May 25, 2013

Industry News | February 10, 2013

Jeff Forrester Named VP of Purchasing, R&D at Dickey's

Jeff Forrester has been named vice president of purchasing and research and development for Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, the nation's largest barbecue franchise.

"I enjoy working with manufacturers to develop products that differentiate Dickey's from other restaurant concepts, and then working internally to be sure that the value of those products is expressed to both franchisees and our guests," Forrester says. "I grew up in the Dallas area, and Dickey's has always been an iconic brand that I identify with home."

Born in Whylie, Texas, Forrester began his career at Dickey's in August 2011 as the director of purchasing. Forrester went to Tarleton State University and The Art Institute of Dallas.

Forrester was appointed executive chef and culinary director for "Food Network Live", and then went on to be the executive chef and culinary director for the Culinary Entertainment Group.

Forrester's career has allowed him to cook with esteemed chefs like Brian Tolbert, Emeril Lagasse, Alton Brown, and Kent Rathburn. He even prepared meals for Julia Child.

"Since joining Dickey's, Jeff has been instrumental in driving the brand's culinary development, including adding new menu items such as the Spicy Chicken Sandwich and the Barbecue Honey Ham," says Roland Dickey, Jr., president and CEO of Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants. "We have great confidence in Jeff's ability to continue to develop systems that will catapult Dickey's to the next level."