Local Entrepreneur Takes Over Rifle Dickey's, Commits to Preserving Community Favorite

Western Colorado resident steps in to preserve passion for hospitality, family and authentic Texas barbecue in downtown Rifle

DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A new Pit Master has stepped behind the smoker at Dickey's Barbecue Pit in downtown Rifle, but guests can rest assured that the same slow-smoked barbecue they know and love isn't going anywhere.

Local entrepreneur and longtime small business owner Cobus van Rooyen officially assumed ownership of the Dickey's Barbecue Pit located at 117 W. 4th Street on National Brisket Day, earlier this summer, established by the former franchisee Pasang Sherpa and his family, who served the Rifle community for more than a decade.

Before entering the barbecue business, van Rooyen spent nearly 15 years in the pool and spa industry as both a manager and owner operator in the Fort Worth area. After relocating to western Colorado approximately three years ago, he quickly fell in love with Rifle's rugged landscape, welcoming neighbors and outdoor lifestyle.

“I wanted my boys to grow up surrounded by nature and experience more of the outdoors," said van Rooyen. "Rifle and the surrounding area reminded me of home. When the opportunity came to become part of a business that has been serving this community for years, I knew it was something special.”

While the ownership transition took place behind the scenes and the restaurant remained open throughout the process, guests can expect the same commitment to quality, hospitality and authentic barbecue that has made Dickey's a local favorite.

“Dickey's has been around since 1941, and a family business doesn't last that long without passion and purpose," he added. "Before acquiring the restaurant, I would sit in the dining room and watch families enjoy meals together. You could see people relax and connect over great barbecue. That's what attracted me to this community fixture.”

Dickey’s first landed onto Rifle’s dining scene in 2023, and since then has been introducing the “Hub of the Valley” 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 a proprietary applewood pellet blend. 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 Rifle location, which also serves chicken wings, fall-off-the-bone ribs, giant loaded baked potatoes, smoked ham & cheddar sandwiches, and other rotating menu items.

Dickey’s in Rifle is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Learn more about van Rooyen'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.