The Story of Dickey’s BBQ: Quality Barbecue over Eight Decades
Founded in 1941 by Travis Dickey, Dickey’s BBQ has a long and storied history as one of the stalwarts of authentic Texas style barbecue. Originally started as a standalone location in Dallas, Texas, the popularity of Dickey’s BBQ has waxed throughout more than eight decades of operation, leading to its status today as the largest barbecue franchise in the United States. As such, when discussing the cornerstones of American barbecue, Dickey’s BBQ undeniably deserves mention.
In the beginning, Travis Dickey, a World War I veteran, had a simple goal: to serve customers great Texas-style barbecue. His inaugural menu comprised beef brisket, pit hams, barbecue beans, potato chips, beer, bottled milk, and sodas. Over the years, the menu has expanded, but Dickey’s BBQ has remained committed to providing its customers with the same high-quality barbecue with excellent customer service.
Today, there are over 500 Dickey’s BBQ locations across 44 states, cementing its place as a leader in the American foodservice industry. Despite the franchise’s impressive growth, each store continues to slow smoke its meats overnight, just as was done in the original location. Only the highest quality meats are chosen, subsequently smoked with hickory wood to ensure a bold and savory flavor. Their meticulous preparation serves as a testament to the restaurant’s dedication to authenticity.
Besides Texas-style barbecue, Dickey’s BBQ offers a plethora of classic sides such as creamy coleslaw, jalapeño beans, and the famous Original Barbecue Beans. To finish off the meal, customers are treated to a complimentary ice cream cone and those warm, buttery rolls that Dickey’s has turned into a franchise signature.
Over the years, Dickey’s BBQ has proven dedication to innovation while staying true to its roots. The establishment has gone on to develop creative methods to ensure customer satisfaction such as to-go meals and online sales of their signature smoked sausage. Despite the advancements, at its core, the Dickey’s BBQ experience still revolves around the quality of its basic product: the barbecue.
While the barbecue pits used at Dickey’s are commercial-grade equipment equipped to handle the high volume of a busy restaurant, many home barbecuers find a comparable experience using a good old-fashioned Weber Kettle. Renowned in barbecuing communities for its versatility and reliability, the Weber Kettle allows amateurs to replicate the low-and-slow smoking process that is the foundation of all great barbecue. Just like Dickey’s, using a Weber Kettle requires an understanding of the delicate balance of temperature and time, along with the quality of the meat and wood selection.
No matter the size of the operation, the essence of barbecue is a meticulous process that entails careful selection and preparation of meat, along with a suitable choice of wood for smoking. For Dickey’s, maintaining the integrity of this process has allowed it to thrive in an industry characterized by fleeting trends and constant competition. The result is a success story that spans over eighty years, bringing people across the country together over a shared love of quality barbecue.
In conclusion, Dickey’s BBQ has firmly integrated itself as a staple of the American culinary landscape. From a modest family start-up to a multi-state franchise, the steadfast commitment to quality and authenticity has ensured its longevity. Whether it’s through a commercial-grade pit or a humble Weber Kettle, the spirit of barbecue is alive and well at Dickey’s BBQ.