Fame Is Anything But Fleeting For Famous Dave’s

Legendary Pit-Barbecue Rib Chain Captivates Nation; 12-14 Territories Available

EDEN PRAIRIE, MN (Friday, April 15, 2005) - In the 1970s, Andy Warhol proclaimed everyone would be famous for 15 minutes. For Famous Dave’s, the nation’s legendary, award-winning pit-barbecue rib restaurant franchise, that quarter-hour is drawing out to an eternity.

Famous Dave’s is rapidly closing in on its goal of 400 franchised units throughout the United States. At the end of 1st quarter 2000, the ‘famous’ chain had just 2 franchised units and 11 more committed to open. Now, just five short years later, the chain has 71 franchised units open and 171 more committed. In fact, with only about a dozen territories available for sale, Famous Dave’s is a clear leader in the BBQ specialty segment, continuing to capture a loyal following of customers in communities around the nation with its famous BBQ menu.

With 109 total units currently open, Famous Dave’s expects to see 22-25 additional units open for business by the end of 2005. Company executives attribute the growth to an increasing penchant for Famous Dave’s tasty BBQ recipes, stellar customer service and characteristic atmosphere that’s unlike any other casual dining concept in the marketplace.

“Consumers love the genuine, backyard barbecue experience that’s unique to Famous Dave’s,” said Mark Bartholomay, Vice President of Business Development for Famous Dave’s. “Our homemade BBQ recipes have won countless awards for taste and flavor, which adds to our credibility for customers and potential franchise owners alike,” said Bartholomay, noting that in 2004 alone, Famous Dave’s won 28 different awards for food, service and even creative advertising.

Legendary BBQ, Authentic Dining

Famous Dave’s food is more than famous, it’s legendary. Famous Dave’s BBQ menu features hickory-smoked St. Louis-style spareribs, Texas beef brisket and founder Famous Dave Anderson’s award-winning BBQ sauces. Additionally, the menu offers BBQ and roasted chicken, BBQ sandwiches, burgers, salads, appetizers, homemade sides and deserts including the award-winning bread pudding.

A visit to a Famous Dave’s restaurant is nothing short of memorable. Having grown from Lodge-style restaurants in the Northwoods to the Shack-style restaurants found throughout the country, Famous Dave's recently introduced its Smokehouse prototype. The Smokehouse is the one element of BBQ that is common across all regions and BBQ styles. The exterior draws its inspiration from all that is great about the BBQ places across the country. It's a building that looks like it has evolved over time, serving to create a unique presentation that is familiar, enticing and screams Famous Dave's authenticity and passion for great BBQ. The interior gives an authentic appearance and demonstrates a patina of age that brings back thoughts of a simpler time. The environment is comfortable and casual, and the colors, authentic memorabilia, and signage make the guest feel at ease.

Share the Passion

To maintain quality and brand consistency throughout the Famous Dave’s franchise system, Famous Dave’s takes a selective approach to recruiting prospective franchise owners. According to Jim Schwitzer, Director of Franchise Sales & Development, Famous Dave’s franchise owners are the “cream of the crop,” consisting of seasoned food service veterans who traditionally operate or manage other successful restaurant concepts. Depending on real-estate variables, startup costs to open a Famous Dave’s range from approximately $1 million to $3 million.

Once joining the exclusive Famous Dave’s franchise team, all new franchise owners go through an intensive training program that covers all aspects of the business, from cooking techniques, to customer service and human resource management. Franchise consultants assist with real-estate support. Also, once open, Famous Dave’s provides its new owners with initial on-site training during the first two weeks, as well as ongoing marketing and other business support services.

“Our top requirement for franchise owners is that they have a passion for people, quality and excellence,” Schwitzer said. “Our owners should be ‘Famous’ at everything they do.”

About Famous Dave’s

First opened in Hayward, Wisconsin in 1994 by Famous Dave Anderson, Famous Dave’s of America, Inc. (NASDAQ: DAVE) develops, owns, operates and franchises barbeque restaurants. Currently, the company operates 38 locations and has 71 franchised units in 25 states. Its menu features award-winning barbequed and grilled meats, a generous selection of salads, side items, sandwiches, and unique desserts.

Certain matters discussed within this press release, including timing of the transactions, restaurant openings and expansion plans, may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although Famous Dave’s of America, Inc. believes the expectation reflected in any forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that its expectation will be attained. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Famous Dave’s expectation include financial performance, restaurant industry conditions, execution of restaurant development and construction programs, franchisee performance, changes in local or national economic conditions, availability of financing, governmental approvals and other risks detailed from time to time in the company’s SEC reports.

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