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<\/a><\/a>Local entrepreneur and longtime small business owner Cobus van Rooyen officially assumed ownership of the Dickey's Barbecue Pit located at 117 W. 4th Street on National Brisket Day, earlier this summer, established by the former franchisee Pasang Sherpa and his family, who served the Rifle community for more than a decade.<\/p>
Before entering the barbecue business, van Rooyen spent nearly 15 years in the pool and spa industry as both a manager and owner operator in the Fort Worth area. After relocating to western Colorado approximately three years ago, he quickly fell in love with Rifle's rugged landscape, welcoming neighbors and outdoor lifestyle.<\/p>
\u201cI wanted my boys to grow up surrounded by nature and experience more of the outdoors,\" said van Rooyen. \"Rifle and the surrounding area reminded me of home. When the opportunity came to become part of a business that has been serving this community for years, I knew it was something special.\u201d<\/p>
While the ownership transition took place behind the scenes and the restaurant remained open throughout the process, guests can expect the same commitment to quality, hospitality and authentic barbecue that has made Dickey's a local favorite.<\/p>
\u201cDickey's has been around since 1941, and a family business doesn't last that long without passion and purpose,\" he added. \"Before acquiring the restaurant, I would sit in the dining room and watch families enjoy meals together. You could see people relax and connect over great barbecue. That's what attracted me to this community fixture.\u201d<\/p>
Dickey\u2019s first landed onto Rifle\u2019s dining scene in 2023, and since then has been introducing the \u201cHub of the Valley\u201d to the deliciousness of authentic, slow-smoked Texas-style barbecue. It didn\u2019t take long for fans across the area to discover the delicious difference in Dickey\u2019s craveable \u2018cue.<\/p>
The Dickey\u2019s difference starts with its approach to smoking premium cuts of brisket, pork, chicken and kielbasa sausage low and slow for hours over a proprietary applewood pellet blend. The barbecue brand, which has been serving smoked favorites since opening its first location in Texas in 1941, features classic American barbecue staples such as pulled pork, brisket, coleslaw, barbecue beans, and potato salad. In addition, longtime barbecue fans and newcomers alike can indulge their taste buds at the Rifle location, which also serves chicken wings, fall-off-the-bone ribs, giant loaded baked potatoes, smoked ham & cheddar sandwiches, and other rotating menu items.<\/p>
Dickey\u2019s in Rifle is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.<\/p>
Learn more about van Rooyen's journey to becoming a Dickey\u2019s Pit Master in his franchise feature<\/a>. Stay up to date with Dickey\u2019s by following their dedicated Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a> and Tik Tok<\/a>. Download the Dickey\u2019s Barbecue Pit app<\/a> from the Apple App Store or Google Play.<\/p> About Dickey\u2019s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc.<\/b><\/p> Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc., the world\u2019s largest barbecue restaurant brand, was founded in 1941 by World War I Veteran, Mr. Travis Dickey. For the past 85 years, Dickey\u2019s Barbecue Pit has served millions of guests Legit. Texas. Barbecue.\u2122 alongside their iconic Big Yellow Cup. The Dallas-based barbecue franchise lead by the third generation serves slow-smoked meats and home-style sides with 'No B.S. (Bad Stuff)' for dine-in, drive-thru (select locations) and pick-up. Plus, \u2018Cue the catering experts at Dickey\u2019s by dialing the Catering Hotline at +1-866-227-2328 or visiting Dickey\u2019s website to order or get a quote. For more information, visit www.dickeys.com<\/a>.<\/p>