Dickey's Barbecue Pit Responds to Frivolous, False Lawsuit Claims

DALLAS, July 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. has issued a statement in response to a lawsuit filed by a former Houston franchisee, asserting that the allegations are false, without merit and misrepresent the company's franchise model.

The success of Dickey's Barbecue Pit has been built on a foundation of integrity and a strong partnership with our owner-operators. While it is not typical to comment on active litigation, the claims in this lawsuit contain significant factual inaccuracies that require clarification.

"Our franchise model is designed to empower our partners as independent business owners," said Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey's Barbecue Pit. "We provide a proven framework for success, brand standards, and a robust business model with an ongoing support system. During the development and construction process, we provide franchisees with vetted third-party vendors as an optional resource. We also give franchisees the option to submit outside vendors for use during their development process, including general contractors. Franchisees are solely in charge of funding or financing their own restaurant build out, outside of Dickey's. The ultimate choice of who to hire for construction, financing, or any other development service rests entirely with the franchisee."

The lawsuit incorrectly suggests that the former franchisee was required to use specific companies for his loan and construction. This is inaccurate. It is important to clarify that Dickey's reviews all vendors to ensure they are legitimate, bonded, and/or insured. The franchisee exercised complete autonomy in making the final decision regarding the vendor selection, and was not required by Dickey's to use any specific vendor.

The core of the complaint deals with the management of construction funds. The franchise and loan agreements signed by the former franchisee make it clear that the franchisee is solely responsible for selecting the vendors, and authorizing payments from their lender. Dickey's is not a party to its franchisees' financing agreements and has no control over how loan funds are disbursed. This dispute is a matter between the former franchisee and the independent companies he chose to hire.

The assertion that these third-party vendors acted as agents of Dickey's is false. Both are separate companies with their own management. The relationship with them is a standard one between a franchisor and an approved vendor, a common practice in the industry. In this particular situation, Dickey's had no prior relationship with either vendor. In addition, no other Dickey's franchisee has selected these particular vendors for the construction or financing of their restaurants. Dickey's has no knowledge of the relationship details, accusations or merit of the claims amongst these independent parties.

Dickey's will stand up against any legal actions without foundation and remains confident that the legal process will affirm that Dickey's has honored all its contractual obligations and acted with integrity. We stand by our franchise system and our continuing commitment to the success of the entire Dickey's family of owner-operators.

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 over 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.

SOURCE Dickey’s Barbecue Pit