Dickey’s Barbecue Grows with Ghost Kitchens for Convenience
Press Releases
Published: 21 Aug 2025
Nation’s largest barbecue brand introduces delivery-focused kitchens to reach new markets and drive franchise growth
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, the world’s largest barbecue concept, is embracing the future of food service with an aggressive expansion into ghost kitchens. The brand is leveraging delivery focused kitchens to meet growing consumer demand for convenience while continuing to serve its famous slow smoked meats and homestyle sides.
With more than 80 years of barbecue tradition, Dickey’s is pioneering innovation in the restaurant industry by strategically positioning ghost kitchens in urban markets where traditional dine in locations are less accessible. This model allows the brand to scale quickly, maximize efficiency, and introduce authentic Texas barbecue to new communities.
“Ghost kitchens allow us to meet guests where they are,” said Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. “Consumers today want convenience without compromising quality. This model expands our reach and delivers the same slow smoked flavor people love from Dickey’s, while reducing the barriers to entry for our operators.”
The pivot to ghost kitchens is part of Dickey’s broader growth strategy, which includes traditional brick and mortar restaurants, nontraditional venues, and international expansion. By tapping into the rising popularity of delivery and takeout, Dickey’s strengthens its position as a leader in the fast casual barbecue category.
Roland Dickey, Jr., CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group, emphasized how ghost kitchens fit into the brand’s long term vision. “We are committed to building a barbecue brand that is both timeless and forward thinking. Ghost kitchens give us a powerful tool to enter high demand markets faster, adapt to changing consumer habits, and create opportunities for franchisees who want lower overhead and higher flexibility.”
Dickey’s ghost kitchen strategy has already fueled rapid expansion across key metropolitan areas including Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York City. The brand plans to continue this trajectory in 2025 and beyond, targeting both domestic and international growth.
“Whether it is a family gathering, a quick lunch, or a late night craving, Dickey’s ghost kitchens make it easier than ever to enjoy authentic Texas barbecue,” added Laura Rea Dickey.
As the restaurant landscape continues to evolve, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is proving that tradition and innovation can thrive side by side. By leaning into ghost kitchens, the brand is serving up more than just slow smoked meats. It is delivering the future of convenience dining.
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 more than 866 restaurants across eight concepts 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 Barbecue Pit, the world’s largest barbecue concept, is embracing the future of food service with an aggressive expansion into ghost kitchens. The brand is leveraging delivery focused kitchens to meet growing consumer demand for convenience while continuing to serve its famous slow smoked meats and homestyle sides.
With more than 80 years of barbecue tradition, Dickey’s is pioneering innovation in the restaurant industry by strategically positioning ghost kitchens in urban markets where traditional dine in locations are less accessible. This model allows the brand to scale quickly, maximize efficiency, and introduce authentic Texas barbecue to new communities.
“Ghost kitchens allow us to meet guests where they are,” said Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. “Consumers today want convenience without compromising quality. This model expands our reach and delivers the same slow smoked flavor people love from Dickey’s, while reducing the barriers to entry for our operators.”
The pivot to ghost kitchens is part of Dickey’s broader growth strategy, which includes traditional brick and mortar restaurants, nontraditional venues, and international expansion. By tapping into the rising popularity of delivery and takeout, Dickey’s strengthens its position as a leader in the fast casual barbecue category.
Roland Dickey, Jr., CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group, emphasized how ghost kitchens fit into the brand’s long term vision. “We are committed to building a barbecue brand that is both timeless and forward thinking. Ghost kitchens give us a powerful tool to enter high demand markets faster, adapt to changing consumer habits, and create opportunities for franchisees who want lower overhead and higher flexibility.”
Dickey’s ghost kitchen strategy has already fueled rapid expansion across key metropolitan areas including Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York City. The brand plans to continue this trajectory in 2025 and beyond, targeting both domestic and international growth.
“Whether it is a family gathering, a quick lunch, or a late night craving, Dickey’s ghost kitchens make it easier than ever to enjoy authentic Texas barbecue,” added Laura Rea Dickey.
As the restaurant landscape continues to evolve, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is proving that tradition and innovation can thrive side by side. By leaning into ghost kitchens, the brand is serving up more than just slow smoked meats. It is delivering the future of convenience dining.
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 more than 866 restaurants across eight concepts 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.