

Famous Dave's: Dave Anderson
Nov 2, 2020
Dave Anderson, founder of Famous Dave's, shares his journey from a boy who cherished barbecue in Chicago to creating one of the largest barbecue chains in the U.S. He delves into the cultural influences of his family's culinary traditions and recounts the challenges of launching his first restaurant in small-town Wisconsin. Anderson reveals pivotal moments in his entrepreneurial path, including personal struggles, overcoming skepticism, and the emotional complexities of brand identity. His passion for smoked ribs and resilience shines through as he navigates success and setbacks.
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Book Announcement
- The "How I Built This" book is a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller.
- It explores developing an entrepreneurial mindset and is available globally.
Parents' Boarding School Meeting
- Dave Anderson's parents, both Native American, met at Haskell Institute for Indians.
- They were sent there by the Bureau of Indian Affairs after being taken from their families.
Childhood Barbecue Exposure
- Dave's father, a Choctaw, introduced him to Chicago's South Side barbecue scene at a young age.
- This contrasted with other Chicago kids' experiences with pizza and hot dogs.