Famous Dave’s Signs Area Development Agreement for Charlotte, North Carolina

MINNEAPOLIS, March 24, 2016 -- Famous Dave's of America, Inc. (NASDAQ:DAVE), an award-winning Bar B Que destination, will open three restaurants in North Carolina through a multi-unit franchise agreement with Bart Kinzel of York, S.C. Bart will open three new Famous Dave’s restaurants in his exclusive territory of Charlotte, N.C.  The first Famous Dave’s restaurant in Charlotte is expected to open in mid-2017. This will be North Carolina’s first Famous Dave’s Legendary Pit Bar B Que restaurant and embodies the commitment of the new leadership team to grow and develop the brand.

Mr. Kinzel brings more than 25 years of hospitality and service experience to his new venture with Famous Dave’s. In 1988, Barton started his career with Cedar Fair Entertainment Co., a publicly traded corporation that owns and operates 11 regional amusement parks. Bart worked in various management capacities at Cedar Fair and at five different properties from 1988 through 2014. Bart developed his passion for Famous Dave’s and the authentic pit Bar B Que while living in the Twin Cities and working at Valleyfair. He was instrumental in opening Famous Dave’s at Cedar Point in Sandusky, OH in May 2004.

"When selecting a franchise partner, operational excellence is key in order to meet our high standards and guidelines. We are proud to provide the support, programs, and processes to ensure that franchisees are set up for success and can seamlessly duplicate a 'Famous' experience for guests,” said Adam Wright, Famous Dave’s CEO. “We are pleased to welcome Bart Kinzel to our family and are confident that his achievements in the restaurant and hospitality industry will set him up for success in the Charlotte market.”

"I am excited to bring Famous Dave’s award-winning concept to the guests of North Carolina," said Bart Kinzel. “I’ve been an admirer of Famous Dave’s legendary Bar B Que brand and exceptional guest experience for many years.  I’m especially excited to be joining the brand with the new dynamic leadership team now firmly in place and the return of Dave Anderson. Having the opportunity to grow the brand in the Charlotte market, which I call home, gives me great pride.”

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.

Reina Porritt 
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