Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, founded in 1941 by Travis Dickey in Dallas, Texas, has grown into a prominent family-owned barbecue restaurant chain. Specializing in authentic, Texas-style barbecue, the brand offers a variety of slow-smoked meats, including beef brisket, pulled pork, pork ribs, Polish sausage, spicy cheddar sausage, hot links, and chicken.
Complementing these main dishes are homestyle sides such as fried okra, jalapeño beans, green beans with bacon, waffle iron fries, barbecue beans, Caesar or garden salads, macaroni and cheese, corn on the cob, and onion tanglers. Notably, the original recipes from its inception continue to be used today.
The company began franchising in 1994, expanding its reach across the United States and internationally. As of May 2020, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit operated 457 locations.
However, recent reports indicate a decline in the number of operating units, with over 30 locations closing in 2024, following nearly 100 closures in 2023. Despite these challenges, the brand has continued its international expansion, opening locations in countries such as Canada, the United Arab Emirates, and Japan.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit differentiates itself by offering multiple revenue streams for franchisees, including dine-in, catering, online ordering, outside delivery, retail items, and holiday meals. The company emphasizes community involvement and support for first responders through The Dickey Foundation.
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Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Dickey’s Barbecue Pit franchise? It costs on average between $182,000 – $466,000 to start a Dickey’s Barbecue Pit franchised restaurant.
This includes costs for construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating expenses. The exact amount depends on various factors, including the type of restaurant you choose, the location, and whether the franchisee chooses to lease or purchase the property. Indeed, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit offers 3 types of franchises:
| Restaurant Type | Initial Investment Range |
|---|---|
| Delivery-Carryout Restaurants | $189,066 to $272,562 |
| Non-Traditional Restaurants | $181,816 to $237,252 |
| Traditional Restaurants | $336,066 to $465,561 |
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening aDickey’s Barbecue Pit franchised Traditional Restaurants. For more information on costs required to start a Dickey’s Barbecue Pit franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $20,000 |
| Architectural Plans | $15,500 – $20,000 |
| Permits | $1,400 – $15,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $175,000 – $295,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment | $125,000 – $160,000 |
| Graphics | $4,000 – $6,000 |
| Digital Menu Boards | $3,600 – $4,700 |
| Signage | $12,000 – $14,000 |
| Point of Sale Computer and Technology | $5,000 – $7,000 |
| Tenant Improvements | $30,000 – $90,000 |
| SUB-TOTAL (Construction) | $331,500 – $451,700 |
Average Revenue (AUV)
How much revenue can you make with a Dickey’s Barbecue Pit franchise? A Dickey’s Barbecue Pit franchised restaurant makes on average $257,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.
This compares to $1,538,000 yearly revenue for similar steakhouse & grill franchises. Below are a few Dickey’s Barbecue Pit competitors as a comparison:
The most profitable franchises to own in 2025
We have compiled the list of the top 400 franchises across 9 industries. Download the report below.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Dickey’s Barbecue Pit locations are there?
As of the latest data, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit operates approximately 400 locations, with a mix of both company-owned and franchise-owned units.
What is the total investment required to open a Dickey’s Barbecue Pit franchise?
The total investment required to open a Dickey’s Barbecue Pit franchise ranges from $182,000 to $466,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Dickey’s Barbecue Pit franchise?
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit franchisees pay a 5% royalty fee and a 2% marketing fee based on gross sales.
What are the financial requirements to become a Dickey’s Barbecue Pit franchisee?
To become a Dickey’s Barbecue Pit franchisee, you must have a minimum net worth required is $450,000, and you must have at least $100,000 in liquid capital. These financial criteria ensure that franchisees have the necessary resources to support initial investment costs and operational expenses.
How much can a Dickey’s Barbecue Pit franchise owner expect to earn?
The average gross sales for a Dickey’s Barbecue Pit franchise are approximately $0.26 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $0.26 million yearly revenue can result in $39,000 EBITDA annually.
Who owns Dickey’s Barbecue Pit?
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit franchise is owned by Dickey’s Capital Group, which is controlled by the Dickey family. The company remains privately held and is led by CEO Laura Rea Dickey, who has played a key role in the brand’s expansion and technological advancements.
Disclaimer
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