Famous Dave’s Invests in Online Ordering, Third-Party Delivery
Barbecue restaurant Famous Dave’s has unveiled a strategic plan to elevate its franchise offering.
The plan includes 23 new menu items curated by founder and BBQ Hall of Famer, “Famous Dave” Anderson. Additional recent brand innovations include the introduction of a new smaller restaurant footprint, as well as investments in new technology including online ordering and third-party delivery.
Founder Famous Dave is leading the charge in culinary innovation. CEO Jeff Crivello, who joined the company in November, is at the helm, all focused on bringing the right franchisees into the system and positioning them for success.
In January, Famous Dave’s unveiled a smaller footprint restaurant design in El Paso, Texas, marking the first opening of the year. The new restaurant boasts a tighter and more efficient back-of-house kitchen with a contemporary front-of-house design.
To meet ever-changing customer preferences, Famous Dave’s also launched third-party delivery in last August at all corporate locations; it plans to roll out to franchise locations next. The launch of delivery allowed for a shift in customers and Famous Dave’s was able to tap into a younger demographic. Given the success of delivery and catering Famous Dave’s is now exploring a delivery-only models. This new concept, which fits in just 500 to 800 square feet, compared to the 5,000 square feet of the traditional model, is designed for food preparation and quick delivery of the same fan-favorite tastes offered at full-service locations.
Famous Dave’s is encouraging franchisees to customize menus to their region, with the option to select from various designs intended to provide more localization to the brand identity.
“We introduced flexibility in menu printing and design because we want them to be able to showcase different flavors that are specific to each of their regions in addition to the delicious and cravable core offerings we have” said Crivello. “As we develop as a brand it’s critical that we continuously roll out innovative ideas that will keep us ahead of the curve in the industry and allow us to offer something new and exciting to our guests.”
Famous Dave’s unveiled these innovations at a grand reopening event in Coon Rapids, Minn., on April 19.
