Founder & Chairman Emeritus Famous Dave’s of America – Edina, Minnesota
“Famous Dave” Anderson is the founder of Famous Dave’s of America, the legendary BBQ franchise, with over 120 restaurants and growing. Voted the “Hottest Restaurant Concept in America” by Nation’s Restaurant News, Famous Dave’s has received unprecedented recognition. Ernst & Young, sponsored by NASDAQ and USA Today, recognized Mr. Anderson as Minnesota’s “Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year.” Mr. Anderson also is known for helping found the Rainforest Cafe, another highly successful nationwide restaurant company. He has helped found three publicly traded companies on Wall Street and created over 20,000 new jobs. In Mr. Anderson’s own life, he has experienced adversity, frustration, and bankruptcy as well as tremendous success. Mr. Anderson’s life story is featured in two New York Times bestsellers. He has served two Presidents and three governors in advisory positions and has provided key testimony before Congress and the U.S. Senate. Always tackling the impossible, this bottom-half-of-the-class high school student has earned his master’s degree from Harvard University. He has appeared on all major networks including: Regis and Kathy Lee, Oprah Winfrey, Crook & Chase, the Discovery Channel, the Food Network, National Public Radio and over 200 radio shows. As a highly sought after keynote speaker, Mr. Anderson shares his heartfelt optimism using his life’s story to share valuable insight and life lessons in dealing with todays fast-changing and challenging world. He is an enthusiastic advocate of the American Dream, believing that no matter how tough things may seem today, if you never give up your dream and work hard tomorrow’s rewards will always come. As a Native American, Mr. Anderson devotes his life to making a difference in his community and in the lives of others less fortunate. Oprah Winfrey’s Angel Network recently recognized his leadership development work with at risk youth. He also serves on the National Board of Governors for the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.
