Famous Dave’s, the award-winning Bar-B-Que restaurant known for its barbequed and grilled meats, sandwiches, side items, salads and unique desserts, is opening its first location in Orange County at 2214 Tustin Ave. on Nov. 15. Offering lip-smacking BBQ favorites from around the country in a relaxed, fun and festive environment, the new Famous Dave’s will be approximately 3,000 square feet and will represent a fast-casual version of the award winning BBQ concept – reintroducing the format from which it first began 25 years ago.

“Consumers love the taste and authenticity of Famous Dave’s BBQ and we’re excited to bring this award-winning food and fun, festive dining atmosphere to area-residents,” said spokesperson Stacy Griffis of Gala Corporation, the hospitality group responsible for bringing Famous Dave’s to Orange County. “This is our first restaurant in Orange County, where our support center has been located for years, and we know the community has been waiting for this day for a long time. This is a very ‘famous’ day for us as we can finally share the best BBQ in the world with all of Orange County!”

While fans of Famous Dave’s throughout southern California have been able to purchase the concept’s sauces, pickles and spices in their local grocery and Costco stores, they will now have the opportunity to enjoy its great food. Additionally, the restaurant will offer full-featured catering services for groups up to 10,000 people.

The Orange location is part of a larger development plan for Famous Dave’s throughout California by Gala Corp. As one of the leading privately-owned hospitality and food service companies in the United States --- widely recognized as a first-class developer and operator of hospitality and food service assets --- Gala Corp operates 26 existing restaurants including Applebee’s and Famous Dave’s BBQ restaurants throughout California.

In 1994, Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que opened its first restaurant in Hayward, Wisc. and introduced its cuisine to the world. Fifteen years later, the award-winning chain has grown to more than 175 locations. Gala Corporation has plans to continue this trend and expects to open additional restaurants in the next several years with growth coming from its existing brand portfolio and/or other concepts. This will be Gala’s seventh Famous Dave’s location in the California market.