DALLAS, Dec. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Dickey's Barbecue Pit, a family legacy that began in a one room location 70 years ago, opens its 200th location today, December 17th in Abilene.
"I never thought it would get to 200 stores. I remember when 100 was the goal and thinking to myself there is just no way. The Dickey family has really done a great job and should be proud-I know I am," said Dale Smith, a Dickey's franchise owner. "I don't see the Dickey family slowing down after the 200th. I see them continuing the growth with the same enthusiasm they have now."
Dale and his father, Frank Smith, were one of the first Dickey's franchise owners. They opened their first location in 1995 in Mesquite, Texas. Dale was 28 years old and Frank was 51 years old.
"My father and I have seen the brand grow from 10 stores to 200. It's been an amazing ride and we have enjoyed working with the Dickey family," said Dale Smith. "They treat their franchise owners like family and that's something special."
Today, Dwain Carpenter and his son Garrett are opening the doors to their first Dickey's location, just like the Smith's did 16 years ago. Garrett is the general manager of the store.
"I wanted to make sure that if I couldn't be at the store for some reason that I could at least have someone who I could trust whole heartedly to run the show-and that's Garrett," said Carpenter. "Garrett has put in countless hours into this store. He is one of the main reasons we were able to do this."
Today Dickey's celebrates a milestone, 200 restaurants and an extended family that reaches across 36 states nationwide.
"The future is bright for Dickey's not only will we continue to grow our family, but we will continue to stay rooted in the tradition established by my grandfather just over 70 years ago."
It's been banner year for Dickey's, with the introduction of its catering hotline, 1-866-BARBECUE, and the achievement of 200 stores. As Dickey's moves into 2012 it is all about exceptional customer service and satisfying the craving of barbecue lovers everywhere.
About Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants
Founded in 1941, Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants began in Dallas, Texas. More than 70 years later, Dickey's is now the leader of fast-casual barbecue in the country. Beginning with an aggressive growth strategy and proven business model, and since implementing its proprietary five revenue streams for business growth, Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants can now be found in 36 states and 200 locations nationwide. For more information on partnering with Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants in any location, call (866) 340-6188 or visit www.dickeys.com. Also visit our corporate Facebook page at www.facebook.com/dickeysbarbecuepit. Dickey's: Passionate about the Art of Great Barbecue.
Media Contact:
Kate Morganelli
972.248.9899
kmorganelli@dickeys.com
SOURCE Dickey's Barbecue
