Famous Dave‘s is a name that stands out in the arena of American barbeque. The man behind this moniker, Dave Anderson, has made an indelible mark on the culinary world with his passion for barbeque.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1953, Anderson had a humble beginning. His passion for BBQ ignited at an early age when his father bought a roadside BBQ stand. It was here where Dave got his first taste of the BBQ business, and that taste ignited a flame. This flame, much like the one he kindles in his charcoal bbqs, has helped him create a barbeque empire.
The beauty of Famous Dave’s barbeque recipes lies in their authenticity. This authenticity stems from Dave’s boundless passion for BBQ and his painstaking efforts to perfect his craft. He has spent many years experimenting with various spices, sauce textures, and grilling techniques, imparting an original flavor to everything he cooks. The magic happens primarily on his charcoal bbqs, where meat is slow-cooked to perfection. This distinctive style of cooking, although time-consuming, lends a unique smoky flavor to his dishes.
After years of research and dedication, the first Famous Dave’s BBQ shack opened in Hayward, Wisconsin, in 1994. The relaxed, friendly atmosphere and mouth-watering menu quickly set the restaurant apart. It wasn’t long before Famous Dave’s reputation for delivering an unparalleled barbeque experience spread far and wide. More locations opened up and the brand soon became synonymous with American BBQ.
But achieving this stardom was no cakewalk. Dave faced many challenges along the way, from financial difficulties to failed businesses, but he never lost sight of his dream. He was relentless in his pursuit of creating the best barbeque, which meant he never compromised on his use of charcoal bbqs. He credits his success to his resilience and the love and support of his family and community.
In 2017, Famous Dave’s celebrated its 23rd anniversary. Today, it boasts over 180 restaurants in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Despite the phenomenal success, Famous Dave’s still retains the same spirit and charm it had when the first BBQ shack opened. All its restaurants feature the same signature rustic decor, infectiously lively ambience, and, most importantly, the aroma of BBQ smoked over charcoal bbqs.
The brand has won many awards for its BBQ, including the prestigious Best Ribs in America award. Dave Anderson himself is a highly decorated BBQ enthusiast. He was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Barbeque News in 2017, acknowledging his significant contributions to barbeque cuisine.
The story of Famous Dave’s is a heartening tale of passionate pursuit, perseverance, and the power of good BBQ. Each rack of ribs, each side of cornbread, builds on the legacy of a man whose love for BBQ knew no bounds. The tradition of cooking on charcoal bbqs, of stoking the flame and patiently waiting for the meat to cook to perfection – these arts haven’t been lost in the rush of fast food culture. Thanks to Dave Anderson and his undying passion for BBQ, the legacy of charcoal barbeques continues.