From Finance to BBQ: Howard Henry’s Journey as a Dickey’s Owner
Press Releases
Published: 11 Jun 2025
Overcoming Challenges and Building Community in Murrieta, CA
Former Dickey’s Barbecue Pit franchisee, Howard Henry, knows what it takes to thrive in the world of franchising—dedication, hard work, and a deep love for the brand. After transitioning from a successful career in real estate financing, Howard embarked on an exciting journey into the restaurant industry, opening his own Dickey’s Barbecue Pit location in Murrieta, CA. Although his time with the franchise was shorter than expected, Howard's story is one of passion, resilience, and lessons learned that continue to shape his career today.
"Howard's passion for the Dickey’s brand and his commitment to serving his community were evident from day one," says Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. "While his time as a franchisee was shorter than we all hoped, his story serves as a valuable reminder that perseverance and dedication are key in any business. We’re grateful for his contributions to the Dickey’s family, and we look forward to seeing what his future holds."
Howard’s decision to venture into the world of barbecue came from his long-standing admiration for Dickey’s, a brand he encountered as a customer during a memorable birthday celebration. "I’ve always had a passion for food, and Dickey’s stood out for its quality and community-focused atmosphere," says Howard. "The opportunity to own part of that was an exciting prospect that I couldn’t pass up."
After opening his location in 2021, Howard became deeply involved in every aspect of the business – from managing operations and staff to connecting with customers. Over the course of nearly two years, Howard created lasting relationships with his guests, earning a reputation for excellent food and service. His restaurant garnered an impressive Google rating of 4.6, thanks to his commitment to providing top-notch barbecue and creating a welcoming environment for the community.
"Franchisees like Howard are the backbone of our brand," says Roland Dickey, Jr., CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group. "His hard work and unwavering dedication to providing high-quality food and service were evident in everything he did. We support him in his journey, and we know that whatever he decides to do next, he will continue to succeed and inspire others."
While Howard's business was successful in many ways, it wasn’t without its challenges. Operating in a highly competitive market, Howard was faced with external pressures, including California’s rising minimum wage for fast food workers. The increasing costs of labor added significant pressure to his bottom line, forcing him to make tough decisions.
However, Howard’s background in real estate financing provided him with the tools to effectively manage his expenses and mitigate financial challenges.
"Some things were beyond my control, like the new labor mandates," shares Howard. "But my finance background helped me keep things running smoothly as best I could. In the end, it was clear that some external factors played a big role in the difficulties we faced, but I learned a lot along the way."
Even though Howard’s time as a franchisee ended earlier than expected, he is optimistic about the future. He plans to return to the franchise world when the time is right, bringing with him the invaluable lessons he learned from his time with Dickey’s. For Howard, the experience was a reminder that success is not just about a strong brand—it’s about the energy and passion you bring to the business.
"My advice to anyone considering franchising is simple: don’t just rely on the brand name. The work you put into the business is what will make it successful," says Howard. "If you’re not ready to put in 16-17 hours a day, then franchising might not be for you. Location, staff, and energy are everything. You need to treat the business with a sense of responsibility and commitment."
Howard remains passionate about food and franchising. Though he is currently focused on rebuilding his finances, he is eager to return to the industry in the future. Whether with Dickey’s or another brand, Howard is determined to leverage his experience and bring new energy to a future venture.
"The lessons I’ve learned during my time with Dickey’s have strengthened my resolve," says Howard. "I’m excited about returning to franchising and seeing what the future holds."
Former Dickey’s Barbecue Pit franchisee, Howard Henry, knows what it takes to thrive in the world of franchising—dedication, hard work, and a deep love for the brand. After transitioning from a successful career in real estate financing, Howard embarked on an exciting journey into the restaurant industry, opening his own Dickey’s Barbecue Pit location in Murrieta, CA. Although his time with the franchise was shorter than expected, Howard's story is one of passion, resilience, and lessons learned that continue to shape his career today.
"Howard's passion for the Dickey’s brand and his commitment to serving his community were evident from day one," says Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. "While his time as a franchisee was shorter than we all hoped, his story serves as a valuable reminder that perseverance and dedication are key in any business. We’re grateful for his contributions to the Dickey’s family, and we look forward to seeing what his future holds."
Howard’s decision to venture into the world of barbecue came from his long-standing admiration for Dickey’s, a brand he encountered as a customer during a memorable birthday celebration. "I’ve always had a passion for food, and Dickey’s stood out for its quality and community-focused atmosphere," says Howard. "The opportunity to own part of that was an exciting prospect that I couldn’t pass up."
After opening his location in 2021, Howard became deeply involved in every aspect of the business – from managing operations and staff to connecting with customers. Over the course of nearly two years, Howard created lasting relationships with his guests, earning a reputation for excellent food and service. His restaurant garnered an impressive Google rating of 4.6, thanks to his commitment to providing top-notch barbecue and creating a welcoming environment for the community.
"Franchisees like Howard are the backbone of our brand," says Roland Dickey, Jr., CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group. "His hard work and unwavering dedication to providing high-quality food and service were evident in everything he did. We support him in his journey, and we know that whatever he decides to do next, he will continue to succeed and inspire others."
While Howard's business was successful in many ways, it wasn’t without its challenges. Operating in a highly competitive market, Howard was faced with external pressures, including California’s rising minimum wage for fast food workers. The increasing costs of labor added significant pressure to his bottom line, forcing him to make tough decisions.
However, Howard’s background in real estate financing provided him with the tools to effectively manage his expenses and mitigate financial challenges.
"Some things were beyond my control, like the new labor mandates," shares Howard. "But my finance background helped me keep things running smoothly as best I could. In the end, it was clear that some external factors played a big role in the difficulties we faced, but I learned a lot along the way."
Even though Howard’s time as a franchisee ended earlier than expected, he is optimistic about the future. He plans to return to the franchise world when the time is right, bringing with him the invaluable lessons he learned from his time with Dickey’s. For Howard, the experience was a reminder that success is not just about a strong brand—it’s about the energy and passion you bring to the business.
"My advice to anyone considering franchising is simple: don’t just rely on the brand name. The work you put into the business is what will make it successful," says Howard. "If you’re not ready to put in 16-17 hours a day, then franchising might not be for you. Location, staff, and energy are everything. You need to treat the business with a sense of responsibility and commitment."
Howard remains passionate about food and franchising. Though he is currently focused on rebuilding his finances, he is eager to return to the industry in the future. Whether with Dickey’s or another brand, Howard is determined to leverage his experience and bring new energy to a future venture.
"The lessons I’ve learned during my time with Dickey’s have strengthened my resolve," says Howard. "I’m excited about returning to franchising and seeing what the future holds."