Famous Dave’s Named Official Barbecue Category Partner of WFC 2025 & Heats Up Third Annual All-Star BBQ Series

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Posted Mar 9, 2025

Famous Dave’s Named Official Barbecue Category Partner of WFC 2025 & Heats Up Third Annual All-Star BBQ Series

Indianapolis, IN (March 10, 2025) – The World Food Championships (WFC) announced today a renewed partnership with Famous Dave’s of America, naming the award-winning barbecue brand as the Official Barbecue Category Sponsor for WFC2025 in Indianapolis. This partnership will bring back an exciting level of authenticity and expertise to the competition’s barbecue division as some of the best pitmasters from around the world compete for the title of World Barbecue Champion.

In addition to sponsoring the Barbecue Category at WFC, Famous Dave’s is once again teaming up with WFC for the third consecutive year to present the Famous Dave’s All-Star BBQ Series. This thrilling series of ten barbecue competitions will take place at Famous Dave’s locations across the country starting in May and concluding in August. Winners of each event will receive a coveted Golden Ticket (with waived entry fee), earning them the right to compete at the 2025 WFC in Indianapolis this October.

2025 Famous Dave’s All-Star BBQ Series Schedule:

May 3rd – Indianapolis, IN
May 31st – Fresno, CA
June 7th – El Centro, CA
June 14th – Colorado Springs, CO
June 21st – Rancho Cucamonga, CA
June 28th – Las Vegas, NV
July 19th – Taylor, MI
July 26th – El Paso, TX
August 16th – Minnetonka, MN
August 23rd – Union Gap, WA

All entries will be judged using the WFC proprietary E.A.T.™ Methodology and require a silver platter turn-in process. A panel of five local celebrities and Famous Dave associates will judge each of the contests in an open, live presentation format that consumers and fans can experience.

"We are thrilled to welcome back Famous Dave’s as the Official Barbecue Category Sponsor for the 2025 World Food Championships,” said Mike McCloud, Founder of the World Food Championships. “Their passion for barbecue and commitment to excellence aligns perfectly with our mission of showcasing the best in Food Sport. Additionally, their continued investment in the Famous Dave’s All-Star BBQ Series will provide an incredible opportunity for talented pitmasters to earn their way to Indianapolis and compete on the biggest stage in Food Sport.”

Famous Dave’s, known for its dedication to authentic barbecue flavors and cooking techniques, is equally excited to continue its partnership with WFC and provide a platform for top barbecue talent to shine.

“We’re fired up to continue our partnership with the World Food Championships as the official sponsor of the Barbecue Category in 2025,” said Dallas Massey, Senior Vice President of Marketing at BBQ Holdings, Inc. “Barbecue is more than just food—it’s a passion, a craft, and a culture. As a leader in the barbecue industry, we see this as a unique opportunity to showcase our commitment to the craft, engage with top culinary talent, and reinforce our brand’s position at the forefront of barbecue excellence.”

The 2025 World Food Championships will take place in Indianapolis, Indiana at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center, this October, where category champions will compete for their share of $450,000 in cash and prizes. To stay up to date on all things related to the World Food Championships visit worldfoodchampionships.com or follow World Food Championships on Facebook and Instagram (@WorldFoodChampionships), Twitter (X) (@WorldFoodChamp), and LinkedIn (@WorldFoodChampionshipsHoldings).

About World Food Championships
The World Food Championships (WFC) is the premier food sport competition globally. This multi-day, live culinary event showcases some of the world's best cooks competing for food, fame, and fortune across multiple categories. Each year, thousands of teams vie for a coveted Golden Ticket at official qualifiers to earn their spot at WFC. Since its debut in 2012, the event has attracted participants from nearly 40 countries and every state in the U.S. The 2025 World Food Championships will take place October 16-19 at the Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion, located at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center in Indianapolis. For more information, visit WorldFoodChampionships.com.

About Famous Dave’s
Famous Dave’s of America Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of BBQ Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BBQ). Famous Dave's was founded in 1994 by Dave Anderson in Hayward, Wisconsin. The casual dining restaurant is known for its authentic, slow-smoked barbeque cooked with the highest quality meats and premium spices. Famous Dave's menu features a variety of classic BBQ dishes, such as St. Louis-style ribs, Texas Beef Brisket, Georgia Chopped Pork, Country Roasted Chicken, and Hot Link Sausage. They also offer a selection of scratch-made side dishes, such as Dave’s Cheesy Mac & Cheese, Creamy Coleslaw, and Honey Buttered Cornbread Muffins. Famous Dave's has over 100 locations across the United States, with a few international locations as well. They also offer catering services for events of all sizes.

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Famous Dave’s Named Official Barbecue Category Partner of WFC 2025 & Heats Up Third Annual All-Star BBQ Series

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