Dillon’s KC BBQ Bayou
Bringing the Bayou to You
Dillon’s KC BBQ concept is the culmination of a partnership of passion. More than 18 years ago, friends Rich Dillon and George Valverde worked together at another restaurant and formed a business partnership built upon the dream of owning their own restaurant. George’s long-time management experience paired with Rich’s BBQ background served as the perfect blend. Together, they established Dillon’s KC BBQ, which has grown into a four-restaurant success story.
Since its inception in 1999, Dillon’s KC BBQ has garnered an ever-growing population of loyal guests, which, in addition to its original location at Thunderbird and the 101 Freeway, has led to the opening of three more restaurants at “Arizona Destination Locations” around the Valley. These include locations at Arrowhead, Wildlife World Zoo, which offers diners glimpses of rare animals such as a white alligator, flamingos just off the large patio and a 60,000-gallon shark tank, and the newest location, Dillon’s KC BBQ Bayou, which opened at Lake Pleasant Marina last year.
This lakeside location offers visitors an enormous entertainment venue with both restaurant and bar that overlook the sparkling water and the majestic mountains that make Lake Pleasant such a tourist and local favorite. Keli Kozup, Dillon’s PR and Social Media Marketing Manager, says, “This location is our new pride and joy. It’s a beautiful outdoor location, and we have heaters for the winter and air conditioning for the summer, so it’s always comfortable. We even have a golf cart shuttle that brings guests from the parking lot down the dock, right to our front door.” Of course, Dillon’s Bayou boasts Dillon’s now-famous BBQ including pecan-wood smoked meats such as brisket, mouth-watering burnt ends and pulled pork, which is slow-cooked overnight.
Keli notes that guests come to Dillon’s for more than just BBQ. “We have a large selection of American food favorites, too,” she says. That includes juicy burgers, chili dogs, multiple fish options, inventive salads and delicious sides such as their award-winning house-made onion rings, and appetizer must-haves like wings, nachos and quesadillas. They have gluten-free offerings as well.
In addition to its restaurants, Dillon’s offers complete catering services for small parties of just 10 people for a work meeting, larger parties such as weddings and even events for thousands of people. Keli says, “Our catering menu extends far beyond BBQ as well. We can do anything from a Mexican theme to chicken cordon bleu for more formal occasions.”
Dillon’s BBQ has become a Valley staple thanks not only to its delicious menu and unique location choices at one-of-a-kind destinations around Arizona, but also for its dedicated staff. Keli adds, “Dillon’s Restaurants would not be successful without our amazing employees. We have worked together with many of them since 1995 and are very grateful to their loyalty. Many of our former employees have gone on to extremely successful careers in medicine and teaching, and we feel fortunate to have been a part of their lives and growth.”
For a delicious dinner, a pick-up-and-go order or complete catering services served with a side of incredible customer service, Dillon’s KC BBQ has you covered.
