Famous Dave’s: A Quarter Century of BBQ Evolution

Famous Dave's is one restaurant brand that evokes salivation satisfaction. Recently celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Minneapolis-based restaurant franchise was founded on Dave Anderson's passion for BBQ.  While the brand has grown to 130 locations in 33 states and three countries and sells 14 million pounds of pork annually, it is constantly evolving. This evolution includes the introduction of a new smaller 3,000-7,000-square foot footprint, more tech-savvy concept that features a bar-centric atmosphere, tabletop ordering, kiosks and new appetizer items with 5-10 units in the works currently set to open in 2020.  Another evolution: nearly 50 percent of Famous Dave’s business is now offsite, compared to 30 percent just five years ago - the brand will open four of its first drive-thru locations next year and is focused on adding locations in Atlanta, New York, New Jersey, Detroit and around Wisconsin

Modern Restaurant Management (MRM) magazine quizzed Anderson…