Closed, closed. Suddenly this chain has just one Boise-area restaurant left — in Star
If you’re craving slow-smoked brisket and creamy mac and cheese, the nation’s largest barbecue chain might come to mind.
But when it comes to Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in the Boise area, there’s not much meat left on the bone.
Dickey’s has all but vanished from the Treasure Valley. A single location remains open, in Star. (Raise a toast — it’s a unique Dickey’s in more ways than one.)
Earlier this year, Dickey’s at 12 N. Fisher Park Way in Eagle disappeared. It’s been transformed into a Janet’s Cafe. Dickey’s at 16565 N. Marketplace Blvd. in Nampa closed, too.
The Dickey’s locations at 6708 N. Glenwood St. in Garden City and at 2845 E. Overland Road in Meridian also have mysteriously shuttered.
The Garden City store — near D&B Supply — has a note posted on the door: “Due to equipment issues we will be unfortunately closed for business this week,” it says.
Inside, the restaurant has been emptied.
It’s a similar scene on Overland. “We want to thank you all for your patronage and years of service, but we will unfortunately … be closed for business this week. Please be patient as we get things sorted out.”
Both closures are permanent, said Emanuel Bennett, franchise owner of the Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in Star.
Equipment from both stores is scheduled to be sold starting Friday through Business Liquidation Auction of Nampa.
Bennett didn’t own any of the now-defunct franchises. Dickey’s offered the Nampa, Garden City and Meridian stores to him, he said, but the rents were pricier than he wanted.
Dickey’s has been trimming the fat companywide. Franchisees shuttered nearly 100 restaurants during fiscal year 2024, which ended May 31, according to Restaurant Business Magazine.
“We do not anticipate further closures,” Jeff Gruber, senior vice president of franchise relations, told food website Eat This, Not That. “We are working with many new and existing owners on opening new locations, and even reopening some locations that are temporarily closed.”
A message to Dickey’s public relations department about the Meridian and Garden City restaurants was not returned.
Meanwhile, Dickey’s at 10580 W. State St. in Star keeps feeding hungry faces.
On the side of the restaurant, there’s a sign that calls it “Dickey’s Barbecue Pit” and “Bar.” That’s because customers can order a shot of bourbon or a cocktail with their ‘cue. The restaurant has a full bar.
It also has a big heart. Last Thanksgiving, Bennett surprised the community by smoking turkeys brought into the store as a free holiday service.
No wonder Star’s Dickey’s has a solid 4.3 out of 5.0 rating on Google. (On Yelp, it’s 3.0 out of 5.0.)
Although many locations have gone dark, Dickey’s still operates hundreds nationwide. Idaho’s only other Dickey’s is in Coeur d’Alene.
As for Dickey’s in Star? It’s alive and well — pouring drinks and smoking ribs.
“We’re in a different scenario than most,” Bennett said.
This story was originally published October 9, 2024 at 12:14 PM.