Dickey's Barbecue Pit Staying Strong in Oviedo

OVIEDO, Fla., Jan. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas-based Dickey's Barbecue, the largest barbecue chain in the country, has quickly become a regional favorite in Oviedo, Florida—and according to local owner, Corey Warren, they don't plan on slowing down any time soon.

"It has been a great few years for Dickey's here in Florida," Warren said, who took over for the previous owner just shy of one year ago. "The barbecue is a bit different from the kind we have around here and people seem to love it. I am looking forward to a strong and prosperous 2011 for the area and for my business."

The restaurant's doors first opened in March 2009.

When Warren discovered the restaurant was available to take over, he didn't hesitate.

"I have always wanted to own my own restaurant," Warren said in April, 2010 shortly after taking ownership. "When this opportunity opened up, I jumped at the chance."

When asked why he thinks Dickey's has been so successful, Warren said it was a combination of his love for good food paired with a relentless dedication to make it work.

"I really like Dickey's food and wanted to bring it to Florida. I felt that there was a market here in Oviedo that was missing something and I wanted to share great barbecue with them," he said.

Warren credits his store's success to the support of customers and community partnerships.

"We are currently in a partnership with Cheney Elementary School. It is important to me to help support the local school. We participate in different fundraising events with them throughout the year.  We also are partners with the Central Florida Cruisers," the owner said.

Dickey's will be holding a "cruise in" during the month of January to showcase an array of cars.  

The event is open to everyone.

Patrons will enjoy great food and timeless rides.

'MAKING IT THEIR OWN'

Dickey's encourages all franchise owners to make their restaurants store their own.

"We want to give the franchisees a foundation for success with a strong business model and ongoing support, but then we leave it in their hands to make their Dickey's a community staple," President Roland Dickey Jr. said. "We are a family brand, not just family owned but family oriented—it is important for Dickey's to give back in every market."

Dickey's is a national brand, but each restaurant is locally owned.

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.

Dickey's only began franchising in 1994.

Today, there are 139 locations in 33 states.

The brand has enjoyed a 35% growth rate over the past 2 years and continues to climb.

With 60 locations currently in the pipeline, set to open in 2011, Dickey is confident this will be the company's best year yet.

"It is our time," the President said, smiling. "First it was pizza, subs, then burgers and now its barbecue. Dickey's is front and center. It is a really exciting time to be a part of what is about to happen."

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

For more information about dickeys, visit www.dickeys.com.

For Dickey's franchising information call 866-340-6188.

SOURCE Dickey’s Barbecue