Dallas, TX -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/24/2015 -- For any business, the success of its brand is its lifeblood. Brands represent the underlying ideals by which a business identifies and relates to its customers, and championing the values of a brand can help strengthen that relationship between a business and its audience. Dickey's Barbeque is a hugely popular Texas barbecue chain with over 500 stores, and CEO Roland Dickey Jr. is celebrating those who best embody the chain's brand values. The most recent Brand Championship awards has been given to Paul and Paula Bertino, of Mankato, Minnesota, and Tony Hayes in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Paul Bertino and his wife Paula have owned a Dickey's Franchise for 2 and a half years. Previously in product management and marketing for a regional communications company, Paul decided to open a Dickey's, the only fast casual barbecue option in his 50,000-person community, creating a baked potato buffet to help even vegetarians access the great taste of Dickey's.

Paul explained, ""What we love most about the Dickey's franchise model is the role catering plays into the overall business model. It's a huge revenue tool for us. On average, approximately 15- 20% of our business is catering. In-store business drives catering opportunities and catering drives in-store visits, so it just works – we have built a great following this way."

Twenty five year USAF veteran Tony Hayes and his wife Angela saw Dickey's as the ideal opportunity, "People say all the time, thank goodness you brought Dickey's to Tennessee, we love good Texas barbecue. Especially the smoked sausage and brisket, they are very hard to come by here in Tennessee."

Tony and Angela know that utilizing the tools and resources provided to Owner / Operators is key, and thanked Dickey's for their exceptional support.

A spokesperson for Roland Dickey Jr. explained, "Roland was insistent from the beginning that we implement the best and most comprehensive support system for our franchisees, and ensure they felt part of our family. Tony & Angela and Paul & Paula have really reciprocated that family feeling, and have given back more than we could ever have expected, which is why Roland is so pleased to recognize them as Dickey's Barbecue brand champions."

About Roland Dickey Jr.
Roland Dickey Jr. is the CEO of Dickey's Barbeque chain of fast-casual restaurants, and has led the franchise to over 500 stores and multiple awards, as well as being named one of the top 20 most influential restauranteurs. He regularly travels the country speaking at events and conferences on how franchises can reach the next level.

For more information please visit: http://www.rolanddickeyjr.com/