Dickey's Barbecue Pit — Restaurant in South Strabane Township

I am not sure this is the proper avenue to write. I felt compelled to do so. All too often you read the stories surrounding incidents where things have gone wrong or businesses or services who fell short. I would like to do just the opposite. This is about a feel good story of a local business making a difference and giving back to a communities most precious resource, its children.

On April 13, 2016, the Observer Reporter ran a story on Dickey's BBQ was to open in Washington. I was thrilled and started going as soon as they opened with my family. Right from the first trip in there was; GREAT service. AMAZING staff. GREAT atmosphere. GREAT food. GREAT prices. One could ask themselves, who could want anything more? I did not. I was happy to call Dickies a fantastic meal, at least twice a week! Little by little we got to know those who worked there and the owners, the Tran's (Lynda). Some of the most welcoming and warm people I have ever met. They actually CARE about the community, the people who dine at their establishment and the staff who work there with them. I could not count the times, as I stood in line, the conversations taking place between the staff at Dickies and all the customers. The staff took the time, not only to know the names of their patrons but took the time to care about what was going on in their lives. Now, I am not getting to the part as to WHY the reason is I wrote you... Not only is this establishment adding to the variety of Washington, Pa it is vested in the people of the community. Our 11 year old daughter recently got accepted into an out of town school in Tyrone, Pennsylvania, Grier. The interest and enthusiasm Lynda Tran shared with our daughter's acceptance and the journey she is about to set forth on this fall, made you think they were our own family. So genuinely happy for her and genuinely interested in all that is going on with her. Dickies is not all about, good advertising and making as much money as they can. They are genuine and real. So many of business’ today focus only the almighty dollar as their bottom line. This is where Dickies sets itself apart and ahead of the others. They take such an interest in someone in their community and giving a back to the community who has supported their business; they generously gave a gift, sent it to the Grier school for our daughter, investing in her future, for no other reason than she is a child of the local community. If that isn’t the roots, fiber and meaning of true community, I do not know what is. Dickies did not have to invest in our daughter’s future. Dickies has no obligation to care. Dickies has no reason to support the people in their community, other than that is who they are. Seldom have I witnessed, seldom of I even heard of, a business caring so much about its customers and the future of their community, they decided to invest in its most precious resource, its children. If that is not news worthy, I do not know what is. Thank you Dickies. Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Tran for being a reflection of goodness, grace and someone I am proud to share this community with...

I drove 28 miles and 45 minutes from Clairton for this...

Ordered a pulled pork sandwich and two sides with a sweet tea. Tea was pre-poured and without ice. No room in cup to add ice. Tea had gone bad, so I opted for a soda. Only Coke and Sprite were available; all other sodas were out.

Rather than put my items on a tray, my cup, two sides, and pre-packaged flatware with napkin were placed on the counter, and I was instructed to take my things to a table. I awkwardly complied.

My large sandwich was delivered a few short minutes later, among with two takeout ramekins of barbecue sauce, of which one of them was only half full. As one and a half small ramekins of sauce is not enough for a large sandwich, I asked for another. I was informed that additional sauces were an extra charge, but she would offer me a complimentary portion this once.

Sandwich was not hot, not warm, but literally chilly. As I was so entirely disgusted by the entirety of my experience, I kept quiet and ate my food in anger.

I was asked mid-sandwich about my experience, and without losing my temper, I explained the totality of my dissatisfaction. The employee did not apologize, but to her credit, she did offer to make another sandwich, and I declined. I asked to be left alone.

When finished, I had to ask for a bag to help get my refuse to the receptacle, as I was not given a tray, and barbecue is inherently sloppy.

In summary: service was not favorable. Beverage situation was unacceptable. Sides were the appropriate temperature, and they were delicious. Sandwich temperature was not within legal limits of temperature, but I think the flavor was okay (I was too angry to enjoy any of it.) Service was pleasant with every encounter. Employee did an excellent job of not escalating the situation, but did not do enough to de-escalate.

I've had excellent and repeating experiences with locations in Mechanicsburg and Texas. I think I'll stick to...

Apparently the people of Washington, PA have no idea what constitutes good BBQ. There certainly is a superior option to Dickey's BBQ, and that would be Hog Fathers for a fraction of the price. I went in and got carry out this evening. Disappointing doesn't begin to cover it. After the hard sell at the counter to try to get you to purchase more quantity than you want, the order is shouted over to a different person running the cash register, like you are at an auction. Very unprofessional and confusing to say the least. This enabled them to pull a fast one, because yes, when we got home and opened the containers we were shorted on what we ordered. The food was horrendous. I am going to give the benefit of the doubt that yes I did drive home, so I won't complain about the temperature of the food. However quality was marginal at best. The ribs were fatty and tasteless. The brisket was a joke. I don't know how you get a smoke ring on meat and then have no smoke flavor at all. I would love to comment about the sausage, but I didn't get it. The potato salad was sweet. The cold slaw had cabbage core in it. And the rolls, don't bother putting them in your mouth. I wasn't expecting 5 star BBQ when I went there, but I would have liked the food to have some taste. I have experience when it comes to this area food if anyone wants to question me. I know the owner of Pizzitola's BBQ in Houston, TX personally. I have eaten at the Salt Lick in Austin, TX, Franklin's in Austin, TX, Blacks and Smitty's in Lockhart, TX, and Dinosaur in Syracuse, NY just to name a few. I realize this place is a chain but don't fool yourselves that there is anything quality about this place. Google wouldn't let me post zero stars, so don't think for a minute there is anything positive about this...