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Click here to read our rave reviews from the media!
Media Contact:
Amy Bannon
FranPR
(202) 789-1940
abannon@franpr.com
Virginia Barbeque is Making Headlines
2008
The Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star reports on how Virginia Barbeque franchise donates its leftover fry grease to a local man who uses it to (bio) fuel his car. Click here to read the entire July 16, 2008 article.
The Richmond Times-Dispatch profiles Virginia Barbeque in its section on the “unprecedented growth spurt in the [franchising] industry.” Click here to read the entire article.
WUSA9, the regional CBS affiliate broadcasting into 34 counties over four states and the District of Columbia, did a cooking segment with Virginia Barbeque founder and CEO Rick Ivey for the 4th of July. Watch the Jul 2, 2008 video.
QSR profiles Virginia Barbeque as a prime example of how a fast food chain can use hi-tech kitchen equipment to successfully reduce food and labor costs. Click here to read the entire June 10, 2008 article.
Franchise Times reports on the charitable good works of Virginia Barbeque. Austin Ivey, the 16-year-old son of Virginia Barbeque Founder and CEO Rick Ivey, orchestrated a food drive that resulted in 90 homeless and low-income women being fed at the N Street Village, a Women’s Shelter in Washington, D.C. Click here to read the entire article.
Elliot in the Morning, DC101-FM, declares the Virginia Barbeque food “excellent” and invites his listeners looking to change their careers to come by and visit Virginia Barbeque CEO Rick Ivey at the International Franchise Expo April 11-13, where he was selling Virginia Barbeque franchises. Click here to listen to the April 7, 2008 segment.
Hanover Lifestyle sent two official taste testers to the local barbeque joints and both raved about Virginia Barbeque: “…the Virginia barbecue practically melted in my mouth,” declared the first taster, and the second proclaimed “…the barbeque we tasted from Virginia Barbeque on England Street in Ashland was the best beef I’ve ever had.” Click here to read the entire April 2, 2008 edition.
The Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star showcases the Virginia Barbeque franchise system, which has managed to thrive despite the economic downturn thanks to multiple innovations CEO Rick Ivey incorporated into the fast food barbeque chain. Click here to read the entire March 23, 2008 article.
Inside Biz, the Hampton Roads Business Journal in Virginia, profiles Virginia Barbeque Area Developer Major Mark Peterson, who participated in the VetFran initiative and received the $5,000 off the $20,000 franchise fee. In describing why he selected to invest in Virginia Barbeque over other possible franchises, Peterson said “he liked the CEO’s drive to become the ‘McDonald’s of the barbecue industry’.” Peterson’s first restaurant is slated to open in Carrollton in two months. Click here to read the entire March 17, 2008 article.
Elliot in the Morning, DC101-FM, was the first to try the new onions rings that were just added to the Virginia Barbeque menu. How did he like them? He declared them “@#$! good!” Click here to listen to the March 3, 2008 segment.
Chain Leader declares Virginia Barbeque founder and CEO Rick Ivey “is on the vanguard of a new way of thinking about restaurant equipment and its energy implications.” Through smart use of existing kitchen equipment, he has reduced his average restaurant energy costs by an estimated 50 percent. March 2008.
Franchising World quotes Virginia Barbeque CEO Rick Ivey listing the many benefits of participating in the newly added Central Virginia Franchise and Finance Expo. February 2008.
WWBT-TV, the NBC affiliate in Richmond, VA., profiles the Virginia Barbeque restaurant in its "Restaurant Report." Walter Witt declares it "the best barbeque on the planet." Feb. 15, 2008.
WDEL Radio profiles Virginia Barbeque CEO Rick Ivey in this radio broadcast that reached 2.8 million listeners. The segment was played a total of six times starting on January 3 and ending on January 5. Click here to listen to the segment.
Franchising World published a column written by Virginia Barbeque CEO Rick Ivey extolling the virtues of the International Franchise Association and its Franchise Development Super Session, which he attends every year for the benefits and resources it brings his chain. The column was published in the January 2008 magazine.
The Piedmont Review of Food hails Virginia Barbeque offerings as "a formidable slaw," "really, really, really good [Mac and Cheese]", and "nothing less than a damn tasty sammich." Click here to read the entire posting.
The News Journal reported that Virginia Barbeque Area Developer Dan Maher opened his first of his several expected restaurants at the Middletown Crossing Shopping Center in Delaware. Click here to read the entire article.
The Delaware Business Ledger covered the grand opening of Virginia Barbeque Area Developer Dan Maher's first restaurant in Delaware. He plans to open at least four more restaurants throughout New Castle and Kent counties in Delaware and Chester County in Pennsylvania. Click here to read the entire January 2, 2008 article, and here to read the entire press release the Ledger posted to its website as well. Click here to read the posting on Word Press Niche Blogs.
The Star Exponent profiles Virginia Barbeque's 437 Meadow Brooke Shopping Center restaurant and focuses on how the family-run business provides a great, down home atmosphere in which to enjoy the award-winning barbeque. Click here to read the entire article.
2007
The Daily Press profiles the Virginia Barbeque chain for the centerpiece story in its Business Section, Sunday edition! Focusing on its growth and military-friendly business model, the Virginia newspaper interviews Army veteran and Newport News Virginia Barbeque franchise owner Greg Cassius, and Air Force veteran and Virginia Barbeque area developer Mark Peterson, who both invested in the chain with the assistance of the VetFran program. Click here to read the entire November 18, 2007 article.
The Press-Enterprise reports that Virginia Barbeque area developer Louis Hauge will open two restaurants in the Inland Valley area east of Los Angeles in 2008, the first one in Temecula and the second one in Murrieta. Hauge owns the rights to develop a total of 12 Virginia Barbeque franchises in Temecula, Murrieta, Corona, Lake Elsinore and Riverside. He plans to build 10 more restaurants with other potential franchisees starting in 2009. Click here to read the entire Nov. 11, 2007 article.
WWBT-TV, the NBC affiliate in Richmond, Va., profiles the Virginia Barbeque restaurant in its "Restaurant Report" as an example of how to keep your restaurant infraction-free on health inspections. Franchisees Beau and Betsy Dabney received a "Hall of Fame Award" earlier this year for receiving a year of perfect inspections from the Virginia Department of Health. Click here to view the entire November 8, 2007 segment.
The Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star writes of Virginia Barbeque's growth, and notes the Fredericksburg-based chain is expanding into Delaware, Arizona and possibly over the Atlantic. Click here to read the entire August 29, 2007 article.
The News Journal (Delaware) declares "It's a good time to be a barbecue lover in Delaware" now that there is going to be a new pig in town! The article profiles Virginia Barbeque area developer Dan Maher and his first of a dozen restaurants he will open in parts of Delaware and Pennsylvania. Click here to read the complete August 8, 2007 article.
The Washington Post finds the hush puppies “deeply addictive” and “worth stopping by Virginia Barbeque just for those morsels.” Click here to read the complete March 29, 2007 article.
 -- 4 of 4 star rating AND Editors' Pick - Washington Post City Guide 2007
The Virginian-Pilot reports that five Virginia Barbeque franchises will open in Chesapeake, Suffolk and Isle of Wight County. The chain provided area developer Mark Peterson with a VetFran discount in recognition of his service to his country. October 27, 2007.
Fast Casual magazine interviews Virginia Barbeque CEO Rick Ivey, who foresaw the problems that are hindering fast casual chains such as Applebee's, and adjusted his business model to successfully avoid them. Click here to read the entire article in the August/September edition.
The Street profiles Virginia Barbeque as one of the "Five Great Franchises for 2008." The fast food chain wins raves for "keeping business simple and cheaper than the rest." Click here to read the entire November 8, 2007 article.
QSR magazine reports that Temecula resident Louis Hauge will sign an area development deal with the Virginia Barbeque franchise, October 19, 2007. Hauge will develop 12 restaurants throughout the communities of Corona, Lake Elsinore, Murrieta, Riverside and Temecula. Hauge plans to personally open a number of restaurants throughout his territory, and will develop the rest of his territory by selling restaurant locations to other potential franchisees. Click here to read the entire October 18 article.
Daily Press reports on what's cooking at the local political races. "Barbecue crosses all political boundaries," said Virginia Barbeque franchisee Vince Miller. The Ruther Glen restaurateur who was tapped to cater an important political gathering for Congressional candidate Paul Jost explained that barbecue "is a uniter." Click here to read the entire Nov. 11, 2007 article.
Franchise Times writes about Virginia Barbeque's recent area development agreement with Delaware resident Dan Maher. Maher plans to open a dozen restaurants across his territory that covers parts of Delaware and Pennsylvania. His first restaurant is slated to open in Middletown, Del. in October. Click here to read the entire article.
WRIC,
the ABC affiliate in Richmond, Va., profiles Virginia
Barbeque franchisees Beau and Betsy Dabney in their
Lakeside restaurant. Reporter Chip Tarkenton says
this of the food: “It is delicious and it’s
convenient, it’s easy to get to, the deals…are
sensational.” Click here
to view the complete May 11, 2007 segment.
Federal News
Today interviews Fredericksburg Virginia
Barbeque restaurant owner Alan Martinez and International
Franchise Association President Matthew Shay about
the VetFran program. Participant Virginia Barbeque
offers a $5,000 discount off its franchise fee to
honorably discharged veterans. Click to watch Part
1 and Part
2 of the May 14, 2007 segment.
WUSA9, the regional CBS affiliate broadcasting into 34 counties over four states and the District of Columbia, did a cooking segment with Virginia Barbeque founder and CEO Rick Ivey and discussed the growth of the chain. Click here to view the April 3, 2007 video. Click here to view one of Virginia Barbeque’s recipes that WUSA9 posted on its Web site.
The Franchise Times quotes Virginia Barbeque CEO Rick Ivey in its franchise convention feedback section on the value of the annual meeting to leaders in the franchise community. The article appeared in the April 2007 edition.
Army Times,
Navy Times, Marine Corps Times and Air Force Times
profiles Virginia Barbeque franchisee Alan
Martinez, the 700th veteran to buy a franchise through
the VetFran program, and provides helpful information
on the national VetFran program for potential investors.
Click here
to read the complete April 12, 2007 article.
Nation’s
Restaurant News profiles Fredericksburg Virginia
Barbeque restaurant owner Alan Martinez as one of
two shining examples of the VetFran program, and why
veterans with their discipline and drive make such
great franchisees. Click here
to read the complete May 21, 2007 article.
U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson recognizes Virginia Barbeque franchisee Alan Martinez at the International Franchise Expo grand opening ceremony in Washington, D.C. Click here to read the complete March 30, 2007 press release posted on the government Web site.
NBC12 Restaurant Report went to Beau and Betsy Dabney’s Virginia Barbeque restaurant in Richmond, VA to film them receiving the “Hall of Fame Award” for receiving a year of perfect inspections from the Virginia Department of Health. Click here to view the video.
The North County Times reports that there will soon be "Q in CA"! Virginia Barbeque area developer Louis Hauge plans to develop or sell 12 Virginia Barbeque restaurants east of Los Angeles in the Riverside County. Click here to read the entire October 20 media mention.
Midstate Living reports that local Delaware resident and area developer Dan Maher will soon open a Virginia Barbeque in Middletown, Delaware. Click here to read entire August 2007 article.
Culpeper Times profiles Virginia Barbeque restaurant owner and "Pit Boss" Dee Dee Walton, and writes about how the barbeque makes "your stomach growl with its intoxicating scent." Click here to view the entire Sept. 20, 2007 article.
Culpeper Star-Exponent shows Mayor Pranas Rimeikis with Virginia Barbeque restaurant owners Dee Dee and Mike Walton celebrating in front of the Virginia Barbeque mascot after their official ribbon-cutting ceremony. Click here to view the entire Sept. 9, 2007 article.
Elliot in the Morning, DC101-FM, WRXL-FM gives a shout out to Virginia Barbeque and the charity work they’re doing to help the troops. Click here to listen to the April 19, 2007 segment.
The Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star writes about Virginia Barbeque franchisee Alan Martinez recognized as the 700th veteran to buy a franchise through the VetFran program. Click here to read the complete March 20, 2007 article.
2006
The Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star visits the Fredericksburg Virginia Barbeque restaurant, raves about the food, and declares "Judging from the Fredericksburg location, it's no surprise that Virginia Barbeques are blooming around the area. It is, rather, a testament to [Virginia Barbeque CEO] Ivey's acumen in both business and barbecue." Click here to read the entire April 20, 2006 article.
Potomac News writes about Virginia Barbeque franchisee John Singletary and how he is donating barbeque for 100 people to help raise money for the troops. Click here to read the complete April 11, 2007 article.
Franchise International magazine, published in Norwich, England, writes about the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs recognizing Virginia Barbeque franchisee Alan Martinez as the 700th veteran to buy a franchise through the VetFran program. Click here to read more.
The Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star recommends that whenever you have a lot of house guests, you should "Go to Virginia Barbeque and pick up a takeout order of a suitable number of their "family special"--a pint each of pork barbecue, baked beans and coleslaw, along with four addictively fluffy corn muffins and four buns. Let your house guests pick away at these Southern favorites as they settle in for the weekend." Click here to read entire July 19, 2006 article.
The Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star chronicles the reign of Barbie Q. Queen, beloved mascot of a local Virginia Barbeque restaurant. Click here to read the entire August 18, 2006 article.
The Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star follows the saga of Virginia Barbeque mascot, Barbie Q. Queen, who will be auctioned off for though e-Bay, with the proceeds to go to charity. Click here to read the entire July 28, 2006 article.
The Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star updates the locals on their favorite mascot, Barbie Q. Queen, who went to live on a farm but is still visited by well wishers from West Virginia, South Carolina, Florida, and even as far away as Denmark! Click here to read the entire December 12, 2006 article.
North of the James Magazinedeclares Virginia Barbeque “the best barbeque they ever had.” Click here to view the May 2006 article.
Richmond Times - Dispatch details the "rich history" of Ashland, and notes one particular draw is it "may be the only place in greater Richmond where you can choose among Virginia, North Carolina and Texas styles of barbecue under one roof - that of Virginia Barbeque." March 24, 2006.
Chamber Link, the magazine for the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce, profile Virginia Barbeque founder and CEO Rick Ivey, who the Chamber named the 2005 Entrepreneur of the Year. Magazine date March 2006, Volume 23 #3. Click here to view list of award recipients.
The Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star first broke the news that Virginia Barbeque was going national! Click here to read the entire Feb. 2, 2006 article.
2005
Richmond Magazine declares Virginia Barbeque “The Region’s Best Barbeque”. Click here to read the 2005 article.
2004
The Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star, Feb. 9, 2004 – A day that shall live in infamy! That is the day the article came out that tipped Virginia Barbeque over the top. More readers responded to this article than any other that year, as they huffed and puffed about a man’s right to display his fiberglass pig. Click here to read the entire article.
The Washington Post reports on Virginia Barbeque CEO Rick Ivey's work "rev up Virginia's barbecue scene" by organizing a state barbecue championship, Virginia Barbeque Fest, which has "the enthusiastic backing of the Virginia Pork Board -- plus commercial oomph." Click here to read the entire June 13, 2004 article.
2000
Richmond Times - Dispatch The headline pretty much says it all: "Virginia Barbeque Offers Great Meats, Stellar Potato Salad." This is the article that really launched Virginia Barbeque toward becoming what it is today. December 7, 2000.
Commercials
Click here to listen to the radio commercial for the Richmond area.
Click here and here to listen to radio ads for the Culpeper location.
Click here to listen to the commercial currently playing in the Manassas, Virginia area.
Click here to watch Virginia Barbeque’s commercial showcasing the restaurant’s authentic Southern barbeque.
Click here to listen to the commercial currently playing on 103.1 WJMA, Today's Country, announcing the grand opening of the Culpeper, Virginia, restaurant with its "savory smoked slabs of ribs" at the Meadow Brooke Shopping Center.
Press Releases
Critically Acclaimed Barbeque Restaurant Opening in Culpeper, Va., August 28
August 25, 2007
Virginia Barbeque Area Development Deal Announced, To Cover Parts of Pennsylvania and Delaware
August 25, 2007
Virginia Barbeque Opening in Chancellorsville, Va.
March 9, 2007
Grand Opening in Tappahannock, Va.
May 11, 2007
Local Businessman Goes the Whole Hog for the Troops
April 7, 2007
Veterans Affairs Sec. Nicholson Recognizes 700th Veteran To Open Franchised-Small Business via Special Program
Released by the International Franchise Association
March 30, 2007
Year of the (Barbequed) Pig
2007 general press release on the franchise system
Virginia-Based Barbeque Franchise Exhibiting at D.C. Expo
March 30, 2007
Veteran Opens Critically Acclaimed Barbeque Restaurant
March 15, 2007
Photo Gallery
Click image to view and download full resolution version.
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