Franchisee Spotlight: Jon Ellison – Issaquah, Washington

At Dickey’s, our franchisees are the heart of what we do—and Jon Ellison in Issaquah, Washington is no exception. With a passion for quality barbecue and an appreciation for efficient operations, Jon brings both enthusiasm and insight to his restaurant every day.

Why Dickey’s?

For Jon, the decision to join Dickey’s Barbecue Pit came down to one simple thing: the food. “I like the barbecue,” he shares. But it didn’t stop there. He was also drawn to the fast-casual model, seeing it as a step above traditional fast food. “It’s a great alternative,” Jon explains. “We’re a cut above—it’s real meats for real people.” That commitment to authentic, pit-smoked barbecue made Dickey’s a natural fit.

Training Experience

Like many franchisees, Jon quickly discovered that there’s more to great barbecue than meets the eye. “The coordination of preparing all of the foods for the day is actually more involved than I thought,” he says. But that complexity is exactly what impressed him. The systems in place help streamline operations without sacrificing quality. “They’ve managed to bottle the chaos and crank out a really good product in a timely, efficient way,” Jon notes—highlighting the strength of Dickey’s proven processes.

Menu Favorites

When it comes to picking a favorite, Jon finds it hard to choose. “I like the brisket, but it’s a toss-up between that and the ribs,” he admits. Both are staples of the Dickey’s menu, slow-smoked to perfection and packed with flavor—making Jon’s indecision completely understandable.

From a love of barbecue to an appreciation for operational excellence, Jon Ellison exemplifies what it means to be part of the Dickey’s family. Take a look at his Franchisee Feature video here and don’t forget, if you find yourself in Issaquah, be sure to stop by and experience the quality and care that Jon and his team bring to every plate.

About the Dickey’s Brand

Founded in 1941, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has built a legacy around authentic, Texas-style barbecue served with a focus on quality, consistency, and hospitality. With decades of experience and a proven franchise model, the brand supports owner-operators with streamlined systems, comprehensive training, and ongoing operational guidance. Known for slow-smoked meats prepared daily and a welcoming, fast-casual environment, Dickey’s continues to stand out as a trusted name in barbecue—delivering “Legit. Texas. Barbecue.” to communities across the country.