Famous Dave’s Competes in Food Network’s Best In Smoke BBQ Showdown May 2, 2011

Famous Dave’s in the Valley (Mesa, Chandler, SanTan and Peoria) will be serving Blackberry BBQ Ribs and Blackberry BBQ Lettuce Wraps that were introduced by Dave during the Best In Smoke competition. 

 Founder of Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que Competes in Food Network’s Best In Smoke BBQ Showdown

Dave Anderson, Famous Dave’s Founder, shows off BBQ expertise and passion

MINNEAPOLIS, MINN., April 26, 2011– Famous Dave’s of America, Inc. (NASDAQ: DAVE) announced today that Famous Dave Anderson, BBQ legend  and founder of Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que, along with Charlie Torgerson, Directory of Culinary, will be featured in Food Network’s Best In Smoke competition, a new four episode program that premieres Sunday, May 8, 2011.

Aric Nissen, Famous Dave’s Vice President, Marketing and R&D said, “Famous Dave’s is extremely proud that Food Network has recognized Famous Dave Anderson as one of six of the best BBQ masters in the country to compete in Best In Smoke. In fact, the four Famous Dave’s restaurants in the Valley (Chandler at 3250 West Frye Road; Peoria at 16148 North 83^rd Avenue, SanTan Village in Gilbert at 2206 E Williams Field Rd and Mesa Riverview in Mesa at 1011 Dobson Road) will be serving Blackberry BBQ Ribs and Blackberry BBQ Lettuce Wraps that were introduced by Dave during the Best In Smoke competition.”

Dave Anderson founded Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que in his quest to serve authentic, legendary pit BBQ to people across the country.  “Dave’s passion for BBQ is unmatched,” continued Nissen.  “Most people are surprised to learn that we have ‘scratch’ kitchens, using the freshest of ingredients and that we smoke, cook, and grill our menu items right there in the kitchen. Our BBQ is smoked for up to 10 long hours in smokers on site at each location. That is what makes all Famous Dave’s locations authentic BBQ joints.”

The Best In Smoke series premieres on Sunday, May 8 at 10 p.m. ET/PT.  Six of the best barbecue masters hailing from cities across the U.S. meet in New York City to face off for a $50,000 grand prize and the right to claim the title of Best In Smoke. Hosted by Bryan Caswell (season three contestant on The Next Iron Chef), this competition tests the competitors’ endurance and skill as they take on multiple challenges in a day with limited resources and cook for vastly different audiences.

From barbecue to desserts to single bite hors d’oeuvres, no food is off limits. Contestants show off their personal style and quick wit throughout the competition, but a final mad dash to three separate venues around Manhattan and Brooklyn will determine which competitor will be awarded the coveted title of Best In Smoke.  At the end of each week’s episode, viewers will learn which competitors advance to the next round of the competition.

Host Bryan Caswell kicks off the competition on the premiere show by challenging the six teams to create their best “single bite” for the judges. Once the clock starts, it’s an all-out scramble and the competitor who cooks up the best “single bite” wins immunity from elimination and joins the judging panel for the next round. Then, the competitors devise the ideal BBQ hors d’oeuvre for an upscale art gallery opening. The fate of the finalists hangs on the opinions of the gallery guests who decide which competitor is safe from elimination.

Famous Dave’s will use innovative social media to make the show more available to Guests and fans.  Founder Dave Anderson and Charlie Torgerson will host an “After the Show ‘Que & A” on Monday, May 9, that will be live-streamed from a Minneapolis Famous Dave’s restaurant.  The show will be hosted online on the Famous Dave’s website so fans from all over the world will be able to view the after show live at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT.  Fans will be able to submit questions, and Dave and Charlie will answer them live, along with sharing special moments and behind-the-scenes insights.  If Dave and Charlie make it to the next round, the live-streaming after shows will continue airing online on Monday nights.

About Famous Dave’s

Famous Dave’s of America, Inc. (NASDAQ: DAVE) was founded by ‘Famous’ Dave Anderson, whose passion for BBQ led him on a 25-year cross-country trek to find the best regional BBQ recipes in the country before opening the first Famous Dave’s in Hayward, WI.  As of today, the company owns 52 locations and franchises 130 additional units in 37 states, and is known for its on-premise real pit smokers, scratch-recipe cooking, and 500 national and regional awards for everything from best ribs to best Bar-B-Que sauce to best cookbook.  They offer a wide variety of BBQ favorites including signature award-winning St. Louis-Style Ribs, Texas Beef Brisket, Georgia Chopped Pork, and Country-Roasted Chicken.  Each seasoning blend was personally developed by Dave himself after years of trial and error to bring flavorful and authentic BBQ to his Guests.  Scratch-recipes round out the menu with delicious sides and desserts that include meaty Wilbur Beans, Drunkin’ Apples, and Dave’s Famous Bread Pudding.

For more information, please visit www.famousdaves.com.

Statements in this press release that are not strictly historical, including but not limited to statements regarding the timing of our restaurant openings and the timing or success of our expansion plans, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, which may cause the company’s actual results to differ materially from expected results. Although Famous Dave’s of America, Inc. believes the expectations reflected in any forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that its expectation will be attained. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Famous Dave’s expectation include financial performance, restaurant industry conditions, execution of restaurant development and construction programs, franchisee performance, changes in local or national economic conditions, availability of financing, governmental approvals and other risks detailed from time to time in the company’s SEC reports.

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Note to Editors: Contact Jean Golden (612-385-2324 or jean@goldenpublicity.com) for Dave Anderson interviews, photography and other requests.

DOOZY OF A DEAL hits $20k Milestone March 23, 2011

(Phoenix, AZ March 22, 2011)- In just a year, amidst a bevy of “deal of the day” websites, Doozy of a Deal has hit a major milestone. The locally-run company has been able to give back $20,000 from sales to the local Phoenix community non-profits and schools who are a part of their Doozy “Gives Back” program.

During its first year, Doozy of a Deal has partnered with 59 schools and 60 charities/non-profits throughout the valley. Sandpiper Elementary in Scottsdale has received close to $400.

“Doozy of a Deal has been an amazing gift to our school,” said Mary Jo Scovill, PTO President of Sandpiper School. “It has given us a fun and useful way to bring money in for all sorts of educational enhancements for the kids.”

Non-profits such as the Arizona Human Society are noticing results as well, having received over $1,800 in just over 10 months since joining the Doozy “Gives Back” program.

“The Arizona Humane Society is grateful for our partnership with Doozy of a Deal,” said Kelsea Vescova, Director of Marketing and Development with the Arizona Humane Society. “It’s a perfect example of a community coming together to support the 44,000 homeless animals in Maricopa County.”

After promoting their deal through Doozy of a Deal, the Westin Kierland Resort in Scottsdale has a new respect for the site.

“In a market filled with competing sites, Doozy of a Deal is by far the best in every way: customer service, strategic marketing, reach, exposure, and charitable giving,” said spokeswoman Stephanie Dowling.

Doozy of a Deal is a “deal of the day” website whose goal is to help take care of local communities by not only providing fantastic deals for its subscribers, but also by bringing hundreds of new customers to local merchants, AND by donating thousands of dollars to local schools and organizations.

The great thing about Doozy of a Deal is that when a subscriber purchases an amazing deal of the day, Doozy will donate 7.5% of that purchase back to the subscriber’s school or organization of choice selected from Doozy’s extensive list of Benefiting Organizations.  In exchange for this donation, all that Doozy of a Deal requests is that the organization help spread the word about this win-win-win opportunity… there is NO COST for them to participate.

Founded by Andi and Dean Barness of Scottsdale, AZ, DoozyofaDeal.com launched mid-March 2010 in the Maricopa County area and continues to establish partnerships with local businesses, schools and organizations. For more information about Doozy of a Deal visit http://www.doozyofadeal.com/phoenix, or email dbarness@doozyofadeal.com .

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Free Developmental Screenings March 19th February 19, 2011

March is Read Across America monthin celebration of Dr. Seuss’ Birthday.

The Arizona Literacy & Learning Center will have a FREE Developmental Screening planned for March 19th.

The purpose of a screening is not to diagnose but to identify a child’s strength and needs. We look for age‐appropriate development in each area and identify the need for further evaluation or monitoring.  By identifying concerns early we are able to work with the parent, care-giver and/or school to help resolve the developmental concern so the child has the necessary skills to enter kindergarten.

WHAT: FREE Developmental/Literacy Screenings for children ages of 3-5.
WHEN: March 19, 2011 *By Appointment Only.

Children will be screened in:
Hearing
Vision
Speech (articulation)/Language
Concepts
Gross/Fine Motor Skills
Pre-Literacy Skills
Social/Self Help Development

Screenings help rule out potential problems and provide insight at an early age. Addressing concerns early is a very effective way to avoid later educational struggles.

WHERE: Screenings will be held at:
Arizona Literacy & Learning Center
14001 N. 7th Street Suite, F-112
Phoenix, AZ 85022

HOW: Please call us at 602-212-1089 x 201 to schedule an appointment
Favor de llamar al 602-212-1089 x 209 para programar una cita

Please Note: Appointments must be scheduled. Twenty-four appointments will be available per screening date. Permission forms must be signed by the parent/legal guardian prior to screening the child. This may be done on the day of the screening or in advance.

For more information on ALLC, please call 602-212-1089 or go to www.azlit.org

DONLEY BEST CONTRACTOR TO WORK FOR IN WEST February 19, 2011

Jim & Mike Donley

Donley Service Center of Phoenix is the “Best Contractor to Work for” an honor from The Air Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration NEWS, the premier publication of the HVACR industry. A feature on the company appeared in the Jan. 31st issue of the magazine, as well as on its website.

HVACR (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration) contractors who rise to the top of this competition have shown their ability to attract and retain top employees, by providing ample training, steady work hours, trust, benefits, and a sense of community and even family responsibility.

Like many others who work in HVACR, James Donley, founder and chairman of Donley Service Center, and president Mike Donley, have both spent much of their careers focusing on building employee and customer relationships that are based on trust and respect. Taking that trust and respect to the next level of uncompromising integrity, however, sets James and Mike apart as The NEWS’ contest winners in the Western region.

“We honor these companies because they tend to go above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to their employees,” said Barb Checket-Hanks, Service and Maintenance Editor for the publication and the contest’s creator. “They create workplace environments that people are truly glad to go to.”

Winning in the annual contest has become a status symbol among HVACR contractors, and it helps them attract “the best of the best” among the pool of qualified HVACR technicians.

“The secret to success in our company, and really in any organization or team, is that it is all built around the right people,” says Mike Donley, President of Donley Service Center. “We spend an awful lot of time finding the right people.”

For more information on the contest, visit www.achrnews.com. For more information on Donley Service Center, go here.

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS COMPETITION FOR FITTEST IN VALLEY February 14, 2011

The best athletes in the area vie for a shot at becoming the “World’s Fittest Man” and “World’s Fittest Woman” with CrossFit Scottsdale

Scottsdale, AZ (February 14, 2011) – Every Friday night for six weeks starting on March 18^th at 6pm, CrossFit Scottsdale will present FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS. More than 100 athletes are expected to compete at CrossFit Scottsdale in front of large crowds to complete a grueling and near impossible physical challenge in hopes of securing a spot at the 2011 National CrossFit Games in Los Angeles and a shot at the title of “World’s Fittest Man” and “World’s Fittest Woman.”

Anyone (not just CrossFit athletes) can try out for these competitions. Registration begins February 15^th. The cost to participate in the competition for the entire six weeks will be $99, or you can choose to compete on a weekly basis for $25. Go to www.crossfitscottsdale.com for more information. Prizes will be awarded to top performers in each category. The public is welcome to cheer on these athletes and special guests Vice Mayor Robert Littlefield will be at the Friday Night Lights CrossFit Games Qualifier opening ceremony on March 18th and Mayor Jim Lane will be there for the final event April 22^nd.

CrossFit Founder and CEO Greg Glassman has raised two goals for the CrossFit Games process. He wants to find the fittest man and woman in the world, while making the process as inclusive as possible. In his words, the goal is to “dig to the bottom of the well, and come up with the best. Participating in FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS is the first step in this intense and extensive process.

CrossFit Scottsdale is located in Scottsdale, Arizona and is the largest in terms of membership in the state. As a CrossFit affiliate, CrossFit Scottsdale promotes overall fitness with workouts that boost athleticism by increasing endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, coordination, agility, balance and accuracy. Along with plyometrics and Olympic lifts, CrossFit blends pulling, pushing and swinging weight to create a workout regime that continually challenges its members. CrossFit Scottsdale, powered by Kayyem Fitness is located at 14885 N. 83rd Place, Suite #102, Scottsdale, AZ 85260.

GO TO FACEBOOK TO LEARN MORE AND SEE COMPETITORS and LATEST NEWS: http://www.facebook.com/FridayNightLightsPresentedbyCrossFitScottsdale

For Media Inquiries or to cover this event please contact:

Najla Kayyem

GYM 480.922.3253 // CELL 760.333.9451

Email

www.crossfitscottsdale.com

NARPRO is lending a hand to drivers and indie repair shops December 6, 2010

NARPRO (Neighborhood Auto Repair Professionals Network) is a group that is leading the way when it comes to lending a hand to independent, family owned auto repair shops and helping drivers find a mechanic they can trust for life. NARPRO is already a proven success in Phoenix, AZ and is taking this concept nationwide in the coming months.
Now that many people are holding on to their cars to save money, they need to find quality, reliable auto repair near their home or work. A survey by Consumers Reports shows that owners significantly prefer independent shops to the dealerships. Auto repair shops perform an estimated 70 percent of repairs for out-of-warranty vehicles, according to the Automotive Service Association (ASA). How can NARPRO help them?

NARPRO (Neighborhood Auto Repair Professionals Network) is looking to change the image of auto repair across the U.S. through an original, one-of-a-kind network of high quality, high integrity shops. The concept will launch in 2011. The network’s website, NARPRO.com is simply the easiest way to help good people find good mechanics.

“We launched NARPRO because we saw a need for reliable, quality auto repair and knew there were a lot of smaller, independent shops who didn’t have the opportunities to promote themselves like the big chains,” said Alan Tarr, NARPRO’s Executive Director. “The auto repair industry can always improve its impression on consumers and we believe that by supporting local shops, keeping money in our communities and offering the value of a trusted mechanic is how we will do it.”

There are no comparable networks like NARPRO in the United States. This is because each shop must be hand-selected and evaluatedwith 26 stringent tests designed to eliminate the less qualified operators. There is no way for a shop to buy a place in the network. If they aren’t up to snuff, they aren’t in NARPRO.

For potential franchisees, the NARPRO model offers a bevy of benefits – one of which is the reasonable cost of the franchises (70 of the 75 territories have investments of $80,000 or less).
A true Recurring Revenue business
Low overhead
Large, Exclusive Territories.
No inventory and minimal equipment required.
Unparalleled Support

Launched in 2004 in Phoenix, AZ, the NARPRO network started with four local repair facilities; today, the association represents 30independent Valley shops (about 2.7% of the market). In the past five years more than 93,000 users visited NARPRO.com and some 14,500 happy car owners found a mechanic they can trust in the Valley. Customer response for NARPRO mechanics has been an impressive 98% satisfaction rate. Now, this successful model is ready to be franchised.

When a NARPRO franchise starts up, repair shops will be hand-picked by the Franchisee who will evaluate potential members on such things as certification and experience, BBB rating, facility appearance and cleanliness, credit rating, and the satisfaction of their customers. Customer response for NARPRO mechanics has been an impressive 98% satisfaction rate. The long-term goal is to enroll the 6000 best shops in America as NARPRO members. .

“Unlike other associations, you can’t just join or sign up to be a part of NARPRO,” said Jay Jennings, GM of NARPRO. “The franchiseein each city will go to great lengths to ensure that recommended repair professionals practice good business and have high customer satisfaction.”

NARPRO – “The Easiest Way to Find an Honest Mechanic”. www.narprofranchise.com. For more information, contact Jay Jennings at NARPRO, LLC 1501 W Fountainhead Pkwy; Suite 501, Tempe, AZ 85282. Call 888-627-7769 or email: franchise@narpro.com

Free Meal for Vets at Famous Dave’s in Valley October 22, 2010

To commemorate Veterans Day 2010, Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que of the Valley is offering all Veterans a FREE meal. From 11 AM to 10 PM on Thursday, November 11, Veterans of military service can visit one of the four (4) Famous Dave’s locations in the Valley for a complementary entrée off their special menu. The Veteran must provide some kind of identification proving that he/she is a Veteran, such as an old Military ID, dog tags with a picture ID, photo of them in uniform or some sort of memorabilia from their time in service.

“Honoring our local Veterans is very important to me,” said John Erlandson, owner of the Valley’s Famous Dave’s, Army ReservesVeteran and Ranger School graduate.  “This is just a small way for my wife and me to salute Veterans’ and show our appreciation to them for serving our Nation.  We want to recognize and honor them for their selflessness, not just on Veterans Day but throughout the year.”

Erlandson added that all Valley Famous Dave’s always offer “Military Monday’s,” which is a year-long promotion in which all Famous Dave’s Valley locations provide anyone with a military ID or family military ID a 20% discount on their meal every Monday, at any location in the Valley.

There are four Famous Dave’s restaurants in the Valley including Chandler at 3250 West Frye Road; Peoria at 16148 North 83rd Avenue, SanTan Village in Gilbert at 2206 E Williams Field Rd and Mesa Riverview in Mesa at 1011 Dobson Road.  Go to www.famousdavesbbq.com for full offer details.

Famous Dave’s offers a variety of signature menu items, including award-winning St. Louis-Style Ribs brushed with Rich & Sassy® Sauce, Texas Beef Brisket, Georgia Chopped Pork, Santa Maria Tri-Tip, Country Roasted Chicken, Wilbur Beans, Creamy Coleslawand Dave’s Famous Bread Pudding. Guests can also enjoy the delicious char-grilled burgers, salads, lip smackin’ sandwiches andhome-style desserts. A Lil’ Wilbur Kid’s Menu includes classic kid favorites, such as Macaroni & Cheese, Chicken Tenders and Root Beer Floats. For more info, visit www.famousdavesbbq.com or www.facebook.com/phoenixfamousdaves.com

Boo-tox and Wicked Lashes Event OCT 14 October 5, 2010

On October 14th join all four Valley locations of Derma Health Institute for

“Boo-tox & Wicked Lashes.”

Enjoy fantastic deals on Botox, Juvederm, Latisse!

Halloween is the “unofficial” kick-off of the holiday season, so start thinking now about those holiday parties and looking great for events with co-workers, friends and family. There will be contests and drawings for the products you love and special deals on other Derma Health Services as well.

Of course there will be festive refreshments, so join us. Hours vary per location. www.dhiskin.com

Enjoy Wicked Lashes by the Holidays with LATISSE

25 units of Botox & 2 Latisse $350*

Juvederm XC & 2 Latisse for $525*

Get rid of those scary spots with Photofacials

Buy any photofacial and get a FREE express facial

“It’s the GREAT PUMPKIN!”

Pumpkin Facials are back –  $75

*After $100 mail in rebate. Quantities are limited.

For more information, contact Derma Health Institute at (480) 539-0777 Mesa/Gilbert, (480) 730-9000 Chandler/Tempe, (480) 460-1505 Ahwatukee/Phoenix or (480) 991-7900 Paradise Valley/Scottsdale, or go to www.dhiskin.com.

RIBZILLA is here! October 5, 2010

Famous Dave’s in the Valley will offer a Beef Short Rib called the “Ribzilla” as a special feature on the menu beginning October 4 and ending November 21.

Dr. Pepper Glazed Beef Short Rib Platter: Beef Short Rib, 2 sides of choice, corn on the cob, corn muffin. $18.99

Dr. Pepper Glazed Beef Short Rib Sandwich: Sandwich with 1 side. $10.99

Wedge Salad with muffin: Lettuce wedge, Bleu Cheese Crumbles, grape tomatoes, Jalapeño bacon, Bleu cheese dressing and a muffin. $5.99

Cherry Cobbler: Served warm with vanilla ice cream. $5.99

LOCATIONS: Valley Famous Dave’s in Chandler at 3250 West Frye Road; Peoria at 16148 North 83rd Avenue; Mesa Riverview in Mesa at 1011 Dobson Road and in Gilbert at SanTan Village at 2206 East Williams Field Road. www.famousdavesbbq.com.

Latest liposuction technology has little downtime and no general anesthetics October 5, 2010

LipoVibe is the newest and latest advancement in liposuction.  It just debuted in Arizona at the Paradise Valley office of Derma Health Institute this September. The procedure is nicknamed “Tickle Lipo” because patients report a tickling feeling when it is administered.

• Lipo Vibe is an FDA approved, safe and effective way to eliminate unwanted stubborn areas of fat.
• Unlike traditional liposuction and laser liposuction that risk trauma to the surrounding tissue, our gentle 3-dimension technology contours the body for dramatic results with little to no downtime and all under a local anesthetic.
• This state of the art procedure can be used on virtualy any area of the body that is resistant to diet and exercise with fantastic results.
• The energy used to emulsify fat also stimulates collagen and facilitates skin tightening.
• Lipo Vibe is available at the Paradise Valley Derma Health Institute location and administered by Dr. Gael DeRouin. (Board Certified  in Facial Plastic Surgery and Otolaryngology. He is a well-accomplished physician with over 30 years of training and experience. )