When a brand has been around for more than 80 years, it’s bound to face both praise and criticism. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, the largest barbecue franchise in the world, has built a powerful reputation for authentic Texas-style barbecue and entrepreneurial opportunity. With numerous restaurants across 41 states and 8 countries, Dickey’s has grown from a single Dallas smokehouse in 1941 into a globally recognized name.
But with growth comes scrutiny. In recent years, the brand has been tied to lawsuits, complaints, and negative media coverage, raising questions about its business model and franchise operations. At the same time, hundreds of franchisees continue to thrive, and many see their partnership with Dickey’s as the foundation of life-changing success.
So, what’s the truth? Let’s break down the Dickey’s BBQ lawsuit coverage, the complaints raised, and the broader context that reveals why many franchisees still view the opportunity as a solid investment.
The Origins of the Dickey’s Lawsuit Coverage
In 2025, The New York Times published an article critical of Dickey’s, focusing heavily on six former franchisees who claimed they were misled about startup costs and profitability. Their stories included bankruptcies, vendor disputes, and frustrations with corporate requirements.
What the article did not highlight, however, is that over 90 current and former franchisees and employees volunteered to share their positive experiences with the reporter. Only three were contacted, and just one was briefly quoted. Dickey’s leadership called the coverage “biased and misleading,” pointing out that fewer than 5% of total franchisees were represented in the report.
Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants Inc., issued a strong response:
“We have served amazing, authentic Texas-style barbecue for over 80 years. Our franchisees work extremely hard, in a tough business. They deserve more credit and respect than to be mischaracterized.”
Dickey’s Complaints: What Franchisees Say
Some of the Dickey’s complaints raised in lawsuits and media coverage include:
- High Startup Costs – Several franchisees alleged that opening costs were much higher than what they expected. One former owner, Wendy Williams, claimed her costs doubled compared to initial estimates and eventually filed for bankruptcy with $1.5 million in losses.
- Profitability Concerns – A few former owners alleged that fees and vendor agreements cut too deeply into their margins, leaving them unable to earn a profit.
- Vendor Pricing – Some complained that Dickey’s required them to buy from affiliated vendors at above-market prices.
- Third-Party Partnerships – One operator, Krage Fox, said reconciliation issues with GrubHub and Dickey’s 866-BBQ system made profitability difficult.
- Corporate Pressure – Another franchisee, Harpinder Chauhan, alleged that Dickey’s executives pressured him to keep failing stores open. He also claimed he was threatened with immigration consequences, an allegation the company firmly denies.
These concerns form the backbone of the ongoing Dickey’s BBQ lawsuits, some of which are spearheaded by Miami-based law firm Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A.
Misrepresentation of start-up costs | Dickey’s Response to Complaints
While the Dickey’s lawsuits draw attention, the company consistently emphasizes context and transparency:
- Startup Costs Are Market-Driven – Dickey’s explains that buildout costs vary by location, construction rates, and materials, particularly during and after COVID 19 supply chain disruptions. Key equipment like smokers cost the same everywhere, but real estate and local contractors can push costs higher.
- FDD Transparency – Every prospective franchisee receives a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) at least 14 days before signing, as required by federal law. These documents include ranges for startup costs based on real averages from the prior year.
- Vendor Pricing Advantage – Contrary to claims of inflated costs, Dickey’s says its vendor relationships reduce costs for franchisees. The brand reports an average cost of goods sold (COGS) at 30%, compared to the barbecue industry average of 36%.
- Franchisee Control Over Pricing – Dickey’s provides recommendations, but franchisees ultimately set their own menu prices.
- Operational Support – Struggling franchisees receive hands-on support, including monthly check-ins, profitability calls, and access to real-time sales data. In some cases, Dickey’s has even stepped in to help cover expenses when costs surged unexpectedly.
Jeffrey Gruber, Senior VP of Franchise Relations, explained:
“When costs go higher than disclosed averages, it’s not because of Dickey’s. It’s because of market conditions. We base our numbers on recent experience, disclose them fully, and support franchisees along the way.”
Dickey’s Franchise Success Stories
For every negative headline, there are dozens of Dickey’s franchisees who have built profitable, lasting businesses. These stories often go unheard but reflect the broader reality of the brand:
- MJ Breaux – Operated a Dickey’s restaurant in Mesquite, Texas, for 17 years before selling in 2025. He credited the brand with helping him grow from a “green” first-time owner into a successful entrepreneur.
- Joan Dahl – Former Pit Owner Association president who ran profitable stores and sold them to focus on family. She described her relationship with the brand as strong and positive.
- Ric and Carla Wren – Praised corporate’s consistent support, saying, “The resources they provide make a real difference.”
- Antoneta Espinoza – Transitioned from a corporate career to owning a Dickey’s, calling the support system “unmatched.”
These voices highlight the resilience and success that many franchisees have achieved by following the model and leveraging Dickey’s extensive support system.
Dickey’s Lawsuit: Legal Battles Behind the Scenes
The legal disputes involving Dickey’s are complex. Multiple cases have been filed by former franchisees, with Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A. leading much of the litigation.
In turn, Dickey’s has accused Zarco of orchestrating a campaign of racketeering and media manipulation, even alleging coercion tactics involving former executive Stephen Mullett. Court filings claim that Zarco’s clients attempted to pressure Mullett into testifying against Dickey’s under threat of legal consequences—a move that Mullett’s attorneys call unethical and coercive.
While the lawsuits continue, it’s worth noting that they involve a very small percentage of franchisees compared to the more than 216 currently active operators.
The Dickey’s Franchise Model: Why Many Still Succeed
Despite the lawsuits and complaints, Dickey’s remains an attractive franchise for entrepreneurs. The model emphasizes:
- Engagement – Owners must be hands-on, working at least 40 hours per week.
- Following the Model – Sticking to proven systems and monitoring financials closely.
- Reinvestment – Building stronger restaurants, communities, and teams through ongoing reinvestment.
This combination of personal commitment and corporate support has fueled the success of hundreds of Dickey’s operators nationwide.
Balancing Complaints With Long-Term Growth
The restaurant business is tough—franchise or not. High failure rates exist across the industry due to labor challenges, market shifts, and rising costs. In this context,
Dickey’s lawsuits and complaints represent the reality of a competitive industry rather than proof of a flawed model.
Where some franchisees struggled, many more thrived, thanks to Dickey’s strong brand recognition, vendor partnerships, and comprehensive support systems. The lawsuits should be viewed as isolated disputes, not as the full story of a brand that has helped countless entrepreneurs succeed.
Conclusion: What the Dickey’s BBQ Lawsuit Really Means
The Dickey’s BBQ lawsuit coverage shines a spotlight on the challenges that come with franchising, particularly in a volatile industry like restaurants. Some former owners cite high costs and profitability issues, and ongoing legal disputes have added fuel to the conversation.
Yet, against this backdrop, Dickey’s stands as an 80-year-old, family-owned, third generation brand with unmatched scale in the barbecue segment. Hundreds of franchisees continue to succeed, many crediting the brand with changing their lives and providing a business model that works when followed closely.
For those considering a Dickey’s franchise, the takeaway is clear: every business comes with risks, but Dickey’s offers more than just barbecue—it offers legacy, support, and the chance to join the world’s largest and most recognized barbecue family.