America's Largest BBQ Chain Now Has Just 2 Locations In Minnesota

It once had over 860 different locations across the country, but now the nation's largest barbecue restaurant chain is down to only two locations here in Minnesota.

Once upon a time, this barbecue restaurant chain was adding locations faster than a normal Minnesota winter storm adds inches of snow to your driveway. But that was nearly seven years ago, and now this chain has become the latest in a string of national restaurants to shutter a portion of its restaurants.

It was just a few months ago that this chain announced it would be closing 19 more locations on top of previous closings that happened earlier in 2024. All told, those closings meant the chain had reduced its restaurant count by 97 locations, industry site QSR noted, though it also said the chain had opened 12 'franchised units' last year.

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These announcements hit close to home because we love our restaurants, right? They play a unique role in our economy and culture both here in Minnesota and across the country. The National Restaurant Association estimates that there are currently over 11,100 restaurants in the North Star State, generating over $15 billion in sales.

So just which barbecue restaurant chain are we talking about? That would be Dickey's Barbecue Pit. The chain that's known for serving smoked beef brisket, southern pulled pork, St. Louis-style ribs, spicy cheddar sausage, smoked chicken, turkey, and more was founded by Travis Dickey in Dallas, Texas, back in 1941.

The Dickey's Barbecue Pit location in Eagan, MN (Google Maps)

Dickey's has expanded a lot since then, and according to its website, it now features '866 locations spanning eight unique concepts in 44 states and around the globe.' But it's down to just two locations here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. EatThisNotThat says that Dickey's shuttered 30 more locations as recently as last December.

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This Unhappy Franchisee story says those closings were in addition to Dickey's having previously closed several locations here in the Bold North, including Dickey's restaurants in Eden Prairie, Edina, Mankato, Bemidji, Hermantown, Burnsville, and Rochester.

As of March 2025, the Dickey's Barbecue Pit website now lists just two locations that are still open here in Minnesota:

3090 Courthouse Lane in Eagan
5466 Saint Croix Trail in North Branch

It's always interesting to see the rise and fall of brands that were once extremely popular here in Minnesota. I'm glad there are at least two Dickey's Barbecue Pits left in our fair state. Some brands, though, weren't so lucky. So to check out some familiar names that were once popular but now only exist in our memories, keep scrolling to see 50 beloved retail chains that aren't around anymore today.