Famous Dave’s barbecue can bring the fun and excitement of a good ‘ol backyard picnic to your next event — whether it’s for 50, 500 or 5,000.
Famous Quotes
Wedding...

I just quickly wanted to say thank you for all your help with our wedding catering. Everything went so smoothly and we had so many compliments on the food, quite a few people said it was the best food they had ever had at a wedding! We are so happy we chose Famous Dave's for our catering!

Thanks again and Merry Christmas! Alisha and Kory

Wedding...

Just wanted you to know I was very pleased with the Famous Dave's catering we ordered today! The food arrived on time, food was piping hot; it was extremely well organized and the food was excellent! I got many compliments from the guests, and I appreciated the ease of it for myself after a busy couple days! It was a perfect ending for a wonderful weekend, celebrating my daughter's wedding! Kudos to you and your team!

Carol F.

Company Event...

Food was outstanding and enjoyed by my staff. We will see you again next year and of course I personally go to Famous Dave's once a month. As a southern girl it is truly good eats!

Sincerely,
Trisha

School Event...

I wanted to personally thank you for your attention as well as your staff at the location. The students attending the class LOVED the food (especially the Famous Dave's Mac and Cheese). Catering for our classes is something new to our division and I wanted to say that I tried several different places and found your organization the easiest to work with. I know for a fact that I will be using Famous Dave's in all of my future classes.

Thank you,
Marcia L.

Company Event...

The Famous Dave's experience was phenomenal! Our team and guest thoroughly enjoyed their luncheon on Friday. I look forward to more upcoming orders. Thanks again for your effortless assistance in making our luncheon incredible!

Best regards,
Jon R.

Company Event...

As always, everything was great and we look forward to doing business with you again!

Thank you,
Chris P.

Family Event...

I completed my entire catering order on the Famous Dave's website, followed by several emails from you. This was the first time I had done something like this entirely online and was a somewhat skeptical. Thank you for your fast responses to my email and your professionalism overall.

Karen

Wedding Reception...

I just wanted to follow up now that the wedding is done and we've started to recoup from being exhausted from months of working and planning Angela & Kevin's wedding.

I have been sharing with many friends and family that out of all the vendors I needed to work with for this wedding, that Famous Dave's was the best decision we made. I want to extend a big thank you for your excellent food and service for our wedding. Everyone raved about the food and the service and staff were great to work with.

So thanks again for making our wedding reception a huge success. I will be singing your praises to anyone who asks for catering ideas.

Sincerely,
Dawn B

Company Event...

I would like to let you know that the staff from Famous Dave's did an excellent job today. Josh and his team were outstanding. They were efficient and professional in every respect. Each of the three servers went above and beyond my expectations. Hour after hour, they were polite and courteous. They were outstanding representatives for your brand. Famous Dave's is truly fortunate to have employees that represent them this well. I ask that you please share these comments with their supervisors.

The entire process, from the first time we met to discuss the possibility of working with you through the clean-up today, everything was excellent.

Thank you,
Virginia

Company Event...

Everything was great yesterday. The food was hot and fresh... and everyone loved it. The employee that delivered was pleasant and helpful.

Thanks again.
It was such a success I am sure we will do it again in the future.
Myra

Company Event...

Thank you so much for catering the picnic today. Your service and food matched the weather... Perfect!! Thanks for sending me great staff and great food!

Look forward to using Famous Daves again!!
Jen

Company Event...

The food today was wonderful. Everything was perfect and the food couldn't be better. Delivered right on time and I just can't say enough how impressed we were. We will be in touch when we have another lunch.

Thank you,
Stephanie

Company Event...

I just wanted to drop you a line and let you know that we were very satisfied with the order from Famous Dave's, the amounts were right on and quality was great, I would recommend this for any party.

Thanks again,
Kim

Company Event...

Everything last week was spectacular. We had a small space to work with, but your servers made it work and were fabulous.

Thanks again for helping us host another wonderful event!

Till next time,
Monica!

Wedding Reception...

Maria and I just wanted to thank you for your assistance with our Famous Dave's Catering experience. You were great and really simple to deal with and made the process very easy. We had TONS of compliments on the food, as well as "this is the best wedding food EVER" comments. Thanks again!!

Javin

Company Event...

In Jane's words, "Thank you... it was a rip-roarin' success!"

Company Event...

Just to let you know we had wonderful food and service yesterday for our Holiday Lunch. The servers were punctual, courteous, helpful, accommodating and just all around excellent!! Many people commented on them and their service. Thank you for a great day!

Cindy

Company Event...

I wanted to thank you for all your assistance in getting our food ordered and delivered. Everyone was very happy and enjoyed the meal very much. Your driver was on time, helpful and very professional. Please extend a huge thank you to all involved. We will certainly keep you in mind for future events.

Lynette S. and the crew

Company Event...

Hello there, we received all the food and everything at a perfect time and we had plenty for every one thank you so much for the great service! I really appreciate that, and so does everyone else here at Vaddio!

It has been a pleasure doing business with your catering group!!

Bernie

Company Event...

Thank You so much for catering our Pine Tree Orchard Event...

Company Event...

Thank you very much, our lunch went fantastic and everyone loved the food. I appreciate it. We will order from you again.

Regards, Mindy K

Wedding Reception...

After booking her wedding, she wrote:
"Thanks... I have to tell you that I have been to a few weddings that have used Famous Daves...WE LOVE IT!!!!"

Kristi

Company Event...

Just a quick note to say "thanks" for your help with this order. Christa was so helpful and set up a great table. I could not have done it with out her.

Take care,
Christine M.

Wedding Reception...

We are so looking forward to Famous Daves catering our wedding day - and our guests are too! :)

I just want to say so far, all communication and working with Famous Daves (from Mark, you and Anne) has been superb and you all have really left me feeling very confident and delighted that you will assist us on our big day. You have all been so friendly and willing to work and make our day so special.

Thanks again,
Kristen

Rehearsal Dinner...

Thank you for all your help with the arrangements for our son's rehearsal dinner.

The food was outstanding. The servers were wonderful, friendly and courteous.

Thank you. We will be sure to spread the word.

Take Care
Doreen and Greg S.

Wedding Reception...

I have to tell you. I called a couple of local caterers in St. Michael for our wedding when I started looking in February. One of them never got back to me and the other tried a couple of times and gave up. From a service standpoint you got back to me almost immediately and have responded very quickly to my requests and needs. I have to tell you, having been a small business owner myself, how impressed I am with your response. I am very happy to pay you all the money for the product and the service I have recieved. If this response is your personal and company model, keep it up! Those other businesses that can't keep up, won't get the business. Again, I really appreciate it.

Thanks again,
Diane

Company event...

Thanks for your attention. It's a sincere pleasure working with you. Your personalized service is the primary reason I keep coming back.

Mike
Alpha Video 2010 Picnic

Special event...

Ashley and her helper(s) were fantastic. So professional! They made our event special. I appreciated everything. We will use you in the future.

Thanks again,
Jennifer

Open house...

Everyone was extremely pleased with the food and service staff from Famous Dave's. Your suggestion of Mac & Cheese was a big hit.

The Open House turned out to be so successful (even with a low turn out for what we expected) that we are going to try to do this on a regular basis. Every 4 to 12 weeks is what is being considered. As soon as I have the particulars on when we will be doing the next one I will give you a call.

Thanks again for everything. You made me look like a hero!

Kristin Peterson
Boyer Ford Trucks

Company event...

Just a quick note to thank you and all the Famous Dave's employees who made our Tuesday (February 10) luncheon a very satisfying and filling success.

Your online system for ordering through pick-up (our choice) went really well. All the food was great!

Thanks again!
Rick Wielde
Estimator/Food czar
United Products Corporation

Church Foundation...

Just a note to thank you for the great service your caterers provided us at our seminar last Thursday. They were great to work with, and our participants really appreciated the good food.

Also, thanks for the neat "sticky note" packet you sent to me. I appreciated getting it & would you mind telling me where they are available. I have been looking for something unusual like that to publicize the Foundation. I would appreciate any information you might share with me.

Blessings,
Val Walker
United Methodist Foundation

Graduation Party...

I would just like to comment of what a excellent job you guys did for our Grad Party... everything was amazing the food and service was outta this world... everyone was impressed!! You should know that word of mouth... will travel, you and your team deserve the nice comments!!

Thank you again,
Tracy Fiega Lino Lakes

Company Picnic...

I just thought I would send a quick note to let you know the food was fabulous and the servers were friendly and did a terrific job! We will definitely serve Famous Dave's at our picnic next year. And we really lucked out with the weather!

Thanks again,
Susan Erickson
Senior Administrative Assistant
Thomson Reuters

Family Gathering...

I just wanted to tell you that the catering on Friday was fantastic. Everything we needed was provided and the food was hot and delicious. The amount of food was just about perfect too.

I will definitely refer you to anyone that I know who needs catering!

Sincerely,
Tami Glendenning

Family Reunion...

I want to Thank you for your guidance in coordinating the catering for our family reunion picnic. Famous Dave's was a HIT! We actually ended up with over 200 people (who would have thought?) The staff was prompt, very courteous and the food was great! I will not hesitate to recommend Famous Dave's to all of my family and friends... and, probably will be calling you again before summer's end for a gathering on a slightly smaller scale.

Thanks again for your contribution in making our family reunion a success.

Pamela Williams
2009 Robinson Family Reunion Coordinator

Clubhouse Party...

I have one word for the service we received... OUTSTANDING!!! The two servers - Melissa & Patrick were absolutely wonderful. They were so polite and they did such an amazing job for us. Not only did I notice how wonderful they were - all of my party guests noticed as well. Throughout the night, people would come up to me to tell me how impressed they were with the service that Famous Dave's was providing for us. They made my job so much easier and made it possible for me to enjoy myself... they even put together a little take home box for me which I thought was extremely thoughtful.

I am just so thoroughly impressed with the quality food, service and most of all the VALUE that Famous Dave's offers.

I promise you that Famous Dave's will be our permanent party caterer - thank you so much!

Robin Schoolman
Famous Dave's Fan for life!!!
Oakhurst North Clubhouse

Company Picnic...

Just wanted to say 'thank you' for the fabulous 'catering services' - all of the guests were very pleased with the food. The two Servers who arrived from Famous Dave's were EXCELLENT! They were so helpful and accommodating to all of our needs and I would highly recommend their services to others.

Thank you again,
Wendy S. Mickman
CFO
Mickman Brothers, Inc.

Wedding Reception...

The food and your people were great. My brother-in-law from California has been a hotel manager for over 40 years and he was very impressed by the professional appearance, attitude, and service of the crew. Please let the manager of the Maple Grove restaurant know we were very pleased.Thank you for your part in making Megan's reception a success.

We sincerely appreciate your help.
Doug Frisk

Rehearsal Dinner...

Just wanted to express my thanks for the wonderful food for our dinner last night. Everyone raved about it! The ribs were gone in record time and so was the Mac & Cheese. Everything was delicious and the very best part is that I didn't have to do a thing!!! Thank you so much for taking some of the work and stress out of such a busy time!!! I hope the young lady that delivered the food is okay - she burned her hand on the chicken.

Again, a million thanks.
Sincerely, Marilyn Gackenheimer

P.S. Just wanted to mention that I was also very impressed with your timely response to all my e-mails and phone calls. Thank you.

Wedding Reception...

The wedding went extremely well. The guys were great and I appreciated their hard work & everyone said they loved the food and mentioned several times, we never thought of having Famous Dave's but we will in the future!

Thank you very much and Have a great day!
Linda
Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union

Company Event...

There has been another development - We have a second shift group (11 total) that would like to have Famous Dave's also. May we place a piglet order for the 11 and have it delivered at 6:00 p.m. on the 21st? One meat (pork) would be fine, along with the beans and apples. Will you be able to add it on to the other order to make it one grand total?

Please let me know if this is possible. Again, I apologize for all of the changes... everyone is just going crazy over this. We've had many, many lunches here and I've never experienced so much buzz and excitement from the employees.

Anyway, thanks for your help!
Julie Chapman
Life Fitness

Rehearsal Dinner...

Well, I'm back at work after Kayli and Travis's wedding. I just wanted to thank you for your help in making their rehearsal dinner a big success. Everything went as planned. Your server was great and very personable. There's not much more I can say about the food besides "IT WAS DELICIOUS" Everyone commented on how good it was.

So, again, thank you and I will definitely be using Famous Dave's for catering in the future.

Have a good day,
Patty Rank

Wedding Reception...

We had a family wedding celebration last Saturday that was catered by Famous Dave's. I want to let you know that the food and service was wonderful. We have always enjoyed your restaurants, but the food at our party really seemed exceptionally good. Many people commented how much they were enjoying it, and we served the leftovers to quite a few family members over the weekend and it was just as good. I also want to note that the servers (sorry, but I've forgotten their names) were excellent. They arrived with time to spare, set everything up, and cleaned and boxed the left over items very efficiently. They conferred with me to make sure their service was according to my wishes and then took it from there.

Please pass along my thanks to those involved and keep up the good work!

Kathy Julkowski

Wedding Reception...

Everything went great at the wedding! To be honest, I was so busy running around that I didn't even get a chance to eat at the wedding! I did hear lots of people saying how full they were though! :) The people helping were so friendly and that was great to see! They were very, helpful and quick to serve and clean up.

Thank you so much for making the day easier for me!!!!
Good luck with all of the graduations!

Jena

Company Event...

I want to thank you for sending the Famous Dave's t-shirts, hats, sauce, seasoning and pens. Everyone thought the food tasted great and the two people who came out to set-up did a terrific job.

Thanks again,
Kimberly Hoffman
Feltl and Company

Corporate Event...

It was great to meet you too! You and your team did a great job. Great food, great staff, thank you! I look forward to working with you on future events. I have been out of the office until now. So, will be paying all bills today and tomorrow. I will send the check to the below address.

Thank you again!
Mindy
metroConnections, Inc.

Corporate Event...

Thanks for the great job catering our event at Edina Realty. It turned out very well.

Thanks again! Your people did a great job.
Stephen Lammers
Director of Training and Recruiting
Edina Realty

Holiday Party...

I just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed having "Famous Dave's" cater our party on the 4th of July. Everything was just GREAT... The server (which I can't remember her name right now) was great and very, very friendly. She made everyone feel at home. And the food, what can I say but, was "GREAT" and lots of it.

I will have you again and so are some of are friends. They couldn't believe all the food and everything that came with it.

Again, thank you for everything,
Debbie Thompson

Graduation Party...

Just thought I would give you some positive feedback... we were very pleased with all of the food and delivery, etc. A lot of people commented on how good everything was. Thank you for contributing to our graduation party in such a positive way!

Corrina

Company Event...

Thanks for helping organize this event. The staff was wonderful and everyone enjoyed the food.

Again Thanks, Karen Cullum
Aspen Medical Group-Bandana Square
a Division of Allina Hospitals and Clinics

Rehearsal Dinner...

I just wanted to send you an e-mail to thank you for the wonderful food for the rehearsal dinner on Saturday, July 25 at Boom Island Park in Minneapolis. The amount of food was perfect and was outstanding! You were right the Mac & Cheese had a kick and was a hit among our guests.

I will definitely recommend catering through Famous Dave's to my friends and family.

Again, thank you it was outstanding!
Arthur Williams

Ski Team banquet for 90...

Just want to thank you again for your help with our banquet. The food was oh so tasty and very well-received. Hope to do business with you again!

Take care,
Angie

Engagement Party...

Another great event and meal. Thank you again for all your help! It is always such a big hit.

Andrea Yock

Company Event...

Thank you so much for my thank you gift. It is totally awesome and much appreciated!

I did want to let you know that the event was a huge success on Friday and the food was delicious! The customer service was amazing and the gentleman who set everything up was very helpful and friendly and catered to my every need.

Thanks again. I can't wait for my next event! I'll be in touch.

Cris Soeffker
AllOver Media
National Sales Assistant / Administration Assistant

EVERYBODY LOVES FAMOUS DAVE’S

“Barbecue is America’s
food, and blues are
America’s music.”

“Famous” Dave Anderson


Minnesota’s Governor Jesse Ventura. In Where magazine, said, “On the campaign trail, my favorite place to meet was Famous Dave’s – he’s got a great barbecue beef sandwich.”


“(George W.) Bush appeared to have some of the day’s most popular barbecue as supporters casually stood in a series of lines stretching at least 50 yards long.”
(Sunday World-Herald)


“The place is a high-energy blast from top to bottom ribs that are impressive in size, meaty in content (close-to-the-bone meat, not fall-off-the-bone meat) and impressively flavorful.”
(Chicago Sun-Times)


“These are the best ribs currently available in the suburbs. They are slow-cooked over hickory, not at all chewy, but not so abused that the meat falls off the bone. They are perfect for holding, admiring and dipping.”
(Naperville Sun)


“A garbage can lid heaped with the All-American BBQ Feast delivers an embarrassment of riches.”
(Chicago Magazine)


“The ribs were tender and the meat just fell off the bone...The service was outstanding.”
(Lincoln Journal Star)


“Famous Dave’s BBQ & Blues serves genuinely good hickory-smoked barbecue, slathered in a spicy sauce laced with sweet undertones.”
(Minneapolis Star Tribune)


“Famous Dave’s is BBQ Paradise...“It’s worth the drive from Des Moines or Fargo-Moorhead.” ...
”It’s fabulous.”

(Dave Duff, Sun News)


“As the season sets on the backyard barbecue, why not head to Famous Dave’s BBQ Shack, a popular joint with country charm and an award-winning recipe for ribs.”
(Where Twin Cities)


“The ribs, chicken, beans, and corn muffins at Famous Dave’s, reputed (with good reason) to be the best good old all-American fare around, have won an extraordinary following.”
(Twin Cities Business Monthly)


“The slab of bread pudding is excellent. It’s light as a feather (almost) and it comes with a dynamic caramel-nut sauce.”
(Chicago Sun Times)


“I am pleased to report that Famous Dave’s actually lives up to the hype. This place does what it does extremely well.”
(Naperville Sun)


“Famous Dave’s features hefty portions of hickory smoked St. Louis spareribs, Texas beef brisket, and herb-roasted chicken.”
(Nation’s Restaurant News)


“You know you’re in a good restaurant when you’re sitting there thinking of people you have to share it with. We’re still letting people know about Famous Dave’s...”
(Appleton -- The Scene)


“We ventured into Naperville for our own taste with skeptical buds. The bar was set so high, could Famous Dave’s live up to its reputation? After an XXL Rib Dinner, The Georgia Chopped Pork Platter, Shack Fries, Wilbur Beans, our Famous Bread Pudding, gobs of Texas Pit sauce and a tableful of other items, the answer is resounding yes.”
(Chicago Daily Herald)


“Portions are plentiful, the grub is good, and the prices include cornbread muffins, corn-on-the-cob and a choice of two other sides... dainty it aint, but everything is well prepared, especially the lean yet tender St. Louis cut ribs. For dessert, there’s bread pudding with praline sauce so sweet your teeth will ache.”
(Chicago Magazine)


“The brisket brought the thick, hearty, tender slabs I was hoping for (no stingy little shavings here); the chopped pork was plenty moist. The chicken, with an appetizing herb rub on the outside, also proved moist and meaty. And perhaps the most satisfying of all were the ribs – tender but not fall-apart messy, making them great hands-on food.”
(Des Moines Register)


“If you’ve read my reviews, you know I’m a southern barbecue connoisseur. The food at Famous Dave’s tripped my trigger. The ribs were great. Pit-smoked and adorned with great sauce, they were scrumptious... The side dishes were also good. The corn bread muffin was moist and delicious, and the barbecued beans were exceptional...Famous Dave’s deserves its name.”
(Janesville Gazette)


“If barbecue were religion, Dave Anderson would be the Reverend Billy Graham.”
(Twin Cities Business Monthly)


“Famous Dave’s has built its acclaim and a growing customer base on atmosphere and great food.”
(Minnesota Business & Opportunities)


“Fall-off-the-bone good. Tangy, spicy; chicken or pork. As long as you like meat, you’ll love Dave’s barbecue.
(Chicago Daily Herald)


“The side fixins’ are just as good as the meats. The corn muffins are soft and moist, the slaw is peppery on the exhale, the beans are sweet and not mushy and the Shack Fries are golden and crisp.”
(Chicago Daily Herald)


“The meat’s the thing at Dave’s... For a real blowout, there’s the All-American BBQ Feast, with ribs, chicken, choice of brisket or pork, coleslaw, fries, beans, corn-on-the-cob, and muffins.”
(Des Moines Register)


“Famous Dave’s does some pretty mean ribs... slow-smoked over hickory. The result, any way you go at the ribs –fingers or knife and fork (ugh!) – is immediate and intense rib-eating gratification.”
(Chicago Sun Times)


“The Wilbur beans should not be missed; a prime example of how a simple dish like baked beans can be elevated by a talented kitchen. Here, the beans are made with bits of brisket, sausage, and jalapeno peppers and slow simmered. Absolutely the best I’ve ever tried.”
(Naperville Sun)


“Minnesota has long lacked what the South has in such abundance – good, messy barbecue, served in an unfussy setting by someone who knows there way around meat and sauce... But Dave’s, with its kitschy, wooden-shack appearance, is as friendly as a southern accent, and the rich, smoky sauce and tender meat (from North Carolina pork to Texas beef brisket) would have even Scarlett O’Hara licking her fingers.”
(Mpls/St. Paul Magazine)


“Dave is famous for good
reasons... he does things
in a big way.”

(Dick Youngblood, Star Tribune)

Few restaurants in history have achieved as much recognition in a few short years as Famous Dave’s.
We don’t mean to brag, but look at the awards
and honors we’ve received... so far.

2010
"Best BBQ" Reader's Choice Minneapolis City Pages Best of Minneapolis MN
"Best BBQ" Reader's Choice Minneapolis City Pages Best of Minneapolis MN
"Best State Fair Food - Pig Lickers" Minneapolis City Pages Best of Mankato
"Best BBQ" Reader's Choice Westword 2010 'Best of' Competition Denver CO
"Barbecue Restaurant" - Reader's Choice Tonka Times Reader's Favorite Compass Award Minneapolis MN
"The Best" place for Ribs/Barbecue Best of South Jersey Reader's Choice Courier-Post Cherry Hill NJ
"Best Barbecue Restaurant"
People's Choice Fresno Bee Fresno CA
"Best Barbecue"
- Reader's Pick - Las Vegas Review Journal Best of Las Vegas - Las Vegas NV - Sonoran BBQ
"#1 Favorite Pork Provocateurs" - Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine Reader's Poll - Minneapolis, MN
"Best Live Music - 3rd Place" - Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine Reader's Poll - Famous Dave's Calhoun - Minneapolis MN
"Best Barbecue" - Reader's Choice - Minnesota Monthly - Reader's Poll - Minneapolis, MN
"Best Bar-B-Que Restaurant" - Mankato Free Press Reader's Choice Online - Mankato MN - Baxter BBQ

2009
"Outstanding Achievement Award" - Famous Dave's Website - Interactive Media Awards, Inc.
- Famous Dave's Support Center - Minneapolis MN
"Cleveland's Best BBQ" - 2009 Fox 8 "Hot List" Competition - North Olmsted OH - Buckeye BBQ
"Best People Practices for Casual Dining" - People Report Best Practices - Famous Dave's Support Center - Minneapolis MN
"Best BBQ" Reader's Choice - Daily Sentinel - Grand Junction CO - Basic Food Group
"Best Overall Taste" and "Best Entrée" - Ft. Myers Taste of the Town - Ft. Myers FL - JP's Bar-BQue
"Best Barbeque" - Billings Gazette Reader's Choice - Billings MT - Rocky Mountain Ribs
"Best BBQ" - Phoenix Magazine - Best of the Valley Reader's Poll - Phoenix AZ - Desert Ribs
"Best Ribs - Golden Fork Award" - Fox Cities Magazine - Green Bay/Appleton WI - Team RnB
"Best Wings - Grand Champion" - King of the Wing Competition - Pensacola FL - Fun Yum
"Best Buffalo Wings" - King of the Wing Competition - Pensacola FL - Fun Yum
"Best Barbeque - 2nd Place" - "A" List Denver Online Metroguide - Denver/Thornton CO - Basic Food Group
"Best Bar B Que - 2nd Place" - Quad City Times Reader's Choice 2009 - Davenport IA - Elmore Foods
"Best Restaurant Website" - Web Marketing Association - Minneapolis MN - Famous Dave's Support Center
"Best of Taste" - 2nd Place - Taste of Colorado - Denver/Thornton CO - Basic Food Group
"Most Unique Item - Chocolate Covered Bacon" - Taste of Colorado - Denver/Thornton CO - Basic Food Group
"Best Barbecue Restaurant" - South New Jersey - NJ Monthly Reader's and Critic's Poll - Brick NJ - North Country BBQ
"Best BBQ" Reader's Choice - 2009 "Best of the Best" edition - What's Up El Paso - El Paso TX - Sonoran TX
"Best Catering" Reader's Choice - Lillie Suburban Newspaper - Roseville, Little Canada MN - Roseville MN
"First Place - Sauce" - Critic's Choice - Mansfield Rockin' Ribs - Mansfield OH - Corporate Rib Team Famous Dave's Press Kit
"Second Place - Best Ribs"- Critic's Choice - Mansfield Rockin' Ribs - Mansfield OH - Corporate Rib Team
"Best BBQ" - Taste of Tacoma - Tacoma WA - Utah BBQ
"Best Burger" First Place - City of Tracy 4th of July Picnic - Tracy CA - Star Ribs
"Top Barbecue" Reader's Choice - 5280 Magazine - Denver/Thornton CO - Basic Food Group
"People's Choice Award" - Taste of Fort Collins - Thornton CO - Basic Food Group
"Best Restaurant - Best of the Main Line" - Reader's Choice - Main Line Times/Main Line Suburban Life - Philadelphia PA - Pitmasters
"The People's Choice" - 2009 National Capital Barbecue Battle - Washington DC - East Coast Rib Team
"Best Restaurant" Reader's Poll - Bakersfield Californian - Bakersfield CA - Tacaza
"Best BBQ" Reader's Poll - Bakersfield Californian - Bakersfield CA - Tacaza
"Critic's Choice Greatest Ribs in America" - 1st place - Marc's Great American Rib Cook-off - Cleveland OH - Corporate Rib Team
"Critic's Choice Greatest Sauce in America" - 3rd place - Marc's Great American Rib Cook-off
- Cleveland OH - Corporate Rib Team
"Best Barbecue" Reader's Choice - Minneapolis City Pages - Minneapolis MN
"Best Blues Club" - Minneapolis City Pages - Minneapolis MN
"Best Barbecue" - Fresno Bee People's Choice - Fresno CA - Tacaza
"Best Appetizers" - Daily Herald Reader's Choice - Chicago corporate locations
"Best BBQ" - Daily Herald Reader's Choice - Chicago corporate locations
"Best Business Lunch" - Daily Herald Reader's Choice - Chicago corporate locations
"Best Caterer - restaurants" - Daily Herald Reader's Choice - Chicago corporate locations
"Best Comfort Foods" Daily Herald Reader's Choice - Chicago corporate locations
"Best Ribs" - Daily Herald Reader's Choice - Chicago corporate locations
"Best Theme Restaurant" - Daily Herald Reader's Choice - Chicago corporate locations
"Best Place to Work" - Daily Herald Reader's Choice - Chicago corporate locations
"Best Carryout" - Daily Herald Reader's Choice - Chicago corporate locations
"Best BBQ Ribs" - Fresno Bee - Fresno CA - Tacaza
"Best Barbecue Restaurant" - Minneapolis-St. Paul Magazine, Reader's Poll - Minneapolis, MN
"Best Barbecue" - Minnesota Monthly - Reader's Poll - Minneapolis, MN
"Best Chili - Professional Division" - 1st Place - Heart of America Chili Challenge - St. Joseph, MO - Concord BBQ
"Best Chili in Missouri" - Missouri State Champion - Heart of America Chili Challenge - St. Joseph, MO - Concord BBQ

2008
"Favorite Barbecue" - Omaha Magazine - Omaha NE - Cutchall Management
"Best Ribs" Readers poll - Best of the Northland - Duluth MN - Baxter BBQ
"Best Ribs" Readers poll - Nashville Scene - Nashville TN - Famous Five Dining
"Cleveland's Best BBQ" - Fox 8 Hitlist - Cleveland OH - Buckeye BBQ
"Best BBQ" and "Best Restaurant" - The Daily Sentinel - Grand Junction CO - Basic Food Group
"Best BBQ" - The Billings Gazette - Billings MT - Rocky Mountain Ribs
"Best Barbeque Restaurant in the Central Valley" - People's Choice - Fresno Bee - Fresno CA - Tacaza
"Best Bar-B-Que" - First Place - Omaha Magazine
"Best of Omaha" 2008 - Omaha NE - Old Market Ventures
"First Place - Chili Cook Off" and "Best Design" Table Set Up - Nautical Mile Chili Cook-Off - Roseville, MI - Blue Ribbon Barbecue
"Best BBQ" - Cityview - Best of Des Moines Magazine - Des Moines IA
"Best Barbecue Restaurant" - Minneapolis-St. Paul Magazine - Minneapolis/St. Paul MN
"Best of the West 2008 BBQ" - West Suburban Living Magazine - North Riverside IL
"Best Place for Ribs" , "Best Place for American Cuisine" - Courier-Post Newspaper (South Jersey) - Cherry Hill NJ - Pitmasters
"Silver Spoon Award 2008 - Favorite Barbecue Restaurant" - Minnesota Monthly Reader's Choice - Minneapolis/St. Paul
"Best Blues Bar" - The City Pages Best of the Twin Cities - Calhoun Square, Minneapolis MN
"Best BBQ" - Twin Cities Magazine - Minneapolis/St. Paul
"Best BBQ" - Kane County Chronicle 2008 Reader's Choice - Carpentersville IL
"People's Choice" - Wine, Brews and Blues Festival - Vista CA - Star Ribs
"Best BBQ 2008" Reader's Choice - azcentral.com's 2nd Annual Viewer's Poll - Phoenix AZ - Desert Ribs
"Best Barbecue" - Colorado Springs Gazette - Colorado Springs CO - Basic Food Group
"People's Choice" - Chine National Capital BBQ Battle - Washington DC
"Critic's Choice Ribs", "Critic's Choice Pork", "People's Choice Best Ribs"- Cedar Rapids Barbecue Round Up -
Cedar Rapids IA - Corporate Rib Team
"Best of Tacoma in BBQ" - Taste of Tacoma - Tacoma WA - Utah BBQ
"Best BBQ" - AOL City's Best - Milwaukee - Waukesha WI - Team RnB

2007
“Best Ribs – 1st place”; “Best Beans – 3rd place” – Midwest Championship Rib Cook-Off & Activities –
Famous Dave’s Saginaw, MI – Big Ten Ribs
“Best Dessert – Bread Pudding” – Tallahassee Magazine readers – Tallahassee, FL – Fun-Yum
“Best Overall Restaurant” – 2007 Taste of St. Joe – Famous Dave’s St. Joseph, MO – Concord BBQ
“Spirit Award” – Nation’s Restaurant News – System-wide award
“Best Barbecue” – Phoenix Magazine – Famous Dave’s Phoenix, AZ – Desert Ribs
“People’s Choice – 1st place”; “Critic’s Choice” – Columbus Ribfest – Columbus, OH - Famous Dave’s Rib Team
“The Chinet People’s Choice Award” – 15th Annual Safeway National Capital BBQ Battle
“Critic’s Choice: Best Pulled Pork” – Famous Dave’s 3rd Annual BBQ and Bluesfest – Minneapolis, MN - Famous Dave’s Rib Team
“People’s Choice”, “Best Sauce”, “Best Presentation” – Holy Smokes Rib Off – Famous Dave’s Toledo OH – Big Ten Ribs
“Best Sauce” – Sioux Falls Ribfest – Famous Dave’s Sioux Falls SD - DTSG
“The Public Health Excellence Award for Food Safety” – Famous Dave’s Manchester NH – North Country BBQ
“Judge’s Choice” – Taste of Grand Haven – Team R n’ B Michigan
“Best BBQ” and “Best Caterer” – Chattanooga News Free Press – Famous Dave’s Chattanooga - Famous Five Dining
“Most Rockin’ Place in Knoxville to get BBQ” – WIMZ radio listeners – Famous Dave’s Knoxville - Famous Five Dining
“Silver Fork Award – Best BBQ” – Greater Manchester Dining Guide – North Country BBQ Ventures
“Best BBQ Restaurant In Frederick” – Frederick Magazine – Famous Dave’s Frederick, Maryland
Blue Ribbon “Best Southern Cuisine” – Taste of Tallahassee – Famous Dave’s Tallahassee FL – Fun-Yum
“Best Barbecue in Ocean County” – Asbury Park Press – North Country BBQ
“Silver Spoon Award 2007 - Favorite Barbecue Restaurant” – Minnesota Monthly Magazine Reader’s Choice
“Best Barbecue Restaurant” – Minneapolis-St. Paul Magazine Reader’s Poll
“Best Ribs – Best of Long Island 2007" – Long Island Press – Famous Dave’s Westbury NY – North Country BBQ
“Philly’s Best BBQ” – AOL City Guide 2007 – Pit Masters LLC
“New Jersey’s Best BBQ” – AOL City Guide 2007 – North Country Barbecue Ventures – Famous Dave’s North Jersey
First Place – “Super Chili Bowl Cook Off Competition for Best Chili” – Famous Dave’s Bismarck, ND – DTSG, Inc.
“Best Barbeque 2006” – Tucson Weekly – Famous Dave’s Tucson, AZ – Sonoran BBQ
“Best Barbecue 2006” – Yuma Sun – Famous Dave’s Yuma, AZ – Sonoran BBQ

2006
"
Critic’s Choice Best Ribs" - The Nugget Best of the West Rib Cook-off, Reno, NV
“Choice Restaurant” – Chains Gold Award from Restaurant and Institutions Magazine
Readers Choice – Leader Telegram – “Best BBQ”
Best of West & Press Readers Choice – “Best BBQ & Best Chicken” – Wyandotte West Newspaper
“Best in BBQ” - City View’s Best of Des Moines
“Best BBQ” – Readers Choice – Central NJ
“City’s Best BBQ” – Philadelphia City Guide
“Best BBQ” - Taste of Tacoma
“Best of BBQ” – Seattle Bite, Largest Food Festival in Washington State
Readers Choice Poll/Best of Delco - “The Best Ribs in Delco” – Delaware County Newspaper
“Silver Plate Award” – IFMA
People’s Choice “Best Ribs” & 2nd Place “Critics Choice Best Ribs” – Ribfest - Cleveland Ohio
Battle of the Bones, Grand Haven, MI – 1st Place – “Judges Choice”, 2nd Place – “People’s Choice”, 1st Place – “Best Booth”
Famous Dave’s BBQ, Mishawaka, IN was voted Best BBQ in the 2006 Channel 16 (NBC channel WNDU) Viewer’s Choice Awards.
Famous Dave’s - BEST BBQ - by the readers of the Wichita Register
Best Barbecue / Reader's Choice- "Best of the Twin Cities 2006" issue -The City Pages
Best Blues Bar- "Best of the Twin Cities 2006" issue - The City Pages
Best BBQ Famous Dave's- "Best Restaurants" issue - Wichita Register

2005
Readers Choice – NJ Monthly Critics Choice Award – “Best BBQ Restaurant”
Readers Choice – Best of the Best BBQ” – Fredrick, MD
People’s Choice – Ribfest - Cleveland Ohio
People’s Choice Award for all Famous Dave's in MN – City Pages
“Best Blues Club” – City Pages
“Readers Choice – Favorite BBQ” – South Bend Tribune
“Best Ribs” People’s Choice Award – Southern FL Cook-Off 2nd Year in a row
“Best Beans” – 2nd Place - Southern FL Championship Cook-Off
“Celebrity Cook-Off” – First Place – Southern FL Championship Cook-Off
2005 Readers Choice - "Positive Attitude - Matt Diamond"
2005 "Best BBQ"
2005 "Organization of the Year", Kansas City, KS - Convention & Visitors Bureau
2005 Readers Choice - "Favorite BBQ" - Kansas City, KS
Peoples Choice – “Best in the West Nugget Rib Kick-off” – Sparks Nevada
“Outstanding Customer Service” – Kane County Chamber of Commerce
Readers Choice “Best Tasting Ribs” – Elgin Courier Newspaper
“Golden Fork Award” - Famous Dave's Best Ribs – Fox City Magazine
Wichita award- First Place Peoples Choice - Wichita Chili & BBQ Cook Off!

2004
“Best BBQ” In the City-City View Magazine- Des Moines
“Best Ribs” People’s Choice Award – Southern FL Championship Cook Off
“Best Beans” 1st Place – Southern FL Championship Cook Off
“Celebrity Cook Off” – 2nd Place – Southern FL Championship Cook Off
“Best Ribs” – 1st Place – People’s Choice – Cedar Rapids
“Best Ribs” – In Bismarck – Mandan – Bismarck, ND
“Best Ribs” – 1st Place – People’s Choice – Muskegon BBQ Cook off
“Best Ribs” – 1st Place – Judge’s Choice – Muskegon BBQ Cook off
“Best Beef Brisket” – 1st Place – Clarksville, TN
“Best BBQ Overall” – 6th Place – Clarksville, TN
“Best Ribs” 3rd Place – Critics Choice – Cleveland Cook off
“Best Ribs” 1st Place – People’s Choice – Pittsburgh Ribfest
“Best Ribs” 1st Place – People’s Choice – BBQ Battle Cedar Rapids, IA
“Best Single Product Roll Out” Sassy BBQ Salad - Menu Masters
“Best Caterer” – Twin Cities Best Restaurant – Twin Cities Business Month
“Top 50 Growth Chains” Presented to FD In recognition of outstanding sales – Restaurant Business
“Best Ribs” 1st Place – Rib America Food & Music Fest, Pittsburgh, PA
“Best Commercial Produced for $3,500 or Less” – MUFSO
“Best Commercial Produced for $10,000 of Less” – MUFSO
“Best Caterer” – 2nd Place – Twin Cities Business Monthly
“Best Ribs” 1st Place – Twin Cities Business Monthly
“Best Hot BBQ” – The City View Best of Des Moines
“Best BBQ” People’s Choice Awards – Taste of Chattanooga
“Best Bread Pudding” 1st Place – Taste of Chattanooga
“Runner Up – Signature Dish” – Taste of Chattanooga
“Best Beef Brisket” – Cookin on the Cumberland BBQ Cook-Off – the Rib Team
“Best BBQ” – People’s Choice – The Reader (Omaha, NB)
“Best BBQ” – Omaha Magazine
“Best BBQ” - 1st Place – People’s Choice - Wichita
“Best BBQ” – Best of the Bluffs

2003
“Best BBQ” People’s Choice Awards – Taste of Chattanooga
“Best Bread Pudding” 1st Place – Taste of Chattanooga
“Best Takeout” 1st Place – City Page Minneapolis
“Best Restaurant for Ribs” – Courier News- Mountainside New Jersey
“Best Ribs” 3rd Place- Sioux Falls Ribfest
“Best BBQ”- City Pages Minneapolis
“Best BBQ” – Best of the Bluffs

2002
“Best Ribs” 1st Place – Fargo Ribfest
“Best BBQ” Editorial Pick – Best of CitySearch Minneapolis
“Best BBQ” Audience Pick – Best of CitySearch Minneapolis
“Best Dining with Music” Editorial and Audience Pick –
Best of CitySearch Minneapolis
“Best Catering” –The Dakota Southwest Review
“Best Ribs” People’s Choice – Fargo Ribfest
“Best Ribs” – Minneapolis/St Paul Magazine
“Best Catering- Roseville Reader
“Best BBQ” Madison, WI- Madison Magazine
“Best Ribs” Madison, WI- Madison Magazine
“Best Place to Eat Out with Your Kids” Minneapolis, MN- CityPages
“Best Blues Bar” Minneapolis, MN- CityPages
“One of the Top BBQ in Nashville” Nashville, TN- The Nashville Scene
“Best BBQ” – Best of the Bluffs

2001
“Best Ribs” 3rd Place – Cleveland Ribfest
“Best Ribs” 1st Place – Sioux Falls Rib Fest – South Dakota
“Best Ribs” 1st Place – Cedar Rapids Rib Fest
“Best Desserts” 2nd Place – Taste of Madison
“Best BBQ” in Madison – Isthmus Magazine
“Best Wings” 2nd Place – Cedar Falls Wing Ding Contest
“Best BBQ” 1st Place – Golden Fork – Fox Valley, Wisconsin

2000
“Best Ribs” – Twin Cities Business Monthly
“Best Ribs” – Rib America 2000, Indianapolis
“Best Ribs in America” – 2000 Great American Rib Cook-off, Ohio
“Best Ribs” – Sioux Empire Ribfest, Sioux Falls
“People’s Choice” – Ribfest and More, Fargo
“Best Ribs” – Pontiac Rib America 2000 Ribfest
“Best Ribs” – Twin Cities Rib Fest 2000
“Best Ribs” – Minnesota Monthly Magazine
“Best Takeout” – Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine
“Best BBQ in Madison” – Isthmus Magazine
“Best BBQ in Madison” – Madison Magazine
“Best Food in Cedar Valley” – Taste of Waterloo
“Best Tasting Wings” – Cedar Falls Wing Ding Contest
“Best Ribs” – Post-Crescent 2000 Encore Award
“Best Ribs” – Fox Cities Magazine 2000 Golden Fork
“Best BBQ” – Citysearch, The Best of the Twin Cities
2nd “Best Ribs” Critics Choice – Cleveland, Ohio
“Best Ribs” People’s Choice – Cleveland, Ohio
“Best Ribs” – Sioux Falls, South Dakota
“Best Ribs” Critics Choice – Twin Cities
“Best Ribs” 2nd Place – Lincoln, Nebraska

1999
Critic’s Choice “Favorite Ribs” – Minnesota Monthly Magazine
“Best BBQ Ribs” – Great American Cook Off, Cleveland, Ohio
“Best BBQ Ribs” – Twin Cities Ribfest
“Best BBQ Ribs” – Naperville Sun Reader
“Best BBQ Ribs” – West Suburban Living Reader
“Best BBQ Ribs” – Minnesota Monthly Magazine
“Best BBQ Ribs” – Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine
“Best BBQ Ribs” – Fargo Dome Ribfest
“Best BBQ Ribs” – Sioux Empire Ribfest, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
“Best BBQ Ribs” – Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier
“Best BBQ Ribs” – Mature Lifestyles Madison Reader
“Best Chicken Wings” – Cedar Falls Chamber of Commerce
“Best Sauce” – Great American Rib Cook-off, Cleveland, Ohio
“Best Entrée” – Taste of Waterloo
“Best Pork” – Mankato Ribfest
“Top 10 Restaurant” – Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine
“Best of 1999 – Music Club” – Nightclub & Bar Magazine
“Best BBQ Sauce in America” – American Royal Barbecue Contest, Kansas City
“Best Desserts” – Minnesota Monthly Magazine
“Best BBQ Joint” – Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine
“Hot New Concept” – National Restaurant Chain Publication
“Entrepreneur of the Year” – Ernst & Young NASDAQ, USA Today
“Best Chicken Wings” – LaCrosse Tribune
“Best New Barbecue/Grill Cookbook” – National Barbecue Associations Award of
Excellence for “Famous Dave’s Backroads & Sidestreets”

1998
“Best Ribs” – Des Moines Register
Critic’s Choice “Favorite Ribs” – Minnesota Monthly Magazine
Critic’s Choice “Favorite Music/Entertainment” – Minnesota Monthly Magazine
Critic’s Choice “Best Take-Out” – Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine
“Best Ribs” – LaCrosse Tribune
“Best BBQ Ribs” – Minnesota Monthly Magazine
“Best BBQ Sauce” – Fargo Ribfest – People’s Choice
“Greatest Ribs in America” – Great American Cook Off – Critic’s Choice
“Best BBQ Ribs” – Twin Cities Business Monthly Magazine
“Best BBQ Ribs” – Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine
“Best Music/Entertainment” – Minnesota Monthly Magazine
“Best Ribs” – Appleton Post-Crescent Reader
“Best New Restaurant” – Madison Capital Times
“Entrepreneur of the Year” – TwinWest Chamber of Commerce, Minneapolis
“Best BBQ Ribs” – Madison Magazine
“Best New Restaurant” – Madison Magazine

1997
“Best Ribs” – City Pages Reader Poll
“Best Ribs” – Minnesota Monthly Magazine
“Best Last Meal in the Twin Cities” – Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine
“Best Ribs” – Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine
“Best Restaurant Design” – Minnesota Shopping Center Assoc.
“Best Sauce in America” – Great American Rib Cook-off
People’s Choice “Best Ribs” – Fargo Dome Ribfest
Critic’s Choice “Best Ribs” – Fargo Dome Ribfest
“Best Ribs” – Naperville Ribfest
“Best Sauce” – Twin Cities Ribfest
“Best Ribs” – Twin Cities Ribfest
“1997 Hot Concept” – Nation’s Restaurant News
“Entrepreneur of the Year” – Emerging Company Division
“Best Music” – Minnesota Monthly Magazine
“Best Music” – Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine
“Best Restaurant Promoter” – Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine
“Entrepreneur of the Year” – Twin Cities Business Monthly
“Best New Restaurant” – Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine

1996
“Best New Restaurant” – Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine
“Best Last Meal in Minnesota” – Minnesota Monthly Magazine
“Best Desserts” – Minnesota Monthly Magazine
Critic’s Choice “#1 Ribs in MN” – Minnesota Monthly Magazine
“Hot New Concept” – National Restaurant Chain Publication
“Best Ribs” – Minnesota Monthly Magazine

1995
“Best BBQ Sauce in America” – American Royal Barbecue Contest
“Best BBQ Joint” – Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine

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