From proving himself outside the family business to transforming a legacy brand into a diversified enterprise, Roland Dickey, Jr. has played a pivotal role in the evolution of the Dickey’s name. Now, as CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group, he’s focused on strategic growth and innovation across the Dickey family portfolio while continuing to fuel the fire that started in a single Dallas barbecue joint in 1941.
A Legacy Built on Smoke, Spice, and Strategy
Barbecue is in Roland Dickey, Jr.’s blood – literally. As the grandson of Travis Dickey, the founder of Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, and the son of Roland Dickey, Sr., Roland Jr. grew up steeped in the traditions of Texas-style barbecue. He learned the family’s signature smoking process firsthand, spending time in the kitchens and smokehouses long before holding any formal title.
But unlike many legacy business leaders, Roland Dickey, Jr. wasn’t handed a position in the family company. In fact, he wasn’t even allowed to join the Dickey’s brand until he proved himself elsewhere. After graduating with a degree in Business Administration from Southern Methodist University, he began his career outside the family business. He worked his way up through the restaurant industry, eventually becoming General Manager at a separate brand. He earned his stripes through hands on leadership, operational expertise, and team-building success.
Joining the Family Business
In 1999, after demonstrating his capabilities, Roland Dickey, Jr. officially joined Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. This was a pivotal moment not only in his career but in the trajectory of the Dickey’s brand itself. At that time, Dickey’s had fewer than 25 locations. With Roland Jr. stepping into key roles across the company, the brand entered a decade of explosive growth.
In 2006, he became CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc., a position he held for the next 10 years. Under his leadership, the brand saw unprecedented expansion – growing from a regional chain into the largest barbecue franchise in the world.
Dickey’s was named the “Fastest Growing Restaurant Chain” by Technomic in 2013, earned “Top 5 Growth Brand” by Nation’s Restaurant News, and was recognized by QSR Magazine as a “Best Franchise Deal” in both 2012 and 2015. Roland Jr. himself was named to NRN’s 50 Most Powerful People in Foodservice, and D Magazine listed him among the Top 500 CEOs in Dallas.
A New Chapter: Dickey’s Capital Group
In 2016, after a decade at the helm of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc., Roland Dickey, Jr. saw a bigger need. The brand had matured into a major national presence, and he recognized the importance of vertically integrating the business to ensure long term success. That same year, he made a bold and strategic move: he stepped down as CEO of the restaurant group and created Dickey’s Capital Group (DCG).
It’s a distinction that bears repeating: Roland Dickey, Jr. has not been the CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. since 2016. That role was passed to Laura Rea Dickey, who had previously served as the company’s CIO. Her appointment marked the first time a non-family member led the brand, though Laura Rea Dickey is married to Roland Jr., continuing the family legacy in a new generation.
Since then, Roland Jr. has been focused entirely on Dickey’s Capital Group, where he serves as Chief Executive Officer. DCG is the holding and investment company that oversees the broader Dickey family portfolio, including:
• Consumer retail products
• Food manufacturing (including sauces, spices, and smoked proteins) • Real estate assets
• Eight family-owned Dickey’s Barbecue restaurants
• Strategic collaboration with Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. and Spark Hospitality Technology
His mission with DCG is clear: continue building on the legacy his grandfather started while expanding into new industries and verticals that support the core business.
Innovation in Action: WD Provisions and Supply Chain Evolution
One of Dickey Jr.’s most innovative contributions to the Dickey’s ecosystem came with the creation of WD Provisions, a USDA-inspected manufacturing and distribution facility based in Mesquite, Texas. This state-of-the-art operation has allowed the brand to scale its operations, ensure quality and consistency across franchise locations, and take greater control over the supply chain.
In recognition of this achievement, Dickey’s Capital Group was honored in 2023 by Franchise Update Media with the Most Innovative Supply Chain Improvements Award. The facility stands as a testament to Roland Jr.’s vision for sustainable, scalable infrastructure—one that supports not just restaurants, but grocery retail, eCommerce, and future growth in consumer-packaged goods.
Staying True to the Brand While Looking Ahead
Even as the brand evolves into new territories and technologies, Roland Dickey, Jr. remains steadfast in preserving the heart of what makes Dickey’s Barbecue special: authentic, slow-smoked Texas barbecue served with southern hospitality. While the reach has expanded across the U.S. and into global markets, the commitment to quality, community, and family values has never wavered.
Through Dickey’s Capital Group, Roland Jr. has successfully diversified the business, ensuring it is no longer solely reliant on restaurant operations. From sauces on grocery shelves to meat shipped directly to consumers, DCG is paving the way for Dickey’s to thrive across a variety of industries and revenue channels.
Clarifying Leadership: Who Leads What?
To avoid confusion, it’s essential to clarify the distinction between Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. and Dickey’s Capital Group:
• Roland Dickey, Jr. is the CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group, the holding company that oversees real estate, food manufacturing, retail, and strategic investments. • Laura Rea Dickey is the CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc., the operating company responsible for the franchise system, marketing, and day-to day restaurant operations.
• Roland Jr. stepped down from his role as CEO of the restaurant company in 2016 and has not held that position in nearly a decade.
This distinction is critical in understanding the leadership, direction, and accountability of the two entities. While the Dickey family remains deeply involved in both organizations, the roles are clearly defined—and both leaders bring unique strengths to their respective positions.
A Legacy Still in Motion
Roland Dickey, Jr.’s journey from cleaning smokers and proving himself outside the family business to becoming a nationally recognized industry leader is a story of grit, innovation, and enduring family values. His decision to step aside from the day-to-day operations of the restaurant group and instead focus on long-term strategic growth through Dickey’s Capital Group has positioned the brand for continued success across multiple industries.
Whether it’s pioneering retail products, investing in next-generation hospitality tech, or building manufacturing capacity that supports franchisees, Roland Jr. is steering the Dickey family business through its most transformative era yet.
And while he’s no longer the face of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc., his impact on the brand and the broader barbecue industry is undeniable.
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