Professional Athlete Returns to His Roots With Dickey’s Barbecue

Professional Athlete Returns to His Roots With Dickey's BarbecueGijon Robinson, a tight end for the Indianapolis Colts, signs on to open a Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, America’s largest quick-serve barbecue, in his hometown of St. Robert, MO.

“After searching for the right opportunity, Dickey’s impressed me on all levels with great barbecue. The meat quality and overall food quality was something I could count on with a reasonable price point,” said Robinson, who will help in the operations during the off-season.

This will be the first franchise opportunity for Robinson, who received his business degree from Missouri Western State University, where he also played college football.

“We are so thrilled Dickey’s will be expanding to St. Robert,” President of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. Roland Dickey, Jr. said. “As our company grows, we grow as a family. This is another great opportunity for the company and an exciting endeavor for Gijon Robinson.”

Texas-based Dickey’s Barbecue Pit opened in 1941 and began franchising in 1994. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is well-known for their hot pit-smoked signature meats, complimentary ice cream and the big yellow cups.

Since early 2011, Dickey’s has opened 12 stores nationwide and 60 are set to open before the end of the year.

The preparation prior to opening a Dickey’s franchise is extensive, ensuring that owner/operators are thoroughly prepared to hit the ground running.

“We have so many new owner/operators who are investing with us. With this economy, we are glad people trust us for success and we certainly don’t take that for granted. Their victory is our victory and we don’t plan on going anywhere but up,” Dickey said.

The original Dallas location is still open for business and Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is still owned and operated by the Dickey Family.

There are 146 locations in 33 states.

Even today, Dickey’s still slow smokes all of their signature meats overnight in every restaurant.  

More information on Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is available at www.dickeys.com.

Franchising information is available at 866-340-6188.