1994
120
$481,750
$45,000
$1,429,000
No
Famous Dave’s is one of America’s most iconic BBQ restaurant franchises, celebrated for its authentic pit-smoked ribs, award-winning sauces, and warm Southern hospitality. Founded on a passion for real barbecue and genuine customer connection, Famous Dave’s has grown into a national favorite with decades of success behind its name. Known for its smoky aroma, generous portions, and down-home atmosphere, the brand represents more than just a restaurant—it’s a community gathering place where great food meets great people.
With a loyal customer base and proven franchise system, Famous Dave’s continues to dominate the casual dining and fast-casual BBQ market across the United States. Its menu showcases a rich variety of meats, from hickory-smoked ribs and brisket to pulled pork, chicken, and burgers—each prepared with the signature Famous Dave’s flair. The brand’s multi-format model (full-service, express, and ghost kitchen options) gives investors flexibility and scalability, making it one of the most versatile and high-potential franchises in the restaurant industry.
Owning a Famous Dave’s franchise means joining a trusted national brand that has consistently delivered results in a highly competitive segment. The barbecue category is thriving in the U.S., with rising consumer demand for authentic, high-quality comfort food and local-style dining experiences.
Famous Dave’s offers franchisees the opportunity to capitalize on its decades of brand equity, established operational systems, and powerful marketing presence. Franchise owners benefit from:
A proven business model that adapts to different formats and markets.
Strong brand recognition nationwide, with a loyal customer following.
High average unit volumes (AUVs) driven by dine-in, takeout, catering, and delivery channels.
Access to innovative menu development, digital ordering platforms, and robust training support.
Strategic real estate and site selection assistance to secure high-traffic locations.
Famous Dave’s was founded in 1994 by Dave Anderson, a passionate BBQ enthusiast who set out to create the best ribs in America. The first location opened in Hayward, Wisconsin, quickly earning local fame for its authentic smokehouse flavor and handcrafted sauces. Word spread fast, and soon Famous Dave’s became a household name.
Today, Famous Dave’s operates over 120 locations across the United States and continues to expand through both traditional and non-traditional franchise formats. The brand is part of BBQ Holdings, Inc., a multi-brand restaurant group that also owns other popular concepts like Granite City Food & Brewery and Village Inn.
Over the decades, Famous Dave’s has earned hundreds of awards for its ribs, brisket, and sauces—cementing its reputation as one of America’s most decorated barbecue brands. With a focus on innovation, operational excellence, and community engagement, the franchise continues to attract entrepreneurs who want to combine business ownership with the joy of great food and hospitality.
Industry Category: Food & Beverage, Casual Dining, Barbecue Restaurant Franchise
Headquarters: Minnetonka, Minnesota, USA
Franchise Units: 120+ (USA and international)
Famous Dave’s provides comprehensive support that covers every stage of the franchise journey—from setup to long-term success.
Pre-Opening Support:
Guidance on site selection, lease negotiation, and restaurant design.
Assistance with construction, layout, and equipment procurement.
Initial franchise training at corporate headquarters and in-store locations.
Operational & Management Training:
In-depth training covering kitchen operations, food safety, customer service, and staff management.
Access to operational manuals, recipes, and supply chain systems.
Ongoing visits and audits by the corporate team to ensure brand consistency and quality.
Marketing & Technology Support:
National and regional marketing programs to build brand awareness.
Access to digital marketing tools, loyalty programs, and social media campaigns.
Grand opening marketing assistance and ongoing promotions to drive traffic.
Ongoing Support:
Continuous innovation in menu offerings and operations.
Exclusive franchisee community for collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Dedicated field consultants and franchise business coaches for operational guidance.
Famous Dave’s leaves no detail unattended, ensuring that every franchisee feels confident and supported in managing their business successfully.
The ideal Famous Dave’s franchisee is someone who shares the brand’s passion for great food, community, and hospitality. While prior restaurant experience is valuable, it’s not mandatory—what matters most is a strong entrepreneurial drive, leadership skills, and commitment to excellence.
Preferred qualities include:
Experience in restaurant, food service, or hospitality management.
Strong local market knowledge and the ability to build community relationships.
Willingness to be actively involved in operations or hire a skilled management team.
Financial capability to meet investment requirements and sustain growth.
Passion for quality, service, and maintaining the Famous Dave’s standard of excellence.
Famous Dave’s works closely with franchisees to help them identify suitable territories—especially in markets with strong demand for BBQ and casual dining, from suburban neighborhoods to high-traffic urban zones.
Total Investment Required: $481,750 – $1,429,000 (depending on format and location)
Minimum Net Worth: $1,000,000
Minimum Liquid Capital: $300,000
Franchise Fee: $45,000
Royalty Fee: 5% of gross sales
Marketing Fund Contribution: 2% of gross sales
Franchise Units: 120+ (and growing)
Other Key Costs:
Infrastructure & Equipment: $200,000 – $600,000
Working Capital: $50,000 – $100,000
Marketing Budget: $10,000 – $30,000 (pre-launch and grand opening)
Expected ROI & Break-Even: Typically achieved within 2 to 3 years, depending on location, management efficiency, and operational performance.
Revenue Streams: Dine-in, takeout, catering, online ordering, delivery, and merchandise sales.
