Dollywood is adding even more smoky flavor to its already beloved food lineup with the announcement of a brand-new partnership with Royal Oak, now officially named the park’s charcoal partner.
The new collaboration feels like a pretty natural fit honestly. One of the things Dollywood consistently gets right is food. Whether it’s the cinnamon bread, massive BBQ platters, or the comfort food spread throughout the park, dining has always felt like a huge part of the overall experience rather than just a quick stop between rides.
Now Royal Oak will help fuel several of Dollywood’s most popular culinary locations, including Wilderness Pass Restaurant and Hickory House BBQ, while also becoming the presenting sponsor of Miss Lillian’s BBQ Corner.
According to Dollywood Parks & Resorts President Eugene Naughton, the partnership helps reinforce the park’s commitment to authentic Smoky Mountain cooking traditions.
“Our dedication to foods authentic to the Smoky Mountain region has helped us earn this reputation,” Naughton said. “This new partnership with Royal Oak allows us to continue delivering on those traditional grilling processes that can’t be replicated in any other way.”
The partnership will also bring cooking demonstrations with Royal Oak ambassadors, exclusive recipes for season passholders, themed menu items, and additional culinary experiences throughout the park.
And honestly, this feels like the kind of partnership that actually makes sense for a theme park rather than just slapping a logo somewhere. Dollywood has quietly built one of the strongest food reputations in the industry over the last several years, earning multiple Golden Ticket Awards and consistently ranking among guests’ favorite parks for dining.
If you’ve ever walked through the park smelling smoked BBQ drifting through Craftsman’s Valley or grabbed a meal at Hickory House after a long day of rides, you already know food is part of the atmosphere at Dollywood.
Royal Oak’s involvement feels less corporate sponsorship and more like doubling down on something the park already does extremely well.
The new additions are expected to roll out throughout the summer grilling season, with Royal Oak branding appearing across several dining locations around the park.
Janine is a theme park and pop culture nerd from an early age. Since 1994, she’s been traversing the theme park world and has enjoyed all things from Halloween events to new ride releases and beyond. When she’s not at a theme park, she’s probably at a concert or doing something fun with her kiddo.