A Misleading Narrative
An article in the New York Post painted a misleading picture of Dickey’s Barbecue Pit’s franchising success by focusing on a few unsuccessful cases. This skewed portrayal ignores the overwhelming number of thriving owner-operators and the robust support system. This support has made Dickey’s the world’s largest barbecue franchise. The narrative presented by the New York media is a tragic mischaracterization. It overlooks the brand’s long history of success and its partnership approach with franchisees. This highlights Dickey’s franchise success.
The Truth About Dickey’s Owner-Operators
Dickey’s refers to its franchisees as “owner-operators” for a reason: they are looking for hands-on partners who are dedicated to the business. This isn’t a passive investment; it’s a collaborative relationship built on a shared passion for authentic Texas-style barbecue. While the restaurant business is notoriously challenging, the vast majority of Dickey’s owner-operators are highly successful. The brand has been franchising for over 30 years. Its global presence is a testament to the strength and resilience of its business model, further proving Dickey’s franchise success.
The New York Post article highlights two former franchisees. However, their experiences are not representative of the larger franchise system. A negative outcome is often the result of an owner-operator’s individual choices or a failure to follow the proven business model. As Dennis Dacheaux Sr., a 10-year Dickey’s franchise owner in Pennsylvania, states, “People who say they were shocked by what was expected are just wrong… I doubt there’s really an owner-operator who needed and asked for help who didn’t get it.” This sentiment is echoed by Gary Mulligan, a New Jersey owner-operator and former nuclear physicist. He stresses the importance of educating yourself before getting into the business. Biraj Patel, a successful owner for seven years in New Jersey, adds, “I knew exactly what I was getting into. They’ve been behind me the whole way, demonstrating Dickey’s franchise success.”
Setting the Record Straight
In a very interesting move, Dickey released the recorded interview with The New York Post.
The article failed to include critical information provided by Dickey’s. It opted instead for a sensationalized narrative. For instance, the case of former Long Island area developer Jerry Stefan was a matter of mutual termination because he failed to meet the necessary operational benchmarks. Dickey’s believes in the principle of “nail it before you scale it” to ensure the success of the entire franchise system. Achieving Dickey’s franchise success requires commitment to these principles.
Furthermore, Dickey’s provided unprecedented support to its franchisees during the COVID-19 pandemic, a period of immense challenge for the entire restaurant industry. In one case mentioned by the New York Times, Dickey’s actually paid over $50,000 in bills to help a struggling franchisee try to succeed. This level of financial and operational guidance demonstrates a deep commitment to their partners. The New York media completely ignored this.
A Commitment to the Market
Despite the negative press, Dickey’s remains dedicated to the New York and New Jersey markets, where it has many successful owner-operators. The company is actively seeking new partners who share its passion for quality barbecue and are ready to be hands-on in their business. Dickey’s invites any journalist who wants a complete and accurate picture to speak directly with its numerous successful franchisees across the country. The success of Dickey’s is not a matter of luck. It’s a result of a strong business model, unwavering support, and a partnership approach that empowers its owner-operators to thrive, underlining Dickey’s franchise success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did the New York Post article misrepresent Dickey’s?
A: The article highlighted only a couple of negative cases while omitting key facts and context provided by Dickey’s leadership.
Q: What makes Dickey’s franchise model successful?
A: Active owner involvement, a proven system, rigorous training, and continuous corporate support.
Q: Are most Dickey’s owner-operators successful?
A: Yes. The vast majority operate profitable restaurants. Negative outcomes usually result from failing to follow the system or engage fully in operations.
Q: How does Dickey’s support franchisees?
A: Through Barbecue University training, real estate and construction guidance, daily webinars, operational resources, and even financial aid in extraordinary situations like the COVID-19 pandemic. These strategies emphasize Dickey’s franchise success.
Q: Is Dickey’s still growing in New York and New Jersey?
A: Absolutely. The brand remains dedicated to these markets, with thriving operators already in place and new opportunities available.
Full Washington Post interview