Posted on: 25/06/2008 

Robert Rutter, US Marine Captain and Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader? game show winner, hopes to use part of his $500,000 winnings on a barbecue restaurant franchise. Dickeys Barbecue is 67-year-old Dallas based company which is expanding around the country by franchising. Six stores are under development in Florida, including Mr Rutters, which will be at Wesley Chapel and is due to be completed in December.

Rutter discovered Dickeys Barbecue whilst research on franchising as an investment for his game show winning. He chose the company for its food, fast-casual concept and family tradition and explained: I consider myself a barbecue connoisseur and as a Marine have had the opportunity to taste barbecue all over the country, and Dickey's is the best. I was really impressed with the company and CEO Roland Dickey, who took the time to answer all my questions and laid out a detailed plan for the future.

Dickeys Barbecue started franchising in 1994 and now has 90 locations in 25 states nationwide. Another 70 to 80 stores are in various stages of development and 35 to 40 are expected to open this year.