Dickey Foundation Awards $10K Grant for Police E-Bikes

Grant presentation to be held August 22 at North Branch PD with food provided by local Dickey’s Barbecue Pit

NORTH BRANCH, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Dickey Foundation, the charitable arm of Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, is proud to announce a $10,000 grant to the North Branch Police Department to support the purchase of two state-of-the-art electric bicycles (e-bikes). The official grant presentation will take place on Friday, August 22 at 11:30 a.m. at the North Branch Police Department. The event will include food catered by the local Dickey’s Barbecue Pit.

The grant is part of The Dickey Foundation’s ongoing mission to provide safety equipment and support to first responders across the country. “These e-bikes are more than just a mode of transportation. They’re a tool that enhances community policing, increases patrol flexibility, and boosts officer safety,” said Maurine Dickey, Executive Director of The Dickey Foundation. “We’re honored to support the North Branch Police Department in their efforts to serve and protect.”

Local franchisee Tim Davis, owner of the North Branch Dickey’s location, played a key role in connecting the department with the foundation. “Giving back to the communities we serve is at the heart of everything we do,” said Davis. “When we heard there was a need for better patrol resources, we knew The Dickey Foundation could help make it happen.”

North Branch Police Chief Dan Meyer shared his appreciation for the donation, emphasizing the practical impact the e-bikes will have on local policing. “These e-bikes will give our officers greater access during patrols and community events, especially in areas that are harder to reach with traditional vehicles,” said Meyer. “We’re extremely grateful to The Dickey Foundation and Dickey’s Barbecue for this generous support.”

Roland Dickey, Jr., CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group, echoed the importance of community-driven partnerships. “Dickey’s Barbecue was built on the idea of family and service,” said Dickey. “We’re proud that The Dickey Foundation continues that legacy by backing the brave men and women who serve our communities every day.”

The new e-bikes are expected to increase officer visibility and mobility during events, neighborhood patrols, and emergency response situations, providing a more agile, environmentally friendly solution to public safety.

This grant adds to the growing list of initiatives by The Dickey Foundation, which has donated equipment and funds to police, fire, and EMS departments in communities across the United States. To learn more about the Foundation’s work or to make a donation, visit www.thedickeyfoundation.org.

About The Dickey Foundation

The Dickey Foundation, formerly known as Barbecue, Boots & Badges, is the charitable arm of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. Dedicated to supporting first responders across the United States, the Foundation provides essential safety equipment, protective armor, rescue gear, and financial support to enhance the safety and well-being of those who risk their lives to protect their communities. By partnering with local franchisees and communities nationwide, The Dickey Foundation works tirelessly to ensure first responders have the tools and resources they need to keep us all safe. For more information or to get involved, visit www.thedickeyfoundation.org.

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.