Famous Dave's Names VP Marketing

Doug Anderson joins Famous Dave's of America, Inc. as vice president of marketing. In his new position, Anderson will continue to improve the profitability, performance and brand recognition at the company by developing and implementing various marketing strategies, branding tactics and promotions.

"His innovative ideas, aptness in marketing, extensive background in the food service industry and proactive attitude makes Doug Anderson a major asset to Famous Dave's. With over seventeen years of marketing experience and having worked with some of the largest food service companies in the nation, he is a proven results-producer whose skill and experience are unsurpassed," said Martin O'Dowd, President and CEO.

Doug Anderson comes to Famous Dave's of America from J.T. MEGA Strategic Marketing, the nation's third largest, independent food service marketing and sales firm where he held the position of vice president of business. There he provided key strategic direction, secured new business, designed the sales structure, managed national account sales team, and developed and managed Mega Direct, a new division of J.T. MEGA, Inc. As vice president of business, he also worked to increase sales shares of established companiesHormel, Brakebush Chicken and General Mills among others. Prior to his three year appointment at J.T. MEGA Strategic Marketing, Anderson was employed with the Carlson Hospitality Worldwide.

During the course of his nine year tenure at Carlson Hospitality Worldwide, Anderson held a variety of top assignments including Manager of Sales Promotion, Director of Marketing and finally Vice President of Marketing. Before holding positions there, he held jobs as an Advertising Manager and Account Executive at various companies. Anderson received his Bachelor of Arts from Gustavus Adolphus College and also has a Masters of Business Administration from the University of St. Thomas. He is currently an adjunct Professor of Marketing at the University of St. Thomas (St. Paul, Minnesota).

Famous Dave's of America, Inc. (NASDAQ: DAVE) develops, owns, operates and franchises barbeque restaurants and blues clubs. The company currently owns 32 locations in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Maryland and Virginia, and has plans to open another four units in the year 2000. The company will also open three additional franchise stores in Wisconsin Dells, Peoria, Illinois and at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport in May 2000.