Franchising

Dickey’s signs 100-unit deal with Ghost Kitchen Brands

Provided

November 4, 2021

Dickey's Barbecue Pit is teaming up with Toronto-based Ghost Kitchen Brands to serve its menu via over 100 satellite pickup and delivery locations.

"Dickey's is committed to constantly evolving with consumer trends, and Ghost Kitchen Brands' innovative model provides another opportunity for us to stay ahead of the curve," Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants Inc., said in a company press release. "We look forward to being on this journey with Ghost Kitchen Brands as it grows across the U.S. and Canada."

Virtual kitchens aren't a new strategy for Dickey's. The chain tested its first one in Chicago in 2020 and has since rolled out several others. In June, it partnered with the Miami-based virtual kitchen provider, Combo Kitchen, to open at least 100 virtual kitchens over the next year

Ghost Kitchen Brands prepares well-known food brands in one kitchen and location, optimizing it for online delivery and pickup. The virtual food courts are nearly contactless where the customer can order on the website, QR code, third-party delivery or the kiosk inside the store, George Kottas, founder and CEO of Ghost Kitchen Brands, said in the release.

"Dickey's Barbecue Pit's offerings are a delicious addition to our line-up of menu items," he said "We're excited to incorporate Dickey's smoked meats and wholesome sides into our concepts. Available on their own or mix and matched with our other brands and available in one order out of our Ghost Kitchen."

The concept's expansion plans include opening more locations in Canada with additional U.S. locations in Texas, California, Illinois and Georgia over the coming months and in 2022.

Dickey's has over 550 locations across the United States and six other countries and is on track to have over 600 locations by the end of 2021.