Famous Dave’s of America, Inc. (NASDAQ:DAVE) has announced the return of its founder, “Famous Dave” Anderson, also known as “America’s Rib King.” Mr. Anderson will be rejoining the company as part of a reorganization that includes several new members of the company’s board of directors and executive management team in recent months.
Adam Wright, interim CEO for Famous Dave’s said, “Our company was founded on Dave’s passion to serve the best Bar-B-Que, and we are working hard to get Famous Dave’s back on track. Famous Dave’s growth from a small town restaurant to 180 locations attests to our legendary pitmaster founder’s dedication to serving the highest quality and most innovative Bar-B-Que to our guests. Dave Anderson brings a wealth of current Bar-B-Que knowledge, experience and passion, and I know our guests are excited to see “Famous” back, serving up his award-winning Bar-B-Que.”
Mr. Wright added, “In addition to helping us craft more of the award–winning Bar-B-Que that made us Famous, Dave is helping to rebuild our company’s culture and improve our guest experience. Dave has always believed that you can’t build a great company without great people, and he will be working hard to inspire and educate our team and local pitmasters. We are very excited to have our founder back!”
Mr. Anderson resigned as Chairman from Famous Dave’s in 2004 following an appointment by President George W. Bush to serve as Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior, Indian Affairs. Following his time serving the country, Mr. Anderson returned to the company as a spokesman. He resigned from this position in 2014.
“It was a difficult decision when I left the Company, but at the time, my vision did not align with the direction that was being taken by the previous management team,” said Dave Anderson. “I am excited to be Famous Dave again and back at the company in an expanded role focused on re-energizing our guest’s experience by serving the highest quality authentic Bar-B-Que, with world class hospitality.”
Anderson added, “My love of Bar-B-Que runs to the core of my soul, I love to innovate and constantly improve, and I look forward to bringing my expertise and continued evolution back to Famous Dave’s. I am continuing my involvement with my new fast casual BBQ concept, Jimmie’s Old Southern BBQ Smokehouse, named in honor of my late father Jimmie Anderson. The concept is different than Famous Dave’s, with a quick-serve format, a smaller menu, and new recipes. The market for Bar-B-Que is growing explosively, and there is plenty of room for the many different types of Bar-B-Que in America.”
Famous Dave’s develops, owns, operates and franchises barbeque restaurants. As of October 23, 2015, the Company owns 44 restaurants and franchises 136 additional units, with locations in 33 states, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and Canada. Famous Dave’s menu features award-winning barbequed and grilled meats, complemented by an ample selection of salads, side items, sandwiches, and desserts.
