Is Famous Dave’s new to Modesto? How its relationship with Johnny Carino’s came about
Famous Dave’s is celebrating its grand opening in Modesto on Thursday, but the restaurant’s cuisine isn’t exactly new to the region.
The full-service restaurant has opened at 3401 Dale Road, Building C — in a shared building with Johnny Carino’s at Vintage Faire Mall.
Since August 2020, Famous Dave’s has operated inside Johnny Carino’s as a virtual kitchen. It offered takeout and catering only.
That same year, the two restaurant brands partnered to start a virtual kitchen relationship, Famous Dave’s spokesperson Carson McQuillan said.
Famous Dave’s was parented by BBQ Holdings at the time of the deal, and Johnny Carino’s parent company is Bluestone Hospitality Group — a franchisee of Famous Dave’s.
“Famous Dave’s has been proud to serve the Modesto community and Central Valley with its award-winning BBQ ToGo but wanted to offer an in-restaurant experience with a more expansive menu featuring all of Famous Dave’s pit-smoked barbecue options, full bar with over 30 draft beers and an inviting space for family gatherings, business meetings and social get-togethers,” McQuillan said.
Full-service Famous Dave’s grand opening
Famous Dave’s grand opening ceremony will be at the Vintage Faire shopping center Thursday at noon.
Following the ceremony, between 1 and 5 p.m., there will be a DJ, giveaways and rib tastings, according to a news release.
The official grand opening will be at 4 p.m. The first 100 guests in line at 4 p.m. will win free ribs for a year, which features one free St. Louis-style spareribs entree per month.
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