Famous Dave's to expand with 21 new restaurants

Famous Dave's on Monday unveiled plans for 21 new restaurants, primarily in California, where the chain will double its presence.

The Minnetonka-based restaurant chain recently signed franchise deals for 18 new outlets in the Golden State, mostly in Southern California. The company also signed deals for one new restaurant each in Lansing, Mich., Independence, Mo., and Yakima, Wash.

The 21 restaurants will be developed over the next four years.

Famous Dave's has 185 barbecue restaurants, including 53 company-owned restaurants and 132 franchises in 33 states and one Canadian province.

The depressed real estate market has provided the company with opportunities to expand, CEO John Gilbert said in a statement. He said the expansion is part of a plan to open 50 new restaurants over the next two years.

Gilbert took the reins at Famous Dave's last month with a mission to grow sales, which have plateaued this year.