How Famous Dave’s got Famous: Reaching for 200-Unit Stardom

By MATT DIAZ From humble hometown beginnings to BBQ flavor that is often described as “legendary,” the name Famous Dave’s* has steadily risen throughout the world of franchising over the years. Sticking to their roots and following industry trends, it’s easy to see why this BBQ joint continues to grow. With 187 units in 36 states, 134 of which are franchised, Famous Dave’s is quickly on its way to 200 units. The mid 90’s and early 2000’s marked the era of casual dining restaurants, but most people who know Famous Dave’s don’t realize they started with a quick-service mindset in 1994. “We knew that we had an amazing product but that we had to align ourselves with a new philosophy” says Victor Salamone, Vice President of Franchise Operations and Development. “Sixteen years ago, the quick-serve food concept wasn’t as big of a player in the restaurant industry as it is now.” By following the metropolitan growth trends, maintaining a comfortable ratio of corporate to franchised locations and adapting their concept to give people what they wanted, Famous Dave’s discovered a formula for tempting the taste buds of food fanatics and entrepreneurs alike. “Though we are passionate about our food, we knew that what hasn’t been done before is duplicating award winning BBQ,” says Salamone. That meticulous duplication and unwillingness to waiver on flavor is what drove Famous Dave’s to their first 100 locations. Post 2008, it is clear that America is continually looking for more and more ways to keep moving. Continuing to follow industry trends, Famous Dave’s has learned how to serve their award winning BBQ faster and without skimping on quality through their Famous Dave’s Shack experience. “We should be hitting the 200 mark by the end of 2013,” says Salamone. “With the resurgence of our Famous Dave’s BBQ Shack experience, in addition to our full-service casual dining restaurants, franchisees are able to continue to expand throughout various markets while other concepts are becoming oversaturated.” As a franchise partner himself in the Louisville, Kentucky area, Salamone knows firsthand what he’s talking about when it comes to the successes of the company. According to Salamone, “the most important thing about Famous Dave’s is passion. We are passionate individuals and that does not waiver from the corporate level, to franchisees or to employees on the local level. Passion is one of those intrinsic values that has driven Famous Dave’s success and will continue to do so into the future.”