Famous Dave's Signs New Franchise Development Agreements

Famous Dave's of America has signed a new Franchise agreement with Famous Five Dining, Inc. The new company, headed by Famous Dave's former Vice President of Operations Mike Lister, has an area development agreement for 6 restaurants. The signing comes on the heels of the June 4 opening of the Cross Lake, Minnesota unit owned by Competition BBQ, Inc. led by John Nermyr, former Area Director for Famous Dave's of America. Nermyr's franchise commitment, signed earlier this Spring, call for 4 units to be developed.

The franchise agreement with Famous Five Dining calls for six units to be developed over five years in central and eastern Tennessee and north central Alabama, with two units expected to be opened by year-end. Earlier this year, Famous Dave's established two Regional Vice Presidents of Operations in anticipation of this transaction.

The Competition BBQ group has a commitment to develop certain markets within Minnesota. In addition to this development, they have purchased the assets and certain rights to compete as the award-winning Famous Dave's Rib Team in selected territories. Since the start of the rib fest season in early June, the team has already earned two first place finishes.

The company also announced the commitment by East Port, LLC to open a second unit in Peoria, Illinois. East Port's first Famous Dave's is located in East Peoria, Illinois.

Famous Dave's of America develops, owns, operates and Franchises barbecue restaurants and blues clubs. The company currently owns 35 locations and franchises an additional 11 units in Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Maryland, Virginia, Utah, South Dakota and Nebraska. In addition, restaurants are currently being developed in Ohio and Georgia. Its menu features award-winning, barbecued and grilled meats, an ample selection of salads, side items, sandwiches and unique desserts.