How I Built This with Guy Raz

Famous Dave's: Dave Anderson (2020)

Dec 5, 2022

Dave Anderson, founder of Famous Dave's, shares his inspiring journey from a barbecue-loving child in Chicago to a successful entrepreneur. He recounts the pivotal moments that shaped his business, including overcoming personal struggles and the aggressive growth of his brand. Dave emphasizes the importance of community and cultural heritage while navigating challenges in the competitive food landscape. He reflects on the emotional highs and lows of building a beloved barbecue chain and the impact of leadership in times of adversity.

01:15:54

Episode guests

Dave Anderson

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Intro

4min

From Ribs to Roots: A Culinary Journey

8min

From Struggles to Success: A Journey of Transformation

21min

From Bingo to Barbecue: A Journey of Transformation

7min

Barbecue Dreams in a Small Town

5min

From Grill to Glory: The Famous Dave's Journey

18min

The Heart and Soul of Famous Dave's Under Threat

5min

From Setbacks to Comebacks: The Famous Dave's Journey

14min

Closing Remarks and Community Engagement

2min

Growing up in 1960's Chicago, Dave Anderson didn't eat much deep dish. Instead, his dad took the family to the South Side for barbecue, and those memories—and aromas—stayed with him.

For years, Dave tinkered with his own recipes for sauces and sides while working as a salesman and business advisor to Native American tribes. Finally in 1994, he opened his first barbecue shack in the last place you might expect to find one: the little town of Hayward, Wisconsin.

The chain grew quickly—too quickly—and Dave developed a love-hate relationship with the brand he'd created, but never lost his passion for smoked ribs and brisket. Today, Famous Dave's has over 100 restaurants across the U.S., making it one of the largest barbecue chains in the country.

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