Amid casual-dining companies dipping their feet in the QSR pond with drive-thru/restaurant hybrids, Famous Dave’s has fully committed to the quick-service model with this new store, by flipping a former KFC location into a drive-thru experience of America’s most award-winning BBQ brand.

What makes a restaurant leader worth watching? Sometimes it's the eye-popping results they've already generated that have us wondering how they'll top them.

BBQ Holdings, which also owns Granite City Food and Brewery, said it plans to buy the two family-dining chains that emerged from bankruptcy last year for $13.5 million.

The Pep's Place delivery-only concept will pair Pepsi drinks with complementary foods and operate out of Famous Dave's locations.