Famous Dave’s is a restaurant franchise, originally from Hayward, Wis., known for its barbecue dishes, especially ribs.

“I fell in love with the area,” said Rockin’ Ribs Franchise Groups, LLC Director of Operations Jerrid Heidel. “I liked the idea of being in the heart of Lansing, but this area is full of wonderful people.”

Rockin’ Ribs Franchise Groups also owns Famous Dave’s locations in Grandville, Mich., Flint, Saginaw and Toledo, Ohio. Another franchise group owns five other Famous Dave’s locations in the Detroit area.

“Michigan has been one of our more successful areas,” Vice President of Franchise Operations and Development Victor Salamone said. “People would drive to Flint and Detroit to go to Famous Dave’s. It’s a nice opportunity for everyone in Lansing to have authentic and legendary barbecue.”

Heidel indicated Famous Dave’s is an award-winning franchise, with over 700 awards, and no other pit master has come close.

“Everything is handmade and made from scratch,” Heidel said. “I won’t sacrifice quality of service or food for a buck.”

At Famous Dave’s, it’s more than just about food. Reaching out and taking care of the customers and the community is part of the recipe as well. During a family and friends VIP pre-opening event this past weekend, Famous Dave’s sold $3,000 in food, 100 percent of which was donated to Building Twentyone, a Christian-based building program that gives kids a positive environment to spend time at after school, Heidel said.

“We don’t just put up walls, we get involved with the community, whether it’s supporting Habitat for Humanity, Relay For Life or another organization,” Heidel said. “We hold true to our values of culture, people, and of course, food.”

Kathy and Jordan Odell, of Eaton Rapids, Mich., were among the first time visitors to Famous Dave’s.

“Everyone is friendly, lively and attentive,” said Kathy Odell. “It’s loud, but that’s part of the atmosphere. We are expecting wonderful things.”

Excellence at Famous Dave’s has simple roots, extending from the passion of the real “Dave,” Dave Anderson himself.

“We aren’t a pub, it’s a good family dining atmosphere,” Heidel said. “It all comes from passion. Passion in food, and passion in treating people right so you don’t short-circuit the dining experience.”

However in the end, it all comes down to the customers.

“If we don’t hear the word ‘love’ in the first three sentences of someone sitting down here, we’re not doing something right,” Salamone said.