Dallas, TX -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/07/2015 -- Dickey's Barbeque Restaurants are a third generation, family owned company, and are now under the leadership of Roland Dickey Jr. When he took custodianship of the company in 2006, they had just twenty restaurants. Now, in 2015, they have just celebrated opening their 500th.

The grandson of company founder Travis Dickey, Sr., Roland was recently interviewed in CEO Magazine about the explosion, "A company is either growing or shrinking. We're blazing new trails. No one has ever done what we're doing. We are bringing barbecue across the country."

As CEO, Roland Dickey Jr. has elevated his family's company to new heights by enthusiastically leading its evolution from a local barbecue joint to the fast-casual chain it is today. Through carefully choosing franchise partners and developing territories strategically, Roland has made Dickey's the largest BBQ joint in the US. This has been recognized by Inc. and the Dallas Business Journal, among others as one of the fastest growing companies in the nation.

The business still prides itself on authentic, down-home food, served with a signature brand of southern hospitality, and unlike many chains has managed to retain that identity while expanding aggressively. Because of this, they won the reader's choice for best barbeque in the Dallas Observer and are one of the top 25 chain innovators named by Foodservice Equipment and Supplies.

Dickey received his Bachelor of Business Administration from Southern Methodist University, and joined the family business in 1999 after gaining experience in leadership positions with a national Mexican food chain. Now, he is personally known as one of the Power 20 in the restaurant industry by Restaurant Business Magazine.

A spokesperson for Dickey's Barbeque explained, "We want to thank Roland Dickey Jr. for everything he has done in transforming the success of this company. He has created one of the best franchise deals in the industry, and that generosity is reflected by those who take the franchise, making it one of the best places to work for employees. Best of all, all this has been recognized not just by those of us who live and work for Dickey's, but by authorities in the industry. We wanted to thank Roland for all he has done, and look forward to his next innovation."

About Dickey's Barbeque
Dickey's Barbecue Pit prides itself on authenticity, innovation and barbecue sauce, one store at a time. With roots in Dallas, Travis Dickey set out to perfect Texas-style barbecue. In 1941, Travis Dickey opened the first Dickey's Barbecue Pit in Dallas, Texas. In 2015, there are now more than 500 nationwide. For more information please visit: https://www.dickeys.com/