Last week, I had the incredible privilege of sitting down with “Famous” Dave Anderson, the man behind the national barbecue brand you already know and love. We talked meat, mindset, sobriety, seasoning—and how a rib shack in the Northwoods grew into a coast-to-coast phenomenon.
But before we dive into Dave’s inspiring story (and trust me, it’s worth your time), let me tell you why this interview matters right now…
🔥 Fresno Is About to Host the BBQ Event of the Year
On Saturday, May 31st, Famous Dave’s on North Blackstone Avenue will host the All-Star BBQ Championship, and it’s going to be legendary.
This isn’t just any cookout. It’s part of the All-Star BBQ Series, a national tour in partnership with the World Food Championships, and it’s making a stop right here in Fresno. Local pitmasters will battle it out in three categories—chicken, ribs, and a wild card round—for a coveted Golden Ticket to the $150,000 finale this fall.
🕒 Event Timeline:
- 10:00am – Event Begins
- 11:00am – Chicken Competition
- 12:00pm – Rib Competition
- 1:00pm – Wild Card Competition
- 3:00pm – Awards Ceremony
Best part? Two BBQ titans will be judging the event right here on-site:
- “Famous” Dave Anderson himself will be bringing his trademark energy and stories.
- Harry Soo, the legendary pitmaster behind Slap Yo Daddy BBQ and winner of over 100 competitions, will lend his technical prowess and championship palette.
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to go from backyard hero to national champion, this is your front-row seat.
From Smoker to Superstar: The Real Story Behind Famous Dave’s
Dave’s story reads like a BBQ fairy tale—with a side of grit and a whole lot of flavor.
Born to Ojibwe and Choctaw parents, Dave grew up learning to barbecue over live embers in Chicago alleys and Native fry bread stands. His first smoker? A garbage can with a hole cut out and some rebar. Today, Famous Dave’s has 130+ restaurants and a retail empire in 3,500+ stores—from Costco to Target and everywhere in between.
But Dave’s success didn’t come easy. “I’ve lost everything four times,” he told me. “But I never gave up.”
Dave’s life isn’t just about ribs and rubs—it’s about redemption. He’s been sober for over 30 years, and he’s as passionate about personal growth as he is about perfecting barbecue. “I used to smoke two packs a day and drank heavily,” he shared. “But I’ve been clean for decades. It’s life-changing.”
For someone who owns a winery and runs a national brand, that’s an incredible testimony to discipline and purpose.
He credits faith, sobriety, and a relentless passion for making people happy. “My life’s purpose is simple,” he said. “To make people smile through barbecue. And that takes work.”
Yes, I’m That Guy Who Orders Pounds of Meat Weekly
If you’ve seen someone ordering a pound of sausage, brisket, or chopped pork on DoorDash, that’s me. I’ve been doing it once a week for the past six months—no sides, just meat. It’s part of my carnivore lifestyle, and Famous Dave’s is a go-to.
So when I got the chance to interview the man behind the brand, I was all in.
My Secret Project… and Dave’s Blessing
During the interview, I nervously shared something with Dave that I hadn’t said publicly before: I’m working on a Fresno Chili Pepper–inspired seasoning and hot sauce under my brand, FresYes.
Dave not only encouraged me—he offered to try my samples on the spot. “There’s maybe five of us in the country with my flavor palette,” he said humbly. “Send it to me. I’ll let you know if you’ve got something special.”
No pressure, right?
Why You Should Come to the BBQ Championship on May 31st
If you love Fresno, barbecue, and people who give back more than they take, this event is for you.
You’ll see elite local pitmasters compete live. You’ll taste award-winning ribs. You’ll meet legends like Famous Dave and Harry Soo. And you’ll feel what community is all about—smoke, smiles, and stories worth telling.
This isn’t just about barbecue. It’s about dreams. It’s about second chances. It’s about watching someone light a fire and feed a city.
So come out. Bring your family. Support local.
I love where I live, and I also love what I do. I'm lucky to be able to work in a profession in which I get to build relationships; one that has me meeting new people each and every day and helping them to build new lives in my beloved city. I'm lucky enough to work in a profession in which I can marry cutting-edge technologies and marketing techniques to good, old-fashioned, nose-to-the-grindstone work. I am lucky enough to work in a profession that allows me to work as an advocate for my clients; to use every tool at my disposal to get a job done well for them, and with as little stress and expense as possible.
I love my city. I love my job. One inspires my excellence for the other.
Fresno? I say FresYES
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