Famous Dave’s Announces Appointment of Dexter Newman as Chief Financial Officer

MINNEAPOLIS, April 11, 2016 -- Famous Dave's of America, Inc. (NASDAQ:DAVE), an award-winning Bar-B-Que destination, has appointed Dexter Newman as Chief Financial Officer, effective today.

As Chief Financial Officer, Newman will influence and shape Famous Dave's operations and transformation strategy. He assumes a number of responsibilities including all aspects of finance, supply chain, and information technology.

Newman most recently served as Vice President and a Division Chief Financial Officer at Bloomin’ Brands Inc., a casual dining company with more than 1,400 restaurants in 49 states and 21 countries and territories. He was formerly the Vice President and Treasurer, and Head of Risk Management from October 2012 through October 2013 for Bloomin’ Brands. From February 2002 to August 2012, he was employed in numerous roles with Best Buy Co., Inc., most recently serving as Senior Director and Chief Financial Officer of Best Buy’s Private Brands and Global Sourcing Group, and previously serving as Senior Director and Deputy Treasurer. Prior to his role within Treasury at Best Buy, Newman worked as Director, Strategy Development and Operations for Best Buy International and held numerous other roles within the company’s finance function. Before joining Best Buy, he spent two years with Scotiabank. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint John’s University, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of St. Thomas.

"We are excited to include Dexter in Famous Dave’s talented new leadership team. He brings extensive senior-executive-level experience, operational and financial discipline, and has a long-time passion for the Brand. Dexter has an excellent track record with a best-in-class restaurant operator and we are looking forward to leveraging his experience to both grow Famous Dave’s and improve our margins,” said Adam Wright, Famous Dave’s CEO. “Richard Pawlowski, our outgoing Chief Financial Officer, joined the company shortly after a previous leadership and strategy change. Richard has been an effective leader during a time of significant transition. On behalf of Famous Dave’s, I thank him for his contributions and commitment, and respect his desire to spend more time with his wife, newborn and toddler in California after almost two years of commuting between states.”

"I am thrilled to be joining Famous Dave’s during this critical time in the company’s history," said Newman, and I’m especially excited to join as part of the new and dynamic leadership team that is ready to take on this challenge and create the kind of change that will inspire our guests, our employees, and shareholders.”  

About Famous Dave’s of America, Inc.

Famous Dave's of America, Inc. (NASDAQ:DAVE) develops, owns, operates and franchises Bar B Que restaurants. The company owns 37 locations and franchises 141 additional restaurants in 33 states, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, United Arab Emirates and Canada. Famous Dave's menu features award-winning Bar B Que and grilled meats, a large selection of salads, side items and sandwiches, and unique desserts. Famous Dave's has won more than 700 awards for everything from "Best Ribs" to "Best Bar B Que Sauce" to "Best Cookbook" to "Top Barbeque Restaurant Franchise."  For more information, please visit famousdaves.com.

Contact:
Dexter Newman
Chief Financial Officer
952.294.1300