Florida entrepreneur takes over Hillsborough County barbecue restaurant to enhance experience for the community and revive longstanding operation
TAMPA, Fla. (September 25, 2026) – A familiar face is taking the reins at Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in Riverview. Local franchise owner Rakesh Patel, who also operates the nearby Wesley Chapel location, has assumed ownership of the restaurant at
10463 Gibsonton Drive, bringing his passion for authentic Texas barbecue and creating a consistent guest experience across both locations.
A software programmer turned barbecue aficionado, Patel rolled up his sleeves and officially got to work reviving the 10-year-old barbecue restaurant earlier this summer. Since taking over, the new Pit Master has been focused on improving guest experience by making operational improvements and strengthening the team’s focus on food quality, cleanliness and customer service.
“To the Riverview community, we want to say thank you for welcoming us as the new owners of Dickey’s Barbecue Pit,” said Patel. “We are excited and honored to continue serving this community and building on the strong legacy of a brand known for authentic, slow-smoked Texas barbecue. We are committed to providing great food and friendly service. We invite everyone to stop by, say hello, and experience the passion and dedication we are bringing to this longstanding restaurant. We are grateful for your support and look forward to entering this new chapter together as a community.”
Dickey’s first landed onto Riverview’s dining scene in 2016, and since then has been introducing the area to the deliciousness of authentic, slow-smoked Texas-style barbecue. The Dickey’s difference starts with its approach to smoking premium cuts of brisket, pork, chicken and kielbasa sausage low and slow for hours over a proprietary applewood pellet blend. The barbecue brand, which has been serving smoked favorites since opening its first location in Texas in 1941, features classic American barbecue staples such as pulled pork, brisket, coleslaw, barbecue beans, and potato salad. In addition, longtime barbecue fans and newcomers alike can indulge their taste buds at the Tacoma location, which also serves chicken wings, fall-off-the-bone ribs, giant loaded baked potatoes, smoked ham & cheddar sandwiches, and other rotating menu items.
In celebration of the brand’s 85th anniversary, Dickey’s in Riverview is offering a limited-time throwback deal. For $6.85, fans can score a savory sandwich piled high with pit-smoked ham and finished with a smoky cheddar sauce all on a toasted, buttery brioche bun.
As part of Dickey’s commitment to the communities it serves, the restaurant will engage with local schools, sports teams and nonprofit organizations through fundraising opportunities and sponsorships.
Dickey’s in Riverview is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.