
Famous Dave's
Food & Beverage · Full-Service Restaurants
- Active units
- 77
- Royalty
- 5.0%
Franchised, year-end 2024
of weekly Net Sales
About Famous Dave's
Famous Dave's is a chain of barbecue restaurants based in the United States. It was founded in 1994 by Dave Anderson in Hayward, Wisconsin. The restaurant chain specializes in slow-cooked, hickory-smoked barbecue meats and traditional American comfort food. Headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota, Famous Dave's operates over 130 locations across the United States. The company's headquarters oversee day-to-day operations, menu development, and marketing initiatives for its restaurants. Famous Dave's offers a variety of barbecue meats, including ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and chicken, cooked to perfection with their signature rubs and sauces. The menu also features sides such as macaroni and cheese, cornbread, and coleslaw, as well as a range of salads, sandwiches, and burgers. The restaurant chain caters to both dine-in and takeout customers, with some locations offering delivery services. On a global scale, Famous Dave's has not expanded significantly outside of the United States. However, the brand does have a presence in Canada and has plans for international growth in the future. As of now, there are no noteworthy subsidiaries, joint ventures, or partnerships associated with the company. In terms of market position, Famous Dave's is a well-known name in the American barbecue industry. While it faces competition from other barbecue chains and independent restaurants, Famous Dave's has managed to carve out a niche for itself with its authentic flavors and quality ingredients. Over the years, the brand has experienced various changes in its strategy and product lineup. In 2014, Famous Dave's introduced a new menu featuring revamped classics and innovative dishes to attract a wider customer base. Additionally, the company has made efforts to enhance its marketing and brand image through partnerships with sports teams and community involvement. As of the most recent updates, Famous Dave's continues to operate its restaurants across the United States. The company is focused on maintaining its market presence and expanding its customer base through various initiatives, including menu innovation and marketing strategies. With its dedication to quality barbecue and commitment to customer satisfaction, Famous Dave's remains a favorite destination for barbecue lovers nationwide.
Key terms
- Franchise fee
$35k
- Brand fund
1.0% of Net Sales
- Local advertising
1.5% of Net Sales
- Footprint
2,400 – 6,200 sq ft
- Veteran discount
20.0% off franchise fee — 20% discount on the Initial Franchise Fee for Eligible Military; also available to 501(c)(3) organizations
Brand Percentile Rankings
Rankings compare brands in the same operating year. Fee and investment figures come from the FDD (2026 filing); filings on file: 2024, 2026.
Growth
- Total locations76
Franchised units open at year-end
- New openings1
Gross new units opened during the calendar year
- 1-year unit growth rate-5.0%
Net unit growth versus prior year
- 3-year unit CAGR-6.5%
Compound annual growth rate of unit count over the trailing 3 years
- Unit growth ratio0.2×
Cumulative opens / closures through year-end
Unit economics
- Annual unit volume (Median)—
Per FDD Item 19 disclosure
- Annual unit volume (25th percentile)—
Per FDD Item 19 disclosure
- Annual unit volume (75th percentile)—
Per FDD Item 19 disclosure
- 1-year Median AUV growth rate—
Year-over-year change in median AUV
- Store-level EBITDA Margin—
Median unit-level EBITDA / AUV
Investment profile
- Estimated initial investment$2.1M
Midpoint of estimated initial investment range
↓ Lower is better - Time to open18 months
Midpoint of average time from agreement to opening
↓ Lower is better - Royalty rate5.0%
Percent of net sales paid to the franchisor
↓ Lower is better - Sales-to-investment ratio—
Median AUV / estimated initial investment midpoint
- Cash-on-cash returns—
Median unit-level EBITDA / estimated initial investment midpoint. Steady-state estimate; year 1 returns will be lower as the unit ramps to median volumes.
Franchisee healthLocked
- Unit closure ratio
- Transfer vs. closure ratio
- Percent multi-unit franchisees
- Litigation rate
- EBITDA multiple on sales & transfers
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