday by catering Dickey’s for Thanksgiving every year. With a passion for barbecue, he decided it was time to invest in a barbecue joint of his own. After researching other franchising concepts, Kessie found a home in Dickey’s Barbecue Pit.</div><div><br></div><div>“The Dickey’s Barbecue Pit model is unlike anything I have ever seen,” says Kessie. “I have traveled all over the country looking at barbecue concepts and Dickey’s was by far the best choice for me.”</div><div><br></div>        
      

QSR: Dickey's Continues Georgia Expansion with Smyrna Store

<div>While many restaurateurs might be relieved to hear that a Texas judge struck down the 2016 rule expanding overtime protection to millions of white collar workers, one industry leader said it signaled a need for compromise.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>"Today's decision is a horrible step backwards for tens of thousands of workers," Boloco CEO John Pepper said of U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant's ruling Thursday that the U.S. Department of Labor improperly used a salary-level test to determine which workers were exempt from overtime compensation.</div><div><br></div><div>"While overtime at 1.5 times regular pay is incredibly harsh and hurts workers inadvertently by forcing them to find second and third jobs — because few businesses can afford to essentially pay 50 percent bonuses on hours 41 and after, and therefore don't — this is a loophole that needed to be closed," he said. "Seesawing back and forth between policy extremes is going to hurt everyone. If opposing sides would compromise, we might actually make progress. I've found neither side willing to do so with any consistency."&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Mazzant granted summary judgment to the Plano Chamber of Commerce and more than 55 business groups challenging the rule — initially created under the Obama administration — which raised the minimum salary threshold required to qualify for the Fair Labor Standards Act's "white collar" exemption to just over $47,000 per year. The mandate also would increase the overtime eligibility threshold for highly compensated workers from $100,000 to approximately $134,000.</div><div><br></div><div>"The department has exceeded its authority and gone too far with the final rule," Mazzant wrote in his order. "The department creates a final rule that makes overtime status depend predominately on a minimum salary level, thereby supplanting an analysis of an employee's job duties. Because the final rule would exclude so many employees who perform exempt duties, the department fails to carry out Congress' unambiguous intent."</div><div><br></div><div>The National Restaurant Association's Restaurant Law Center supports today's decision, said Executive Director Angelo Amador.</div><div><br></div><div>"The Department of Labor under the previous administration overstepped its authority in making changes to the federal overtime rule," he said in a press release. "Today's decision to invalidate the rule demonstrates the negative impacts these regulations would have had on businesses and their workers. We will continue to work with DOL on behalf of the restaurant industry to ensure workable changes to the overtime rule are enacted."&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>A reply brief from the DOL said that although it still could change the rules to allow more salaried employees to be eligible for time-and-a-half pay, it would not advocate for "the specific salary level [$913 per week] set in the final rule at this time."</div><div><br></div><div>Leaders call for a compromise</div><div><br></div><div>Many fast casual leaders said that although the Obama-era ruling had good intentions, it simply went too far. Today's decision is a chance to fix that, said Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey's. "The OT law is a classic example of good intention resulting in bad legislation," she said in an interview with FastCasual. "The OT legislation had the unintended consequence of employers scrambling to reduce workforce instead of grow it, reduce hours instead of increasing them because the burden was too great for employers to bear. I would like to see the restaurant industry propose better legislation for retaining great talent instead of regulations suppressing talent, profit and free market principles."</div><div><br></div><div>Don Fox, CEO of Firehouse Subs, said he expects the Department of Labor to continue to collect comments regarding a possible escalation in the salary level, but that middle ground should be sought.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>"So I strongly suspect that will continue and that there will be a reset on the minimum salary requirement, but one that makes sense — unlike what was proposed by the prior administration," he said.</div><div><br></div><div>Fazoli's CEO Carl Howard agreed, saying that exempt salary workers deserve a raise, but that the Obama plan was dreadful for several small business owners.</div><div><br></div><div>"I am very thankful that it will not go to $47,496. It should go up by 30-35 percent from the current rate, and then it should be increased every year with cost of living or some rational inflation wage rule," he said in an interview with FastCasual. "I think it can get to where the Democrats want it to go, but it needs to be gradual so businesses can adjust and plan for the new norm. "</div><div><br></div><div>Overall, Howard believes the ruling is good news for the brands that operate lower AUV locations.</div><div><br></div><div>"I heard from several Subway owners, and they were freaking out," he said. "With unemployment at 4 percent, very few hourly or exempt workers are being hired at the minimum threshold. The best part about democracy is the market really dictates the wage rate. If brands need employees or talent, they will pay for them.</div><div><br></div><div>"The fact is that the hourly and salary employee today has several choices, and almost every organization is in a need state to add quality workers to their business."&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Bill DiPaola, &nbsp;president and COO of Dat Dog Enterprises, said that although he agrees with the court's decision, it doesn't mean that restaurants and other industries can maintain the status quo.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>"I believe it imperative that the DOJ and the trade associations need to work together to find a more detailed, more nuanced means test that would properly classify employees so that the flexibility of scheduling, which is crucial to the restaurant industry, is maintained while also not allowing businesses to unfairly classify employees in order to avoid paying overtime," he said in an interview with FastCasual. "Having an imprecise duties test that is too broad is what causes this problem."</div>        
      

Judge Strikes Down Obama's OT Ruling, Industry Leaders Urge Compromise

Laura Rea Dickey was interviewed on the podcast, CEO in 10. Listen to the segment <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/lifelessonsnetwork/2017/08/25/gpo-presents-ceo-in-10-with-laura-rey-dickey-of-dickeys-bbq">here</a>.&nbsp;

CEO in 10

<div>Taste why Dickey’s Barbecue has been the world’s best barbecue since 1941! Try our 6 pit-smoked meats, like our southern pulled pork or our family recipe polish sausage.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Don’t forget we’re also your catering experts! Any event, any size – let Dickey’s do the cooking, and you can take the credit. Graduation parties, weddings, office functions, you name it! Dickey’s Barbecue is the perfect catering choice for groups of all sizes – from 10 to 10,000!&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Tailgate Party Pack easily feeds up to 12 adults, boasting 4 pounds of Dickey’s most popular slow-smoked meats and enough classic barbecue sides to satisfy a defensive line<br></div><div><br></div><div>Football season is here and Dickey's Barbecue Pit has meal time covered with their new Tailgate Party Pack! The new Tailgate Party Pack is a dream come true! I'm always trying to figure out what to make for our football parties but to be honest it's just so much work to do it all yourself. With Dickey's Barbecue Pit I can simply place an order for one of their Tailgate Party Packs and literally have enough food for everyone at our party and then some.&nbsp;<br></div><div><br></div><div>Dickey's Barbecue Pit's new Tailgate Party Pack comes with 12 of the best tasting rolls that are sure to please. They're incredibly soft and are the perfect way to build your barbecue slider!&nbsp;<br></div><div><br></div><div>It also comes with 4 pounds of Dickey’s most popular slow-smoked meats that are oh so delicious! You can literally taste the care and time that went into slow-smoking these meats. The meat is extremely tender and makes the best barbecue sandwiches ever! Top your slider off with Dickey’s famous barbecue sauce and let your taste buds go wild!<br></div><div><br></div><div>Dickey's Barbecue Pit's new Tailgate Party Pack comes with 3 enormous sides that are sure to keep both you and your guests content no matter what team is in the lead. Dickey’s famous potato salad with Idaho Russet potatoes make the perfect side and has to be one of the best tasting potato salads I've ever had!&nbsp;<br></div><div><br></div><div>Dickey’s Cabbage Slaw is finely diced cabbage seasoned with a tangy sweet coleslaw dressing that is sure to satisfy all your taste buds! I'm a huge fan of Dickey’s Cabbage Slaw and absolutely love the sweet tangy sauce and how incredibly fresh all of the ingredients were!<br></div><div><br></div><div>Dickey's signature baked beans with a smoky pork flavor are the perfect addition to any party! These were a huge hit at our party and for as large as the pan was, I was blown away at how little we had left.&nbsp;<br></div><div><br></div><div>Dickey's New Tailgate Party Pack is the perfect way to kick off football season and is sure to keep your guests full and satisfied while enjoying the game!<br></div>        
      

Football Season is Here—Dickey's Tailgate Party Pack Has You Covered!

<p>View the full segment <a href="http://www.kvoa.com/story/36221284/news-4-cooks-pulled-pork">here</a>.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>Ingredients:</p><p><br></p><p>6 TBSPs Dickey's Barbecue Pit brand Rib Rub (sold at Dickey's)</p><p><br></p><p>1 Pork Butt (5-7 pounds)</p><p><br></p><p>Instructions:</p><p>Rub pork butt with 6 TBSP Dickey's brand Rib Rub<br></p><p>Foil boat the pork butt</p><p>Smoke at 225 degrees F. for 14 hours</p><p>Fork test, and verify internal temperature is 165 degrees F.</p><p>Grab squish tickle method to serve.</p><p>Serve on a roll, or on the side, next to your favorite sides.</p>

KVOA 4: News 4 Cooks: Pulled Pork

<div>New Dickey’s Barbecue Pit franchisee, Leonard McEnery plans to open his first Dickey’s location in Joliet, Illinois. McEnery, a Dickey’s brisket lover and long-time business owner, is excited to bring delicious barbecue to the business park in South Joliet.</div><div><br></div><div>McEnery, an owner of several food and fuel locations in the Chicago suburbs, knew Dickey’s low and slow, Texas-style barbecue would be a great fit for his newest location in Joliet. “I’m excited to bring Dickey’s barbecue to the employees in the area, as well as others traveling along the highway,” says McEnery. “Everyone needs food and fuel, and I knew Dickey’s Barbecue Pit would be the perfect fit because of its authenticity and convenience.”</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>“We are excited to welcome Leonard McEnery to our Dickey’s family,” says Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. “At Dickey’s we are proud to have experienced franchisees such as McEnery in our family bringing authentic, Texas-style barbecue to the Joliet community.”</div>        
      

QSR: Dickey's Barbecue Pit Expanding in Illinois

        Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has expanded its popular Family Pack offerings to target the tailgating crowd. Its limited-time Tailgate Party Pack is a bigger version of the XL Family Pack the chain currently offers, featuring an extra pound of meat as well as larger quantities of sides and rolls. Rather than needing to order ahead, customers can order the Tailgate Party Pack on demand, both directly from Dickey’s or through one of more than 50 partnering third-party services, including GrubHub, DoorDash and UberEats.        
      
      

Operators Tackle Tailgate Season with Off-Premise Offers

<div>Dickey’s Barbecue: Old Fashioned Pit Barbecue for Wherever You Roam</div><div><br></div><div>In 1941, Travis Dickey came home from the war and opened a small barbecue restaurant in Dallas, Texas. The menu was small then: brisket, ham, barbecue beans, potato chips, milk and beer. Dickey’s has since grown from that humble barbecue stop to the nation’s largest barbecue chain. Today, all meats are still slow smoked on-site in each of its nearly 600 restaurants across 44 states. The family-run organization still serves the classics with 'No B.S. (Bad Stuff)' included.</div><div><br></div><div>View the full article <a href="https://www.fooda.com/our-food">here</a>.</div>        
      

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