" Dads 25 Years BBQ Business Journey"
- Dads is so thankful for the 25 years BBQ Restaurant business journey! Dads’ BBQ CEOs, Dennis Ray Sr. and Etta Hicks met at the age of 11 years old in Biloxi, Mississippi and have been married for over 65 years. It was always Dennis dream of one day opening a BBQ Restaurant. Although he wasn’t much of a cook growing up and being the only child, Etta was there by his side to show him the way, they have created delicious recipes for Dads’ BBQ. Dennis Ray Sr. retired in 1991 as a Foreman Construction worker and Etta retired from nursing. They are the proud parents of 5 children, blessed with 14 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren and 10 sons/daughter-n-laws.
- In 1999 Dads’ BBQ vision and inception started at a family reunion held in Williamsburg, Virginia. During the family reunion and cook-out in Williamsburg, Virginia, Dad’s daughter, La Monica Samuel, gave the name of Dads BBQ, another daughter, Dietra King (1963-2024) became President, son-n-law, Eric King Sr. (1960-2020) designed and created Dads’ logo brand, and his niece (Niecy Veal) provided custom aprons and hats for the cooks. Dads’ President, Dietra King, RIP, held the business down for 18 years, due to her Commitment in the Community she Received the Key to the City of Antioch, Sadly, gone to soon on January 7th, 2024! Before Dietra’s passing she had well trained her daughter, Eriesha King-Holmes how to manage the ends and outs to Dads’ daily business operation and bookkeeping. She is now Dads’ President and has been with the company for 19 years. Also, out of all dads grands and great-grandchildren, Eriesha at the age 9 loved working at Dads. As a teenager in 2006 at the Pittsburg Location, she learned how to prepare menu item recipes and eventually created her Dads menu item, which is her delicious and famous mac-n-cheese at the Antioch Location Now.
- Since the start and expansion of Dads in 1999, the BBQ restaurant has served the Bay Area, Pittsburg, and Antioch California communities for over 25 years. Dads has blessed so many families with jobs and stability over the past 25 years. Although Dads and family have lost some business management intricate loved ones, the business continues its missions and goals for the staff and serving the community. Dads’ delicious BBQ eatery, great service and product stability for 25 years is a name well-known throughout Northern California. Some of the big companies and organizations throughout Northern California have used Dads’ catering service, i.e., Oakland As, San Francisco 49ers, Public School Districts, Nextel Telephone, San Quentin Correctional, Budweiser Brewery, and Kaiser Permanente. In 2003, Dads expanded his catering services by purchasing the first BBQ mobile truck. After 25 years, Dads’ staff and catering team still provide food truck eatery service at local and state-wide fairs and conventions. Dads staff team bonding events have been held at the Oakland A’s Stadium fan suite, which was also some of the staff’s first time attending a professional baseball game. Many well-known politicians and celebrities have visited and eaten at Dads BBQ Restaurant. Many wonder how Dads was able to sustain the business for 25 years. Dads and his team would say, because of the good Lord’s guidance! Dads and his team will continue to give, love unconditionally, and thrive on God’s mercy and grace. Today, Dads’ brick and mortar BBQ restaurant is located at: Empire Shopping Center, 5887 Lone Tree Way, Suite R, Antioch, CA 94531.
- Dads’ founders and CEO, Dennis Ray Sr. and Etta Hicks heart is bigger than the company will ever be, because of his initial mission and goal for a BBQ Restaurant. Our family, staff and community are truly blessed to still have them here thriving in life, especially preparing the famous and delicious Mississippi Gumbo. They are proud and thankful for their son, Cedric Hicks who has helped operate Dads’ daily business operations during some unforeseen and unfortunate family circumstances. Dads is proud and thankful for their granddaughter, Eriesha Holmes Who has been Working in the company for 19 years and grand-son-n-law Deandre Holmes who are currently managing the daily operations of Dads’ BBQ restaurant in Antioch CA. Dad is so proud of their children, grandchildren and staff who are just being positive and productive citizens in society. Dads is proud and excited for any of his grandchildren to invest and/or open a Dads BBQ LLC, Franchise or an incorporated BBQ Restaurant.
- Dads BBQ sincerely appreciates all the loving and returning customers that have been eating and rocking with team Dads BBQ 25 Year journey. We are so Grateful for all the customer referrals over the past 25 years and look forward to the continued referrals in the future. Please save the date of Saturday, July 5, 2025 and come celebrate with Dads BBQ for our 25th Anniversary. Tickets will be on sale soon. Lets Celebrate to give cheers to 25 years and counting!
- Big 25th, let’s go!!!