When the Wright family gathered at their cabin in Wisconsin, they often went out for barbecue at the original Famous Dave's restaurant in Hayward.
That was Mike Wright's introduction to the tangy ribs upon which he ultimately built a business. In the mid-1990s, when founder Dave Anderson wanted to get his sauces and seasonings into grocery stores, he hired Wright, who had experience in food distribution.
Wright rose to the challenge. "Mike was one of the most driven entrepreneurial guys I ever met," Anderson said. At that time, the only barbecue sauces in stores were those produced by large conglomerates with big marketing budgets and sales teams. Today, thanks to Wright, Famous Dave's products are in every major grocery store, he said.
"One man — through sheer hard work, unwavering passion and pounding the streets — put family-restaurant barbecue sauces all across America," said Anderson. "It's part of American barbecue history, what he accomplished."
After Famous Dave's went public, Wright bought the licensing rights to all its products, including pickles and cornbread muffin mix, and continued to build the business, Famous Products Inc. He also owned several restaurants, including four Famous Dave's franchises. "He always wanted to be his own boss and have control," said his brother Adam Wright.
Mike Wright was born in Minneapolis and graduated from St. Thomas Academy and Creighton University.
Diagnosed with kidney cancer 14 years ago, he lost his battle with the disease on Aug. 11, dying at age 55.
"He didn't let cancer define him," said Adam. "He fought very hard for a long, long time," while continuing to enjoy life through live music, the outdoors and his three children. "He was a great father, and his cancer fight was driven by his desire to spend time with them."
