The Texas-style barbecue chain continues its Canadian expansion with a new spot in Southeast Edmonton, bringing slow-smoked flavors to the growing Ellerslie community.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is continuing its steady expansion across Canada, reinforcing its reputation as a destination for authentic, slow-smoked Texas-style barbecue. The brand’s latest milestone comes with the opening of a new location in Southeast Edmonton, situated in the fast-growing Ellerslie neighborhood at 5250 Ellerslie Road SW. This addition marks another step forward in Dickey’s broader growth strategy, bringing its signature flavors and community-focused dining experience to an even larger audience in Alberta.
Since first entering the Edmonton market in 2022, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has steadily built a loyal following among local residents. Its arrival introduced many to the distinct appeal of traditional Texas barbecue, defined by its low-and-slow cooking methods and rich, smoky flavors. Over time, the brand has not only attracted dedicated barbecue enthusiasts but has also drawn in newcomers eager to experience a style of cuisine that emphasizes patience, craftsmanship, and bold taste. The continued demand has fueled further expansion within the city, with the new Ellerslie location becoming the fourth Dickey’s restaurant in Edmonton.
At the heart of Dickey’s appeal is its commitment to authenticity. The brand prides itself on smoking premium cuts of meat—including brisket, chicken, and sausage—for hours using a proprietary blend of hickory wood pellets. This time-honored process allows the flavors to develop deeply, resulting in tender, flavorful dishes that stand out in a competitive dining landscape. The menu reflects classic American barbecue traditions, offering staples such as sliced or chopped brisket, coleslaw, barbecue beans, and potato salad. These items are complemented by a range of hearty favorites, including fall-off-the-bone ribs, chicken wings, loaded baked potatoes, and the highly sought-after brisket burnt ends.
The new Ellerslie location is owned and operated by Denis Melhem, a passionate barbecue enthusiast and entrepreneur. This marks his second Dickey’s restaurant, underscoring both his confidence in the brand and his dedication to sharing its offerings with the local community. Melhem’s journey as a franchisee is rooted in his personal love for barbecue, which has translated into a hands-on approach to delivering quality food and memorable dining experiences. His commitment has not gone unnoticed; he was recently recognized by Dickey’s for upholding the company’s values and consistently providing excellent service.
To celebrate the grand opening, Melhem and his team are hosting a community appreciation event from May 15 through May 17. The multi-day celebration is designed to engage local residents and create excitement around the new restaurant. One of the highlights is the Big Yellow Ticket Giveaway, where customers have the chance to win free barbecue for an entire year. In honor of Dickey’s 85th anniversary, a total of 85 tickets will be distributed over the three days—28 tickets each on Friday and Saturday, and 29 on Sunday. Each morning, the first adults in line will receive tickets, making early arrival essential for those hoping to participate. The event also includes family-friendly activities such as free face painting for children on Saturday and Sunday, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Melhem expressed his enthusiasm about expanding his presence in Edmonton, emphasizing the importance of community and shared experiences. He highlighted that the restaurant is more than just a place to eat—it is a gathering space where friends and families can connect over great food. This philosophy aligns closely with Dickey’s broader mission of delivering not only high-quality barbecue but also genuine hospitality.
The brand’s growth in Canada is part of a larger international expansion strategy. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit continues to seek partnerships with owner-operators who share its passion for authentic barbecue and community engagement. By leveraging a vertically integrated business model, the company is able to maintain consistency and quality across its locations while scaling efficiently. Despite its growth, Dickey’s remains deeply rooted in its Texas heritage, staying true to the principles that have defined the brand since its founding in 1941.
The new Edmonton location operates with convenient hours to accommodate a variety of dining preferences. It is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, with extended hours until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. This schedule ensures that customers can enjoy Dickey’s offerings whether they are looking for a quick lunch, a relaxed dinner, or a late-night meal.
As Dickey’s Barbecue Pit continues to expand its footprint, the opening of the Ellerslie location represents more than just another restaurant—it reflects the brand’s growing influence and the increasing popularity of authentic barbecue in Canada. With its focus on quality, tradition, and community, Dickey’s is well-positioned to remain a key player in the evolving dining scene, offering a taste of Texas that resonates with customers far beyond its original roots.
About Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc.
Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc., the world’s largest barbecue restaurant brand, was founded in 1941 by World War I Veteran, Mr. Dickey. For the past 85 years, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has served millions of guests Legit. Texas. Barbecue.™ 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, ‘Cue the catering experts at Dickey’s by dialing the Catering Hotline at +1-866-227-2328 or visiting Dickey’s website to order or get a quote.
