Famous Dave's - Dave Anderson

Dave Anderson

Dave Anderson has also worked as a philanthropist, helping many struggling businesses back on to their feet before starting Famous Dave’s in 1994. In 1982, Dave put together a team responsible for turning around the Lac Courte Oreilles Chippewa Reservation's economy as part of an effort to improve Indian reservations' struggling economies. For the next couple of years, Dave took part in councils and teams looking to improve Wisconsin’s tourism and small businesses. In 1986, Dave earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Harvard University, without earning an undergraduate degree. In 1994, Dave helped found Rainforest Café, a theme restaurant chain, and finally in October 1994, Dave Anderson pursued his lifelong passion and opened the first Famous Dave’s in Hayward, Wisconsin.