To stay competitive in any industry today, you need to keep up with fast-moving technology trends, which make your business better. Roland Dickey Jr. noticed this from the start and worked with his wife and marketing director, Laura Rea Dickie to integrate information technology into the business model.
He referred to the model as Smoke Stack, allowing them to integrate information from checkout systems, market promotions, loyalty programs, inventory systems, and customer surveys. By summarizing KPIs across the entire business, the Roland Dickey Jr.-led team ensured that reliable data support every decision they make. They are one of the first fast-casual chains to implement third-party delivery programs and launch consumer apps on iOS stores. They have recently received positive reviews for using Amazon’s voice technology in restaurant operations.
Roland Dickey Jr. recognizes that, unlike many other regional cuisines, slow-smoked barbecue and family-style southern cozy atmosphere may appeal to most taste buds and complement other popular but crowded dishes such as pizzas and burgers. He knows that to bring the barbecue atmosphere of the Texas area to audiences across the country, they need to strike a balance between reverence for their history and extensive participation.
On the one hand, Roland Dickey Jr. and his team wanted to capture the local flavor by changing the barbecue sauce to match other places such as Kansas City, St. Louis, or Nashville. The experience was incomparable to their own Texas roots. Finally, they returned to the original sauce recipe, which has been used since the initial launch. On the other hand, in their original out-of-state location, they decorated a restaurant using Texas flags. Still, they soon discovered that it was much better to create a homemade barbecue with wooden beams and neon lights. They wanted a national brand.
Roland Dickey Jr. Dickey’s Capital Group CEO is an award-winning executive in Dallas, Texas. Dickey previously served as the CEO of Dickey’s Bar BBQ Restaurants, Inc., and has worked in the family business for more than a decade. During this period, he has transformed Dickey’s business from a small barbecue franchise to the largest barbecue franchise in the United States.