Dickey's Barbecue Pit Expands in Central Texas

AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 6, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas-based Dickey's Barbecue, the largest barbecue chain in the country, is well-known for their hot pit-smoked barbecue meats, free ice cream and free big yellow cups— with a strong presence in the lone star state, the franchise is expanding in central Texas opening a new location in Austin.

Dickey's is growing at a rapid pace, now with 134 locations in 32 states.

Their annual growth rate over the past 2 years is averaging 35 percent, according to company officials.

They are set to open 18 more locations before the end of 2010.

As Dickey's continues to grow nation-wide, the company is breaking the rules of the industry by introducing a niche product into the mainstream.

"It's an exciting feeling to bring Dickey's to Austin. With a lot of different types of barbecue options here, I am confident Dickey's will be received really well," Franchise Owner Chris Lottie said. "Austin is a great place to live and a great place to do business."

The Texas businessman has worked in the restaurant industry for many years, but this is his first venture as a franchisee for the company.

Lottie's business partner is Scott Morgan, a native of Austin.

"This is a really exciting time to be a part of the Dickey's brand because we growing so fast and expanding around the country," Morgan said. "But, what's most important to me is that Dickey's has always stayed true to its Texas roots. We are a chain restaurant, but all of our recipes are family recipes dating back to 1941—you can't get more authentic than that."

It seems all of Dickey's owners share Morgan and Lottie's enthusiasm about the brand.

"We have so many new Owner/Operators who are investing with us. In this economy, we are glad people trust us for success. It is a great feeling to help people stand on their own two feet and become their own boss," President of Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. Roland Dickey, Jr. said.

With the unemployment rate at a frightening high, Dickey's and their entrepreneurial partners are offering jobs to many and expanding when other businesses are shutting down.

"Our progress is surprising to a lot of folks, but it makes sense to us. People want to get out of the rat race," Dickey said. "In turn, these new stores are employing hundreds of people who otherwise would be on unemployment."

The first Dickey's Barbecue opened in 1941 in Dallas, TX.

The original location is still open for business and Dickey's Barbecue is still owned and operated by the Dickey Family.

Even today, Dickey's still slow smokes all of their signature meats overnight in every restaurant.  

For more information on Dickey's or owning a Dickey's franchise, visit www.dickeys.com

SOURCE Dickey’s Barbecue