Dickey’s Barbecue Turns 84 and the Celebration is Smoking Hot

America’s Favorite Barbecue Brand Marks Its October 15 Birthday with Big Flavor, Big Rewards, and a Whole Lot of Texas Pride

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The pit is sizzling, the sauce is flowing, and the world’s largest barbecue brand is officially another year bolder. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is celebrating its 84th birthday today, honoring a legacy that began in 1941 when Travis Dickey Sr. fired up his first smoker in Dallas, Texas. Eight decades later, that same smoke-kissed flavor and family spirit are still fueling the fire.

“What started as one restaurant and one dream has grown into a global family of pitmasters and guests who share our love for authentic barbecue,” said Roland Dickey Jr., CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group. “My grandfather believed barbecue could bring people together, and after 84 years, that belief still drives everything we do. We’re proud of where we started, but even more excited about where we’re going.”

Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc., added, “This birthday isn’t just a look back, it’s a big thank you to every guest, every franchisee, and every team member who has made Dickey’s part of their story. We’ve built a tradition of Texas barbecue that connects generations, and that’s something worth celebrating in a big way.”

Celebrate with Triple Rewards and Texas-Sized Deals

Today only, Dickey’s fans can join the celebration with birthday offers that serve up both nostalgia and flavor:

Birthday Day Offers Include:

• Triple Points for Rewards Members
• $8.84 Birthday Combo featuring a Pulled Pork Sandwich, Barbecue Beans, and a Big Yellow Cup
• $19.41 Party Pack including one pound of Pulled Pork, a large side of Barbecue Beans, and Texas Toast

“These deals are our way of saying thank you to the guests who have stood by us for generations,” said Laura Rea Dickey. “Barbecue is about community, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with a plate full of slow-smoked perfection.”

Roland Dickey Jr. reflected on the family’s pride and the brand’s future. “This anniversary proves that staying true to your roots never goes out of style. We’ve evolved, grown, and innovated, but the heart of Dickey’s will always be great food, great people, and great Texas hospitality.”

84 Years of Smoke, Story, and Spirit

From one Dallas pit to hundreds of locations across the United States and beyond, Dickey’s has built a legacy of craftsmanship, community, and flavor that stands the test of time.

“Barbecue connects people in ways that few foods can,” said Laura Rea Dickey. “You can taste the history, the love, and the care in every bite. This milestone isn’t just about us — it’s about everyone who has ever sat down at a Dickey’s table. The best part is, we’re just getting started.”

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.