Local Entrepreneur Takes Over Tacoma Dickey’s, Introduces Upgrades and Extended Hours

New local ownership brings behind-the-scenes enhancements and an even better experience for barbecue fans

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A new Pit Master has taken over the smoker at Dickey’s Barbecue Pit located at 5104 6^th Avenue in Tacoma and is firing up some changes to better meat the needs of the community.

Longtime business transformation visionary and U.S. Army veteran Michael Cheong-Leen is the new Franchisee of the Tacoma Dickey’s Barbecue Pit and since taking over ownership in March, he’s already making notable changes to the beloved barbecue joint.

Recognizing that great barbecue deserves an equally great beverage, Cheong-Leen recently expanded the restaurant’s drink selection with several new draft offerings. Guests can now pair their favorite slow-smoked barbecue with Narrows Brewing Mexican Lager, 7 Seas Rude Parrot IPA or Portland Cider Company Huckleberry Lemonade Cider, all now available on tap at Dickey’s in Tacoma and perfectly suited to complement any Legit. Texas. Barbecue. ™ meal.

Additionally, community members will find enhanced furniture and fixtures in the restrooms and behind the scenes, Cheong-Leen made several extensive kitchen upgrades to provide faster speed of service and improve overall operational performance.

Guests looking for a late-night barbecue fix can take advantage of the restaurant’s newly extended weekend hours, with Dickey’s now serving its full lineup of fan-favorite menu items until midnight.

"When the opportunity came to take over this Dickey's location, I saw it as a chance to build something special for the Tacoma community," said Cheong-Leen. "Dickey's has always been known for upholding Southern barbecue traditions and serving quality, slow-smoked proteins, and my goal is to pair that with a welcoming, modern and comfortable space where people can gather, connect and enjoy a great meal. Whether you're a longtime fan or haven't visited Dickey's in a while, I'd love for you to stop by, meet our team, get to know me and experience everything we're doing to make this restaurant a place our community can be proud of."

Dickey’s first landed onto Tacoma’s dining scene in 2013, and since then has been introducing the “City of Destiny” to the deliciousness of authentic, slow-smoked Texas-style barbecue. It didn’t take long for fans across the area to discover the delicious difference in Dickey’s craveable ‘cue.

The Dickey’s difference starts with its approach to smoking premium cuts of brisket, pork, chicken and kielbasa sausage low and slow for hours over hickory wood. The barbecue brand, which has been serving smoked favorites since opening its first location in Texas in 1941, features classic American barbecue staples such as pulled pork, brisket, coleslaw, barbecue beans, and potato salad. In addition, longtime barbecue fans and newcomers alike can indulge their taste buds at the Tacoma location, which also serves chicken wings, fall-off-the-bone ribs, giant loaded baked potatoes, smoked ham & cheddar sandwiches, and other rotating menu items.

As part of Dickey’s commitment to the communities it serves, the restaurant will engage with local schools, sports teams and nonprofit organizations through fundraising opportunities and sponsorships. The Tacoma location is already actively supporting the community through partnerships with the Steilacoom Annual Salmon Bake, which benefits the Steilacoom Historical Museum Association, collaborations with the Pierce County Veterans Advisory Board to promote veteran employment and business ownership, and initiatives that support nonprofits serving unhoused individuals throughout Pierce County.

Beginning on June 19, Dickey’s in Tacoma will be open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., with extended Friday and Saturday hours from 11 a.m. to midnight.

Learn more about Cheon-Leen’s journey to becoming a Dickey’s Pit Master in his franchise feature. Stay up to date with Dickey’s by following their dedicated Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok. Download the Dickey’s Barbecue Pit app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

About Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc.

Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc., the world’s largest barbecue restaurant brand, was founded in 1941 by World War I Veteran, Mr. Travis Dickey. For the past 85 years, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has served millions of guests Legit. Texas. Barbecue.™ alongside their iconic Big Yellow Cup. The Dallas-based barbecue franchise lead by the third generation serves slow-smoked meats and home-style sides with 'No B.S. (Bad Stuff)' for dine-in, drive-thru (select locations) and pick-up. Plus, ‘Cue the catering experts at Dickey’s by dialing the Catering Hotline at [phone] or visiting Dickey’s website to order or get a quote. For more information, visit www.dickeys.com.