Famous Dave's heads for Winnipeg

Get out the napkins and wet wipes, a chain of southern-style barbecue restaurants renowned across the United States is coming to Winnipeg.

For the first time ever, Famous Dave's Legendary Pit Bar-B-Que, is opening a franchise outside of the U.S. The Winnipeg restaurant, slated for a June 2012 opening, will be located off Lagimodiere Boulevard in the Reenders Square shopping centre. 

Victor Salamone, vice-president of franchise operations and development, said there's never been the right fit, until now, to expand beyond those borders.

He praised the Tribal Council Investment Group of Manitoba for making a persuasive pitch for the franchise.

"When selecting a franchise partner, operational excellence is key in order to meet our high standards and guidelines," he said.

In the past, international opportunities have been presented to the company but after due diligence, the timing or the deal did not fit with our business plan. When we began discussions with TCIG, it was clear that their group was an ideal franchise partner," said Christopher O'Donnell, president and CEO of Famous Dave's said.

Headquartered in Minnesota, Famous Dave's has 184 restaurants in 37 states.

TCIG is comprised of seven First Nations tribal councils in the province, representing 55 communities. The group owns and operates the area franchise rights for Wok Box, a popular Asian quick-service family of restaurants.

Its subsidiary, Arctic Beverages Ltd., is the only First Nations owned and operated Pepsi bottler in the world, TCIG's other subsidiaries and investments include wholesale, retail, construction, health services, financial services, transportation and real estate holdings.