Rick’s Barbecue began in 1979 with humble roots in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, when the first location opened on 401 West Gaines Street. What started as a small block building with a walk-up window, a drive-up window, and no sign quickly became the foundation of a lasting legacy.

In the early years, success did not come easy. High interest rates in the late 1970s and early 1980s made it difficult to stay afloat, and for several years, the business struggled financially. Through perseverance, creative promotions like “Dollar Day,” and an unwavering commitment to quality, Rick pushed forward. By the mid-1980s, the business began to stabilize, becoming incorporated in 1987 and expanding into new locations, including a second Lawrenceburg store and growth into Alabama markets such as Muscle Shoals and Florence.

As the company grew, so did its capabilities. In 1989, Rick’s became a USDA-inspected facility and began packaging products for wholesale—marking a major step forward in quality and distribution. Continued investment led to the opening of its first commissary in Leoma in 1995, allowing the brand to maintain consistency while supporting expansion.

Growth continued across Tennessee and Alabama through the years, with new locations, relocations, and concepts—including additional restaurant sites and now a 60,000-square-foot commissary and corporate office opened in 2014. Each step reflected a willingness to adapt, learn, and build for the future.

Behind the scenes, the cooking process has remained rooted in tradition. From the beginning, barbecue has been cooked low and slow over wood-fired pits using hands-on methods that require time, skill, and dedication. Even as operations evolved, Rick’s has stayed committed to doing things the right way—focusing on quality, consistency, and care in every product.

Rick’s Barbecue is built on more than just food—it is grounded in family, hard work, faith, and perseverance. From its modest beginnings to a growing regional presence, the story of Rick’s Barbecue reflects a commitment to serving its communities and staying true to the values it was founded on.