The opening of the newest Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que on May 3 in Annapolis marks the second of four openings in the Washington D.C. area. Famous Dave’s recently acquired four Red River Barbeque & Grille restaurants in Maryland and Virginia. Famous Dave’s has 32 units overall with locations in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, Maryland and Virginia.

“With the recent opening of the Woodbridge location, we are very pleased with the response of our conversion,” said Martin O’Dowd, president and CEO at Famous Dave’s. “Having tripled the sales of the previous owner, we are confident that our expansion will have continued success. It is truly exciting to watch our growth East. We are looking to expand even further in this market over the next few years.

A ceremonial fire that represents our the restaurant’s slow smoked Bar-B-Que originated at the first Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que in Hayward, Wisconsin. Famous Dave Anderson, founder and chairman of the company, is a member of the Choctaw, Chippewa and Ojibwa Indian tribes and in celebration of his Native American heritage, he will continue this opening tradition. With each opening a ceremonial fire will be brought from the previously opened restaurant and passed on to the newest location. The tradition will continue as the fire will then be passed on to the Columbia, Maryland location which is set to open in early June, 2000. The passing of the fire ceremony took place at the restaurant during the official opening and ribbon cutting festivities on May 3, 2000.

Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que features hickory-smoked St. Louis-style ribs, Texas Beef Brisket, Sweetwater Catfish Fingers, Georgia Chopped Pork, and Famous Dave’s award-winning Rich and Sassy Barbecue Sauce. Additionally, the menu offers BBQ and Country Roasted Chicken, BBQ sandwiches, burgers, and salads. Plus, the restaurant serves up such down home classics as made-from-scratch corn bread muffins, potato salad, coleslaw, Drunkin’ apples, Northwoods beans and Lodge fries. Famous Dave’s delectable homemade desserts include its award winning bread pudding and hot fudge Kahlua brownie.

Famous Dave’s of America operates 32 full-service and counter-style restaurants in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, Maryland and Virginia. Its menu features award-winning, barbequed and smoked meats, an ample selection of salads, side items, sandwiches and homemade desserts. The company plans to expand into additional areas through development, acquisition, and franchising.