The Man Behind the Barbecue: Mr. Dickey

The first Dickey's Barbecue Pit was opened in 1941 by Travis Dickey. Travis' two sons, Roland Dickey and T.D. Dickey Jr., took over the business in 1967. They began franchising the business in 1994 and experienced overwhelming success. The public loved their barbecue business model; Quality barbecue (and great sides) cooked slow and served fast! 

Roland Dickey became president of the company in 2006. Roland (now Mr. Dickey) is not exactly your typical corporate "big wig". He is a "good ole boy" from Dallas, Texas. Mr. Dickey loves to visit the franchisees and meet Dickey's customers. Talk to him about barbecue and you will instantly make a new best friend. 

Mr. Dickey recently visited the Minneapolis area and appeared on "Twin Cities Live". The next day he entertained the lunch crowd at the Dickey's Restaurant in Eagan, MN. He gave away signed copies of his cookbook, "Mr. Dickey's Barbecue Cookbook", (filled with great recipes and colorful stories) to the first 100 lucky customers. 

Mr. Dickey was accompanied by "Edna" (on the right) and Jami Zimmerman (left).

Edna does voiceovers for Dickey's radio and television ads. Jami is the Senior PR Manager for Dickey's. These lovely ladies mingled with the crowd, kept Mr. Dickey in line and distributed special discount offers to those who visited.

This sweet retired couple, Dave and Shirley saw Mr. Dickey on "Twin Cities Live" and drove over 100 miles from Granite Falls to meet Mr. Dickey in Eden Prairie. Talk about some real barbecue lovers right there!  

Tom Eggerud, the owner of the Eagan, Shakopee, and Plymouth Dickey's Barbecue Pits, had a great time hosting the visit of Mr. Dickey. A good time was truly had by all that day!