Dallas, October 11, 2025
News Summary
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has reported net unit growth in an expanding market, opening 46 new restaurants and surpassing 400 locations despite facing franchisee criticisms and legal disputes. The brand continues to focus on profitability and franchisee support, bolstering its operations through research and development while addressing concerns raised by some franchisees regarding financial transparency. The largest barbecue franchise globally aims for sustained growth as it navigates these challenges.
Dallas — Dickey’s Barbecue Pit reported net unit growth in 2025 and pushed past 400 operating locations, signaling expansion amid public criticism from some franchisees and ongoing legal disputes.
Key developments
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit achieved net restaurant unit growth in 2025, surpassing 400 locations for the first time since the pandemic. The brand opened 46 new restaurants by mid-2025 and is on pace to exceed 60 openings by year-end. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit remains the largest barbecue franchise in the world.
Details on expansion and operations
The company said it closed off troubled locations to concentrate on profitability and quality, and it has invested in research and development (R&D) to strengthen its market presence. Dickey’s has implemented measures to support its franchisees, including regular performance assessments and in-person visits. Over 100 current and former franchisees expressed confidence in the brand, noting the importance of franchisee engagement for success. Franchise owners and company leaders described the current phase as one of focused growth and operational refinement.
Scale and brand profile
Dickey’s has seen a revitalization of its worldwide footprint, with more than 866 restaurants across eight concepts in the U.S. and internationally. The brand was founded in 1941 and has continued to expand as a third-generation family-run business. The chain’s signature barbecue is slow-smoked over hickory wood-burning pits and is sold alongside a selection of Southern-style side dishes. The company has received several industry recognitions, including placement on national brand lists and franchise rankings.
Franchisee concerns and legal actions
Recently, 37 current and former franchisees raised concerns to The New York Times regarding the franchisee experience, claiming misleading financial information. In addition, Gregory Restaurant Group filed a lawsuit against Dickey’s Barbecue over claims of misrepresentation regarding vendor expectations. Dickey’s denies these allegations, asserting that franchisees have control over their construction and financing choices. The company plans to contest the lawsuit and remains confident in its business practices.
Company response and franchise support
Company leadership has emphasized data, context, and sustained engagement with franchise owners to address performance issues and respond to criticism. Dickey’s has said it will continue to assess underperforming sites, enhance training and operational support, and pursue product and process innovation through R&D investments. The stated priorities are franchise profitability, guest satisfaction, and operational quality.
Industry context and outlook
Restaurant franchising has faced pressure from rising costs, shifting consumer behavior, and elevated media scrutiny. Dickey’s results and actions reflect a mix of growth-driven openings and selective closures intended to strengthen the overall system. Executives and many franchise owners framed current developments as part of a broader revitalization effort that aims to position the brand for sustained performance in a competitive market.
Background
Founded in 1941, the brand operates multiple concepts across domestic and international markets and describes itself as a family-run organization across multiple generations. Its expansion strategy has combined traditional franchise growth with targeted support programs, vendor relationships, and in-house research initiatives to refine menu, service, and profitability tools for operators.
What to watch next
Observers will track final 2025 unit counts, the outcome of the Gregory Restaurant Group lawsuit, and whether the company meets its stated goals for profitability and franchisee satisfaction. The balance between new openings and the closure or retooling of underperforming locations will be a key indicator of how leadership and franchisees navigate the current environment.
FAQ
Q: What growth did Dickey’s report in 2025?
A: Dickey’s Barbecue Pit achieved net restaurant unit growth in 2025, surpassing 400 locations for the first time since the pandemic.
Q: How many new restaurants were opened by mid-2025 and what is the year-end target?
A: The brand opened 46 new restaurants by mid-2025 and is on pace to exceed 60 openings by year-end.
Q: Is Dickey’s a major franchise in its category?
A: Dickey’s Barbecue Pit remains the largest barbecue franchise in the world.
Q: What is the company’s current footprint?
A: Dickey’s has seen a revitalization of its worldwide footprint, with more than 866 restaurants across eight concepts in the U.S. and internationally.
Q: Have franchisees raised concerns publicly?
A: Recently, 37 current and former franchisees raised concerns to The New York Times regarding the franchisee experience, claiming misleading financial information.
Q: Has any franchisee taken legal action?
A: Gregory Restaurant Group filed a lawsuit against Dickey’s Barbecue over claims of misrepresentation regarding vendor expectations.
Q: How has Dickey’s responded to the allegations and lawsuit?
A: Dickey’s denies these allegations, asserting that franchisees have control over their construction and financing choices.
Q: What will the company do next about the lawsuit?
A: The company plans to contest the lawsuit and remains confident in its business practices.
Q: What support measures has Dickey’s put in place for franchisees?
A: Dickey’s has implemented measures to support its franchisees, including regular performance assessments and in-person visits.
Q: How many franchisees have expressed confidence in the brand?
A: Over 100 current and former franchisees expressed confidence in the brand, noting the importance of franchisee engagement for success.
Q: What operational changes has the company made?
A: The brand has closed off troubled locations to focus on profitability and quality.
Q: What investments has the company made to strengthen itself?
A: Dickey’s invested in research and development (R&D) to strengthen its market presence.
Q: What are the company’s main priorities going forward?
A: The company is focused on maintaining franchise profitability, guest satisfaction, and operational quality.
Features and figures
| Feature | Key figure or statement |
|---|---|
| Net growth in 2025 | Dickey’s Barbecue Pit achieved net restaurant unit growth in 2025, surpassing 400 locations for the first time since the pandemic. |
| Openings by mid-2025 | The brand opened 46 new restaurants by mid-2025 and is on pace to exceed 60 openings by year-end. |
| Global footprint | Dickey’s has seen a revitalization of its worldwide footprint, with more than 866 restaurants across eight concepts in the U.S. and internationally. |
| Franchisee concerns | Recently, 37 current and former franchisees raised concerns to The New York Times regarding the franchisee experience, claiming misleading financial information. |
| Legal action | Gregory Restaurant Group filed a lawsuit against Dickey’s Barbecue over claims of misrepresentation regarding vendor expectations. |
| Company posture | Dickey’s denies these allegations, asserting that franchisees have control over their construction and financing choices. |
| Company priorities | The company is focused on maintaining franchise profitability, guest satisfaction, and operational quality. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Business Wire: Setting the Record Straight on Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
- Dallas News: Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Franchise Locations
- The New York Times: Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Franchise Analysis
- Joplin Globe: Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Story of Strength and Renewal
- WFAA: Dickey’s Barbecue Denies Fraud Claims
- Wikipedia: Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
- Google Search: Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
- Google Scholar: Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
- Google News: Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
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