How America’s Largest Barbecue Franchise Reclaimed Growth and Defied Industry Decline

Amidst negative headlines sensationalizing restaurant closures and economic strain, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit stands as proof that context, data and perspective matter. While many national franchise restaurant brands are still contracting, Dickey’s Barbecue acted decisively and rebounded quickly to achieve net restaurant unit growth in 2025, surpassing 400 locations once again. The brand doubled down on profitability and quality, closing off brand or troubled locations, investing in R&D and emerging stronger than before.

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Crowd outside of the original Dickey's location in Dallas, TX

“We understand the power of perception but facts matter,” said Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. “Dickey’s Barbecue Pit remains the largest barbecue franchise in the world, stable, expanding, and led by a team and franchise family deeply committed to long term success.”

By mid-2025, the 84-year-old brand had opened 46 new restaurants and is on pace to exceed 60 by year’s end, revitalizing its worldwide footprint to more than 400 locations. The company’s strategy emphasizes franchise profitability, guest satisfaction, and a renewed focus on quality operations.

“Every enduring, legacy brand goes through seasons of challenge, but leadership means facing them head on and coming out stronger,” said Roland Dickey Jr., CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group, the parent company. “That’s exactly what we’ve done, steadying the system, expanding globally and continuing to build opportunity for entrepreneurs who share our passion for authentic barbecue.”

More than 100 current and former franchisees have publicly affirmed their confidence in the brand, underscoring that Dickey’s Barbecue fundamentals remain solid while also emphasizing that franchisees have to follow the model and stay engaged to see success.

Tom Eggerude, a longtime franchise owner, added, “I’ve been part of this system for over ten years, and I’ve seen the difference strong leadership and a solid foundation makes. The direction, transparency, and innovation coming from the Dickey’s home office team provides the support we need to outperform the competition, but I have to put in the work. My success is up to me. I build my catering sales. I know my numbers. I focus on what matters. Dickey’s is there with me, actively. Success or failure is your own, don’t blame your mom or the brand.”

The brand’s recent growth signals a clear message. Despite market noise, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit continues to do what it has done since 1941, serve guests, support operators, and stay true to its Texas roots.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, 84 years strong, still serving legit Texas barbecue, and winning with facts, not fiction.

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.

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