Sandwiches for Heroes: Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Offers Free Pulled Pork to First Responders During Winter Storms
As winter storms continue to disrupt communities across the United States, Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants is taking action to support the first responders working tirelessly to keep residents safe. In collaboration with The Dickey Foundation, the restaurant brand has launched a special initiative offering free pulled pork sandwiches to police officers, firefighters, and emergency personnel who remain on duty throughout the storm.
The limited-time program runs from Sunday, January 25 through Monday, January 26, providing active first responders the opportunity to visit participating Dickey’s locations and receive a complimentary hot, pit-smoked pulled pork sandwich. To qualify, recipients must be in uniform and actively working during the severe weather period.
The initiative reflects Dickey’s longstanding commitment to giving back to the communities it serves, particularly during times of crisis. With extreme winter conditions placing additional strain on emergency services, the company hopes its gesture offers both nourishment and encouragement to those responding to emergencies, conducting rescues, managing traffic hazards, and ensuring public safety.
Supporting Heroes on the Front Lines
First responders play a critical role during severe weather events, often putting their own safety at risk to assist stranded motorists, respond to medical emergencies, restore order, and protect vulnerable populations. During winter storms, their responsibilities can intensify significantly, with long hours, dangerous travel conditions, and high call volumes.
Dickey’s leadership emphasized that this campaign is designed as a meaningful expression of gratitude toward those professionals who continue serving despite hazardous conditions.
“Proudly supporting those who protect and serve is at the heart of who we are,” said Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. “Our goal is to continuously give first responders and their families the support they need to ensure their safety and success in the communities they serve—especially during moments when they’re called on the most.”
She noted that providing a warm meal during difficult working conditions can offer comfort, energy, and a reminder that their sacrifices are recognized and appreciated.
A Warm Meal During Cold Conditions
The complimentary meal centers on Dickey’s signature pit-smoked pulled pork sandwich, a staple of the brand’s Texas-style barbecue menu. The sandwich is slow-smoked using traditional cooking methods designed to enhance flavor and tenderness, offering a hearty, filling option well-suited for long shifts in cold weather.
Restaurant locations participating in the program will redeem the offer in-store only, ensuring that first responders can quickly access their meal while remaining on duty. While the promotion is available system-wide, availability may vary depending on local franchise participation.
Dickey’s stated that it will continue monitoring evolving weather conditions across impacted regions. If storms persist or intensify, the company may extend the program to provide continued assistance.
A History of Community Support
This winter weather initiative builds upon Dickey’s broader legacy of charitable outreach and community engagement. Through The Dickey Foundation, the brand regularly supports causes related to first responders, military families, disaster relief, hunger relief, and youth programs.
The foundation works in partnership with franchisees, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders to deliver aid during natural disasters and public emergencies. Over the years, Dickey’s restaurants have provided meals to displaced families, emergency workers, and underserved populations following hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and other crises.
By leveraging its national footprint and strong franchise network, the company is able to mobilize quickly and deliver assistance where it is needed most.
Reaffirming a Commitment to Service
In addition to Laura Rea Dickey’s remarks, Roland Dickey, Jr., CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group, reiterated the company’s dedication to supporting first responders and their families.
“Our goal is to continuously give first responders the support they need to stay safe and strong in the communities they serve, especially during times when they are needed most,” he said.
He emphasized that community engagement is not simply a marketing initiative but a core value embedded in the company’s mission and culture.
Recognizing the Challenges of Severe Weather
Severe winter storms often bring dangerous conditions such as heavy snowfall, icy roads, power outages, and reduced visibility. These hazards can increase accident risks, delay emergency response times, and strain municipal resources.
First responders frequently work extended shifts under physically demanding and stressful conditions. In many cases, they are required to leave their families at home while ensuring the safety of others. Providing food, shelter, and moral support during these events can make a meaningful difference in sustaining morale and physical stamina.
Dickey’s initiative acknowledges the demanding realities of frontline emergency work and aims to offer a small but impactful form of relief.
Encouraging Community Participation
While the offer is directed at first responders, Dickey’s also encourages community members to express appreciation for emergency workers in their local areas. Whether through kind gestures, donations, volunteerism, or simple words of thanks, the company believes collective community support plays a vital role in strengthening resilience during difficult times.
Franchise operators are encouraged to share updates on participating locations and help spread awareness of the initiative so eligible first responders can take advantage of the program.
A Brand Rooted in Hospitality
Founded on the principles of hospitality, tradition, and community, Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants has grown into one of the largest barbecue restaurant brands in the world. Despite its size, the company continues to emphasize personalized service and local community engagement through its franchise model.
Acts of service such as this winter storm campaign reflect the brand’s broader philosophy: food has the power to bring comfort, foster connection, and serve as a meaningful expression of gratitude.
As weather conditions continue to challenge communities nationwide, Dickey’s hopes its gesture will serve as both a practical resource and a symbolic reminder that first responders are valued, respected, and supported.
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