Famous Dave’s gains momentum with 25-unit development deal

Famous Dave’s, the BBQ franchise brand with more than 125 locations in 31 U.S. states and three countries, has signed a significant development deal to bring ghost kitchens and dual restaurant sites to strategic locations across the U.S.

As part of a new partnership with Bluestone Hospitality Group, 25 new Famous Dave’s locations, specializing in off-premise sales, will open over the next two years. As well as ghost kitchens, shared sites with Bluestone’s Italian brand, Johnny Carino’s, will also enter development.

Bluestone Hospitality Group is led by seasoned restauranteur Allan Gantes, and works with brands like Burger King, On the Border, and Popeye’s to help exponential franchise growth.

“Our first motivator to invest in Famous Dave’s ghost kitchens was its award-winning food and its ability to travel well and taste great when delivered to our customers,” said Gantes. “Couple that with the Famous Dave’s leadership team who understands the importance of evolving in light of changing consumer preferences, and we saw a formula for success to enhance our existing restaurant footprint. It’s a period of unprecedented change in the industry, and demand for off-premises sales has dramatically increased.”

With a continued focus on off-premise and adaptability in the face of the pandemic, Famous Dave’s is also looking to implement drive-thru capabilities to its current locations.

“Given the resiliency of the Famous Dave’s brand throughout the pandemic, we’re more focused now than ever before on continuing to grow and enter new markets,” said Famous Dave’s CEO, Jeff Crivello. “We’re thrilled to continue developing our ghost kitchens as we look for ways to innovate to better serve our customers.”