Federal Court Dismisses Meritless Lawsuit Against Dickey’s Executive, Vindicating Company

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dickey’s Barbecue Pit today announced a significant legal victory after the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois dismissed a lawsuit filed by a franchisee against former company executive Stephen Mullett. The court's decision effectively ends the franchisee's baseless claims and vindicates the actions of the company and its leadership.

The lawsuit, brought by G Six Consulting LLC, made unfounded allegations of fraudulent inducement and misrepresentation. In a decisive ruling, the court granted Mr. Mullett’s motion to dismiss for lack of personal jurisdiction, applying the fiduciary shield doctrine. This legal principle affirmed that Mr. Mullett's actions were performed exclusively in his official corporate capacity on behalf of Dickey's Barbecue Pit, not for any personal interest.

The dismissal highlights the plaintiff's law firm, Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A.'s litigation approach. Court filings indicated that Mr. Mullett had attempted to disqualify the firm, alleging it was orchestrating a coordinated campaign against Dickey's through potentially unethical legal strategies.

"We are very pleased with the court's swift dismissal of this meritless lawsuit," said Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. "This ruling confirms that the case was a baseless attempt to unfairly target one of our executives. Dickey's is proud of our franchise system and our corporate integrity. We will always stand firm and vigorously defend our brand and our team against unfounded accusations and predatory legal maneuvers."

Dickey's Barbecue Pit remains focused on supporting its hundreds of owner/operators across the nation and providing guests with the Legit. Texas. Barbecue.™ they have loved for over 80 years.

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.