Where There's Smoke ... There's Ribs; Famous Dave's Legendary Pit Barbeque Opens in Whitman Square Monday, June 6.

PHILADELPHIA -- Famous Dave's of America (NASDAQ:DAVE) is set to open its second Philadelphia location on Monday, June 6 at Whitman Square Shopping Center, 9763 Roosevelt Boulevard in Northeast Philadelphia. This store will mark the company's 117th unit nationwide.

"Philadelphia has really developed an appetite for our legendary hickory-smoked ribs," said David Marks, partner of Pit Masters, LLC - the company that will open up to 10 additional Famous Dave's in the Greater Philadelphia region. "We are excited to bring the Famous Dave's experience to the Northeast - the food, atmosphere and service are second to none."

Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que features hickory-smoked St. Louis-style ribs, Texas Beef Brisket, and Famous Dave's award-winning Rich & Sassy(R) BBQ sauce. Additionally, the menu offers Barbeque and Country Roasted Chicken, BBQ sandwiches, burgers, salads and Lil' Wilbur Meals for children. The restaurant serves up such down-home classics as made-from-scratch corn bread muffins, potato salad, coleslaw, Wilbur Beans and Famous Fries. Famous Dave's delectable homemade desserts include award-winning bread pudding and hot fudge Kahlua brownie.

Famous Dave's - Whitman Square location is 6,600 square feet and seats approximately 240 guests. The restaurant resembles a nostalgic wood cabin with log accents, antler chandeliers, exposed timber walls and a dramatic stone fireplace. An assortment of hunting artifacts, signs and rustic memorabilia adorn the walls of the cozy dining room while lively blues music adds to the atmosphere. The full service bar, which seats 55, will offer signature drinks like Famous Spiked Berry Lemonade, Sweet Mama's Backyard Punch, TD's Hot Buttered Rum, and Famous Margaritas. The kitchen includes a large smoker - a piece of equipment not found in most restaurants. Famous Dave's Southern Pride smoker is able to smoke 792 lbs. of St. Louis ribs, 864 lbs. of brisket or 648 lbs. of chicken in four hours.

Famous Dave's will provide an extensive array of catering services and offers a comprehensive take-out menu - a separate take-out entrance guarantees easy pick up. The restaurant's award-winning sauces, seasonings and marinades along with Famous Dave's Cookbook "Backroads & Sidestreets: Recipes Inspired by America's Down-Home Eateries" are available for purchase.

Famous Dave's hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. - 12 a.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. To reach Famous Dave's by phone, call 215-856-7611. Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and Diners Club Card are accepted.

Grand Opening Festivities 

"Famous" Dave Anderson, founder of the Famous Dave's franchise, was a member of the Choctaw, Chippewa and Ojibwa Indian tribes. In celebration of his Native American heritage, the local Famous Dave's restaurant will continue his opening tradition with the "Passing of the Fire" ceremony. With each restaurant opening, a ceremonial fire that originally began at the first Famous Dave's in Hayward, Wisconsin, will be brought from the last opened restaurant and passed on to the newest location. The ritual symbolizes the prosperity and heritage that began with the first Famous Dave's location. The "Passing of the Fire" ceremony will take place at the Columbus Commons restaurant during the official opening and "rib" cutting festivities on Monday, June 6 at 10 a.m.

Famous Dave's of America, Inc. (NASDAQ:DAVE) develops, owns, operates and franchises barbeque restaurants and blues clubs. The company currently owns 38 locations and franchises 78 additional units in 28 states. Its menu features award-winning, barbecued and grilled meats, an ample selection of salads, side items, sandwiches and unique desserts.