FORT WORTH, Texas, -- Dickey's Barbecue Pit celebrated its grand opening on October 20 at 6219 Oakmont Blvd. where customers filled the dining area awaiting their $1 pulled pork big barbecue sandwich.

"I really enjoyed celebrating our grand opening with the great people of Fort Worth," said local franchise owner Kyle Dawson. "There's nothing better than seeing happy customers."

Radio station 95.9 The Ranch entertained the crowd with its music and radio personality Tom Bigbee.

Customers were enthusiastic to enter a drawing for free barbecue for a year. The three lucky winners randomly chosen were Dorothy Kinman, Holly Benedict and Al Cross.

"I just can't believe I won," said Al Cross of Fort Worth. "This is great."

Kyle and his wife Elizabeth Dawson spent the morning hanging flags, decorating the dining area with balloons, managing the staff and preparing the kitchen for the big celebration. The Dawsons greeted the crowd with big smiles and they were both excited to see new customers.

Texas-based Dickey's Barbecue Pit opened in 1941 and began franchising in 1994. Since then Dickey's has grown fast and is scheduled to have 200 locations by the end of this year.

The original Dallas location is still open for business and Dickey's Barbecue Pit is still owned and operated by the Dickey Family. Even today, Dickey's still slow smokes all of its signature meats overnight in every restaurant. For more information, including a full menu, other restaurant locations and franchising opportunities, please visit www.dickeys.com.

About Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants
Founded in 1941, Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants began in Dallas, Texas. More than 70 years later, Dickey's is now the fastest growing barbecue chain in the country. Beginning with an aggressive growth strategy and proven business model, and since implementing its proprietary five revenue streams for business growth, Dickey's is on track to become the largest barbecue chain in the country by the end of 2011. Currently, Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants can be found in more than 35 states and 177 locations nationwide. For more information on partnering with Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants in any location, call (866) 340-6188 or visit www.dickeys.com. Dickey's: Passionate about the Art of Great Barbecue.

Media Contact:
Kate Morganelli
972.248.9899
kmorganelli@dickeys.com