Famous Dave's Still Plans Up to 30 New Units

MINNEAPOLIS-Barbeque chain Famous Dave’s of America still plans to open 25 to 30 new restaurants this year despite facing some delays getting a few units built. “The challenge has been that we are working in some parts of the country that are very difficult from a planning and zoning process,” said David Goronkin, the company’s president and chief executive officer, during its second-quarter conference call.

The company opened seven new franchisee-owned stores for the quarter ended July 7. During the previous period, Famous Dave’s opened one franchise-operated restaurant. It currently operates 152 units; 112 are run by franchisees and the rest are company owned.

As of the second quarter’s end, 155 new franchise-development agreements were in place. Out of the 25 to 30 new restaurants opening this year, five will be company owned.