News

Dickey's Barbecue Pit creates communications department

August 24, 2011

In order to accommodate its rapid growth, Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants Inc. has created a new communications department while also expanding its marketing efforts.

Dickey's has grown at a 38-percent rate throughout the past two years.

Roland Dickey Jr., president, said the new department is an expansion of the marketing department and will fully support the chain's franchisees.

"We are operating at a fast pace to meet our goal of 200 stores by the year's end and we have to make sure the corporate support is extensive," he said. "We want to provide them with the best support system possible and this reorganization sets out to streamline our owner/operator communications."

Jeff Gruber has been named director of the communications department.

"Interacting with the franchisees on a day-to-day basis is an exciting aspect of working for Dickey's. Franchisees are the lifeblood of our growth and it's crucial that we are there for them every step of the way," Gruber said. "Communication is an essential part of this business."

Gruber has worked at Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants Inc. for the past 4 years, previously holding the title of director of marketing.

The marketing department's new director is Joette Young, who recently joined the company and has experience working at the American Heart Association.

Also part of the shuffle, Paige Blackorby has been promoted to senior marketing manager, making way for two new brand managers, Hayley Hamre and Aaron Brewer who will report to Young.

Read more about communications and marketing.