From the filings

HQ-led decisions

Dickey's Barbecue Pit

Quick service restaurant

Dickey's Barbecue Pit's headquarters requires every franchisee to run its mandatory point-of-sale system and TIBS technology, subscribe to Chowly for third-party online-ordering aggregation, and maintain a Facebook presence. The system spans 386 units, 377 of them franchised, though franchised outlets are down 17.86% year over year.

For software vendors selling into US franchise brands.

Live signals

Total units
386
377 franchised
Franchised outlet growth
-17.865%
Item 20, last two year-ends
AUV
—
Item 19
Royalty
6% component; full terms unconfirmed
percentage component
Ad fund
3%
percentage component
Initial fee
$20K
per unit
Investment range
$210K–$619K
all-in, Item 7
Procurement
Approved supplier
from the filing
Non-compete
1 years
from the filing
Item 19
No claims
from the filing

Ordinary royalty terms

6% component; full terms unconfirmed

Complete royalty terms are not confirmed for the selected filing.

Recorded percentage components

These are recorded percentage components. Each has its own base and conditions; the chart does not state the total payment or confirm ad-fund completeness.

1recorded components (FY2025)

Recorded percentage components (FY2025)Ad fund 3%. Components use their own filing bases and conditions. Drawn against a 15% reference scale.

15% reference

Ad fund 3%

Mandated & recommended tech

The systems vendors compete with

2 technology requirements are recorded in this filing. A required choice lists alternatives for one obligation. Read each cited clause for its conditions.

ChowlyChowly
Mandatory
DeliveryItem 11

Dickey’s also requires that you use the Spark Online Ordering system, a product of Spark, which is currently the only supplier approved by Dickey’s for online ordering through its website. (See Item 8) The Spark Online Ordering system allows guests to order meals for pickup through the website maintained by Dickey’s. Dickey’s requires you to pay a one-time, non-refundable initial fee in the amount $125 for the installation of the Spark Online Ordering System. (See Item 5) The Spark On-Line Services User Agreement which you must sign requires you pay Spark a monthly per Restaurant fee of $157 per month for access to the system (see Item 6). As part of the Spark Online Ordering System, you must also purchase from us a required printer (currently, an Epson), the current cost of which is $500. The Spark Online Ordering system includes a software license to integrate your Restaurant’s Point-of-Sale system with our approved third-party online ordering system aggregator, currently Chowly, Inc.’s software, as well as geolocation services to allow guests to find Restaurants near them (currently provided through Google). Spark may change the fees and institute new fees for the use of the Spark Online Ordering system effective on 60 days’ notice to you. If you operate a Mobile Unit Franchise, you must purchase additional hardware and software from Spark for your vehicle. You must pay Spark approximately $2,500 for the hardware plus a $125 set up fee and $149 per month for the point of sale software for your vehicle and $2.08 monthly or $25 per year for the maintenance/license fee. Under your agreement with Spark, you are also obligated to provide an internet fail over (i.e. a cellular back up) in case the Spark hardware loses reception.

FacebookMeta
Mandatory
MarketingItem 11

Dickey’s has established and intends to maintain a URL website, www.dickeys.com, promoting the System and identifying the location of franchise and company-owned Restaurants. You are required to authorize Dickey’s to identify and promote your Restaurant on Dickey’s website and further authorize 44 Dickey’s - 2024/2025 FDD, as amended 01/2025 ACTIVE 700023141v13 Dickey’s to modify its website and to conduct promotions on a system-wide basis, and you and your Restaurant will participate in all such promotions. You are strictly prohibited from developing, creating, generating, owning, licensing, leasing or otherwise utilizing any computer media or electronic media, including, the Internet, World Wide Web, mobile apps appearing on smartphones or other electronic devices (including, for example, Android Marketplace or the Apple Store), social media webpage (including, for example, X, Instagram, LinkedIn), Google Listings, bulletin boards, or blogs (including, for example, Yelp, TripAdvisor) to promote your Restaurant, that uses any of the Proprietary Marks, or that offers to sell or sells any products or services offered by Dickey’s Restaurants; except that you must participate in and maintain a Facebook page or other relevant social media platforms as the Dickey’s marketing team determines under the name “Dickey’s Barbecue Pit - [City, State].” (Franchise Agreement - Article 5). You must integrate messaging as the Dickey’s marketing team determines on any page you maintain on a social media platform.

InstagramMeta
MarketingItem 11

Dickey’s has established and intends to maintain a URL website, www.dickeys.com, promoting the System and identifying the location of franchise and company-owned Restaurants. You are required to authorize Dickey’s to identify and promote your Restaurant on Dickey’s website and further authorize 44 Dickey’s - 2024/2025 FDD, as amended 01/2025 ACTIVE 700023141v13 Dickey’s to modify its website and to conduct promotions on a system-wide basis, and you and your Restaurant will participate in all such promotions. You are strictly prohibited from developing, creating, generating, owning, licensing, leasing or otherwise utilizing any computer media or electronic media, including, the Internet, World Wide Web, mobile apps appearing on smartphones or other electronic devices (including, for example, Android Marketplace or the Apple Store), social media webpage (including, for example, X, Instagram, LinkedIn), Google Listings, bulletin boards, or blogs (including, for example, Yelp, TripAdvisor) to promote your Restaurant, that uses any of the Proprietary Marks, or that offers to sell or sells any products or services offered by Dickey’s Restaurants; except that you must participate in and maintain a Facebook page or other relevant social media platforms as the Dickey’s marketing team determines under the name “Dickey’s Barbecue Pit - [City, State].” (Franchise Agreement - Article 5). You must integrate messaging as the Dickey’s marketing team determines on any page you maintain on a social media platform.

LinkedInLinkedIn
MarketingItem 11

Dickey’s has established and intends to maintain a URL website, www.dickeys.com, promoting the System and identifying the location of franchise and company-owned Restaurants. You are required to authorize Dickey’s to identify and promote your Restaurant on Dickey’s website and further authorize 44 Dickey’s - 2024/2025 FDD, as amended 01/2025 ACTIVE 700023141v13 Dickey’s to modify its website and to conduct promotions on a system-wide basis, and you and your Restaurant will participate in all such promotions. You are strictly prohibited from developing, creating, generating, owning, licensing, leasing or otherwise utilizing any computer media or electronic media, including, the Internet, World Wide Web, mobile apps appearing on smartphones or other electronic devices (including, for example, Android Marketplace or the Apple Store), social media webpage (including, for example, X, Instagram, LinkedIn), Google Listings, bulletin boards, or blogs (including, for example, Yelp, TripAdvisor) to promote your Restaurant, that uses any of the Proprietary Marks, or that offers to sell or sells any products or services offered by Dickey’s Restaurants; except that you must participate in and maintain a Facebook page or other relevant social media platforms as the Dickey’s marketing team determines under the name “Dickey’s Barbecue Pit - [City, State].” (Franchise Agreement - Article 5). You must integrate messaging as the Dickey’s marketing team determines on any page you maintain on a social media platform.

QuickBooksIntuit
AccountingItem 11

Before commencement of the operation of your Restaurant, you must purchase the required computer hardware, software, internet connections and service, required dedicated telephone and power lines and other related accessories, peripherals, consoles and equipment required to operate Dickey’s then-current mandatory point of sale system and TIBS. Additionally, you must (i) subscribe to any third-party online ordering or delivery services that Dickey’s has approved in the Assigned Area, including Chowly, Inc.’s third-party delivery service aggregation software, and are available to provide services in your area, and (ii) implement and use QuickBooks accounting software in the operation of your Restaurant. We, our affiliates, and designated suppliers may charge you a monthly or other fee for any software or technology that Dickey’s, its affiliates or designated suppliers license to you and for other maintenance and support services that Dickey’s, its affiliates or designated suppliers may require you to receive during the term of the Franchise Agreement.

TripAdvisorTripAdvisor
Industry softwareItem 11

Dickey’s has established and intends to maintain a URL website, www.dickeys.com, promoting the System and identifying the location of franchise and company-owned Restaurants. You are required to authorize Dickey’s to identify and promote your Restaurant on Dickey’s website and further authorize 44 Dickey’s - 2024/2025 FDD, as amended 01/2025 ACTIVE 700023141v13 Dickey’s to modify its website and to conduct promotions on a system-wide basis, and you and your Restaurant will participate in all such promotions. You are strictly prohibited from developing, creating, generating, owning, licensing, leasing or otherwise utilizing any computer media or electronic media, including, the Internet, World Wide Web, mobile apps appearing on smartphones or other electronic devices (including, for example, Android Marketplace or the Apple Store), social media webpage (including, for example, X, Instagram, LinkedIn), Google Listings, bulletin boards, or blogs (including, for example, Yelp, TripAdvisor) to promote your Restaurant, that uses any of the Proprietary Marks, or that offers to sell or sells any products or services offered by Dickey’s Restaurants; except that you must participate in and maintain a Facebook page or other relevant social media platforms as the Dickey’s marketing team determines under the name “Dickey’s Barbecue Pit - [City, State].” (Franchise Agreement - Article 5). You must integrate messaging as the Dickey’s marketing team determines on any page you maintain on a social media platform.

YelpYelp
MarketingItem 11

Dickey’s has established and intends to maintain a URL website, www.dickeys.com, promoting the System and identifying the location of franchise and company-owned Restaurants. You are required to authorize Dickey’s to identify and promote your Restaurant on Dickey’s website and further authorize 44 Dickey’s - 2024/2025 FDD, as amended 01/2025 ACTIVE 700023141v13 Dickey’s to modify its website and to conduct promotions on a system-wide basis, and you and your Restaurant will participate in all such promotions. You are strictly prohibited from developing, creating, generating, owning, licensing, leasing or otherwise utilizing any computer media or electronic media, including, the Internet, World Wide Web, mobile apps appearing on smartphones or other electronic devices (including, for example, Android Marketplace or the Apple Store), social media webpage (including, for example, X, Instagram, LinkedIn), Google Listings, bulletin boards, or blogs (including, for example, Yelp, TripAdvisor) to promote your Restaurant, that uses any of the Proprietary Marks, or that offers to sell or sells any products or services offered by Dickey’s Restaurants; except that you must participate in and maintain a Facebook page or other relevant social media platforms as the Dickey’s marketing team determines under the name “Dickey’s Barbecue Pit - [City, State].” (Franchise Agreement - Article 5). You must integrate messaging as the Dickey’s marketing team determines on any page you maintain on a social media platform.

Franchisor behaviours

What the franchisor requires

26 requirements the franchisor states in this filing, each in its own words; 3 explicit no's; 5 questions the text does not settle, which is not a no.

Accounting

Must the franchisee use an accounting or bookkeeping system designated or approved by the franchisor?

Yes

Item 8

You must use an accounting firm we approve to provide comprehensive accounting services for your Restaurant.

Does the franchisor have direct or independent electronic access to the franchisee's financial, sales or customer records?

Yes

Item 11

Dickey’s has independent access to the accounting and cash receipts and sales and other information generated and stored in the Point-of Sale system, TIBS system, Smokestack sales reporting system and Spark Online Ordering system.

How the franchisor buys

Is the franchisor or an affiliate itself a supplier of required products, services or systems?

Yes

Item 8

Except for the products and services described above that are provided by our affiliates, Spark, Wycliff, and Wycliff Douglas Provisions, neither we nor any of our affiliates are currently approved suppliers of any required products or services.

Is there a franchisee advisory council, association or committee?

Yes

Item 11

The Pit Owners Association (the “POA”) is an independent franchisee association that advises Dickey’s on the creation and implementation of policies and brand standards that impact the operation of Dickey’s Restaurants.

Does the franchisor reserve the right to change designated suppliers or systems at any time?

Yes

Franchise agreement

The list of approved vendors may be modified by Dickey’s from time to time.

How much revenue did the franchisor and its affiliates earn from franchisee purchases in the last fiscal year?

0

Item 8

During the 2024 fiscal year, Dickey’s received no revenue or other material consideration from required purchases or leases by Dickey’s franchisees.

Does the franchisor or an affiliate receive rebates, commissions or other revenue from designated or approved suppliers?

Yes

Item 8

Certain approved suppliers currently, or may in the future, pay to Dickey’s (or an affiliate) compensation or otherwise credit the account of Dickey’s (or an affiliate) in the form of sales incentives or rebates based on the purchases you may make from such suppliers.

Does the franchisor charge a fee to evaluate a proposed supplier?

Yes

Item 8

Any charges incurred by Dickey’s in connection with the testing and inspection of the proposed supplier’s or vendor’s offering must be paid by the franchisee requesting such approval.

Can a franchisee propose a new supplier for the franchisor's approval?

Yes

Item 8

You may request that Dickey’s approve alternative suppliers.

Communications

Does the franchisor own or control the business telephone numbers, or take them over when the agreement ends?

Yes

Item 17

assigning your lease and telephone number to Dickey’s or its designee at Dickey’s option

Data and IT

Must the franchisee comply with PCI, data-security or cybersecurity standards set by the franchisor?

Yes

Item 11

Dickey’s may at any time require that you upgrade payment processing hardware and software including requiring you use “chip and pin” technology, to ensure that credit card payment processing is consistent with the current PCI standards.

Franchise management

Does the franchisor conduct periodic inspections, audits or evaluations of the franchised business?

Yes

Franchise agreement

Dickey’s shall seek to maintain the high standards of quality, appearance, and service of the System, and accordingly shall conduct, as it deems advisable, inspections of your Restaurant and evaluations of the products sold and services rendered therein,

Can the franchisor change the operations manual and brand standards unilaterally?

Yes

Item 11

Dickey’s has the right to revise the contents of the Manuals at any time.

Must the franchisor approve the franchisee's site or location before opening?

Yes

Franchise agreement

No site may be used for the location of your Restaurant unless it is first accepted by Dickey’s.

Marketing

Is the franchisee prohibited from operating its own website or social media accounts, or required to use pages the franchisor provides?

Yes

Item 11

You are strictly prohibited from developing, creating, generating, owning, licensing, leasing or otherwise utilizing any computer media or electronic media, including, the Internet, World Wide Web, mobile apps appearing on smartphones or other electronic devices (including, for example, Android Marketplace or the…

Must the franchisee participate in a regional advertising cooperative when one exists?

Yes

Franchise agreement

Dickey’s may, in its sole discretion, require you to participate in certain local or regional advertising cooperatives organized and approved by Dickey’s and composed of certain other franchisees located in the geographic area in which you are located as defined in a cooperative advertising agreement.

Operations

Must the franchisee buy products from a designated distributor?

Yes

Item 8

You must purchase your barbecue sauce (batch and prepackaged), barbecue seasonings, salad dressings, condiments, pre-made salads, side dishes, bread, produce, proteins, spices, packaging and other ingredients for proprietary recipes from approved suppliers.

Must equipment be purchased from designated or approved suppliers?

Yes

Item 8

You must purchase or lease all of your equipment, including barbecue pits and pellets, under any specifications prescribed in the Manuals.

Payments

Must the franchisee use a payment processor or merchant-services provider designated or approved by the franchisor?

Yes

Item 8

You must use an approved supplier for credit card and gift card processing.

Are royalties and other fees collected by automatic bank debit (ACH or electronic funds transfer) from the franchisee's account?

Yes

Item 6

These payments are electronically drafted from your account by ACH transfer based upon your statement certifying Net Sales for the Sales Period.

Must the franchisee participate in a gift card program?

Yes

Franchise agreement

You will be required to purchase and carry a minimum carrying inventory of gift cards from Dickey’s pursuant to such program.

People

Does the franchisor require minimum staffing levels or specific roles?

Yes

Franchise agreement

You shall also employ, in addition to the Owner/Operator, at least two (2) managers per Restaurant who are certified by Dickey’s to carry out the day-to-day management and supervision of each such Restaurant.

Must employees wear uniforms specified by the franchisor?

Yes

Franchise agreement

You will purchase and require your employees to wear the current standard attire uniforms as may be established and approved by Dickey’s from time to time.

Point of sale

Must the franchisee use a specific point-of-sale system designated or approved by the franchisor?

Yes

Item 11

Dickey’s currently requires that its franchisees use the Spark Point-of-Sale system (including such add-on consoles as Dickey’s may require).

Does the franchisor have independent access to the data in the franchisee's POS or computer system?

Yes

Item 11

Dickey’s may retrieve from your point of sale system and other technology any and all information we consider necessary, desirable or appropriate.

Training

Can the franchisor charge the franchisee for additional, refresher or remedial training?

Yes

Item 11

At Dickey’s discretion, such additional training (including on-site remedial training), will be mandatory for such individuals and other Restaurant personnel as required by Dickey’s.

The filing answers no to 3 questions
  • Is a minimum grand opening advertising spend required?Franchise agreement
  • Is the franchisee required to spend a minimum amount on local advertising or marketing, as a percentage of sales or a fixed amount?Franchise agreement
  • Must the franchisee participate in a customer loyalty or rewards program?Item 11

The vendor opportunity at Dickey's Barbecue Pit

Dickey's Barbecue Pit operates 386 quick-service restaurants, 377 of them franchised, though franchised outlets are down 17.86% year over year. The FDD makes no financial performance representation. Dickey's is part of Dickey's Capital Group, with a mapped operator footprint of 237 operators (15 multi-unit) concentrated in Texas (69), California (29), Colorado (20), Arizona (18), and Louisiana (12).

Who controls software purchasing

Dickey's headquarters, led by CEO Laura Rea Dickey, sets the technology mandate centrally: before opening, franchisees must purchase the computer hardware, software, internet connections, and dedicated phone and power lines required to run Dickey's mandatory point-of-sale system and TIBS. Dickey's, its affiliates, or designated suppliers may charge a monthly fee for any software they license, and franchisees must maintain the point-of-sale system and related equipment in good repair.

Tech named in the FDD, and what is actually required

The filing obliges franchisees to subscribe to Chowly, Inc.'s third-party online-ordering aggregation software — currently the sole approved supplier for that service — and to maintain a Facebook presence. It also requires the Spark Point-of-Sale system, a Smokestack sales reporting subscription from Spark, and QuickBooks accounting software. Instagram, LinkedIn, TripAdvisor, and Yelp are named elsewhere in the filing. Franchisees must also purchase a required printer (currently an Epson) for the Spark Online Ordering System, and Spark is currently the only approved vendor for online orders placed through Dickey's website.

Procurement, renewals, and timing

Item 8 runs an approved-supplier list covering most products and services, including barbecue sauce, seasonings, packaging, menu boards, the point-of-sale system and TIBS, and certain paper and protein products sourced through Wycliff and Wycliff Douglas Provisions. Franchisees may propose a supplier for approval.

How to read the Dickey's Barbecue Pit FDD

The embedded viewer below carries Dickey's Barbecue Pit's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, including the Item 8 and Item 11 language summarized above.

Talk to FranCloud for a ranked list of franchise systems like Dickey's Barbecue Pit where the technology mandate and procurement structure line up with your product.

Ordinary royalty terms

Complete royalty terms are not confirmed.

Questions vendors ask

Dickey's Barbecue Pit, answered from the filing

Dickey's Barbecue Pit's headquarters, led by CEO Laura Rea Dickey, designates the mandatory point-of-sale system, TIBS technology, and approved suppliers for hardware and software, and requires every franchisee to subscribe to Chowly's online-ordering aggregation software. Vendors should approach corporate development rather than individual restaurants.
Dickey's Barbecue Pit requires every franchisee to run the Spark Point-of-Sale system with Smokestack sales reporting and TIBS, subscribe to Chowly's online-ordering aggregation software, use QuickBooks accounting software, and maintain a Facebook presence. Instagram, LinkedIn, TripAdvisor, and Yelp are named elsewhere in the filing.
386 total units, 377 franchised and 9 company-owned, in the quick-service restaurant segment, with franchised outlets down 17.86% year over year.
Item 8 runs an approved-supplier list covering most goods, including barbecue sauce, seasonings, packaging, the point-of-sale system and TIBS, and certain paper and protein products sourced through Wycliff and Wycliff Douglas Provisions. Franchisees may propose a supplier for approval.
The initial term runs 20 years for Traditional Restaurants and 10 years for Non-Traditional, Mobile Unit and Delivery-Carryout Restaurants, with a 10-year renewal available if the franchisee is not in default, pays a $15,000 renewal fee, and signs a then-current agreement that may carry higher fees. Franchised outlets are down 17.86% year over year.
The embedded PDF viewer below carries Dickey's Barbecue Pit's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document.
Source

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The brands you can actually sell into, from the filings.

Operator footprint

Who runs the locations

237 operators run 257 mapped locations. 15 of them are multi-unit. Aggregate counts from the filing; no names.

Operators by units owned

Single-unit222
2–9 units15

Top states by locations

TX69
CA29
CO20
AZ18
LA12

Ownership

The portfolio behind Dickey's Barbecue Pit

Parent company: Dickey’s Capital Group, Inc..

Related Quick service restaurant brands

Primary franchise filings · updated September 2026. Read the original filing for definitions, conditions, and qualifications.