Big Dave’s All American BBQ ***Permanently Closed***
Big Dave’s All American BBQ all started as a dream. David “Big Dave” Jones was living in Dallas Texas with his wife and children, trying to figure out a way to provide for his family.
Jones, a former Fountain Inn Police Officer with a background in psychology, found himself laid off in 1989 due to an accident that left him disabled for 2 years. His employer’s loss was barbecue lovers’ gain because he began cooking to fill some of the empty time on his hands.
His sauce recipe came to him in a dream. When he created this masterpiece, he knew it had to share with the world.
His initial taste test came from his many neighbors in the exclusive apartment complex in Dallas where he lived with his wife, Patricia, and children Kayla, Kristin, Kamille, and David, Jr.
America’s Team
Big Dave started small, with local college students. Soon, the word got out that it was the best sauce in town, and he knew he had to go big or go home.
So he went over to the stadium of the Dallas Cowboys. After being rejected over 100 times, he finally got his shot. And he didn’t miss.
Big Dave’s big break came when he was introduced to Kevin O’Neal, the Cowboys’ head trainer.
“Kevin tasted my food and he immediately asked me if I’d like to do one of his mini camps,” Big Dave said. “I said ‘uh, I’ll look at my schedule,’ and we both laughed. I told him it would be an honor.”
Soon after, he became known as the official caterer for the Dallas Cowboys.
From 1992-1996, Big Dave worked as the executive chef for the world-famous super bowl champs, and his career took off, feeding celebrities far are wide, The Bushes, Shania Twain, Atlanta Falcons, and many many more!
Cowboys to 49ers
Big Dave saw the inside of many stadiums but his dream paid off in April of 2017 when The San Francisco 49ers drafted his only son, DJ Jones.
There Dave made his presence and sauce known by partnering with his son DJ in bottling and selling sauce online and in grocery stores to help provide for those in need through The DJ Jones Foundation, a nonprofit organization started by his son!
But the road hasn’t always been smooth, according to Evan Peter Smith of the Upstate Business Journal.
Big Dave has “gone from operating three successful restaurants in Dallas, Texas to serving out of a gas station in Greenville, to operating a food truck on Anderson Road,” Smith writes.
“He’s been flush and he’s been broke. He’s been up and he’s been down. He has, in his own words, ‘been humbled, worked the grind, put in some brutal hours along the way.'”
Big Dave’s All American BBQ in Greenville is the culmination of all that hard work and perseverance.
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Texas-style Menu
“At Big Dave’s All American BBQ we have brought real ‘Texas Style’ BBQ to the Upstate of South Carolina,” Jones said. “Sports-themed with lots of sports memorabilia on the walls.”
Big Dave’s offers hickory-smoked pulled Boston pork butts, chopped chicken, and smoked wings. And, of course, you’ll find Texas-style hickory-smoked beef brisket, sliced or chopped, all cooked on a customer-made pit.
Unlike about half the restaurants in South Carolina, they do not serve hash, nor do they offer a buffet. While they’re in the Palmetto State, they serve a different style of barbecue, with a nod to South Carolina in their sauce options.
Big Dave’s All American BBQ is real Texas style, with the sweet sauce and a little bit of heat! Offering our sweet yet powerful ketchup base 93 sauce, as well as our bold gold mustard base sauce.
And if you’re looking for some flare, Big Dave’s offers their Solar Heat hot sauce!
Even with all that, they are currently working to expand their flavors of sauce.
What Folks are Saying
Google Review
Among the many Google Reviews, reviewer Josh Beddingfield advises locals to give up their normal BBQ joints and give Big Dave’s All American BBQ a try:
Just got done eating some 4th of July BBQ at Big Dave’s. Let me tell you, I would put this BBQ up against any in this area.
Aside from the food being totally delicious, the service was some of the best I’ve had. Big Dave himself mingles with the customers, and he is as genuine and nice as they come.
Five stars for Big Dave’s all around. You have to try this if you are in the area.
All of you that have been around a while, and Henry’s is your go-to for BBQ please try this place. You will not be disappointed.
I will always be a Henry’s fan because of their Hash and Rice. You won’t find any better, but Big Dave’s BBQ is out of this world good!!
Yelp Review
Over on Yelp, Erroll Anne H felt the love of hospitality and great food at Big Dave’s All American BBQ:
I love to support great local businesses, and Big Dave’s is the epitome of why.
When we first walked in, Big Dave himself walked up and introduced himself, shook our hands, and thanked us for choosing to come to his restaurant. He was so kind and genuine and proud of his creations (with good reason!)
He was the caterer for the Dallas Cowboys and he serves delicious Texas-style BBQ.
The meats were great, but the sides were just as amazing! Delicious collards, smoky with a “bite” of heat. Great Mac and cheese- creamy but not “gummy” like Mac and cheese can sometimes be.
Great fried okra and baked beans too!
Everyone who was working in the restaurant was so nice – it really added to the enjoyment of the meal! We will definitely be back and wish him success with his venture.
PS he caters too!!!
Menu for Big Dave’s All American BBQ
Note: Menu prices and options are subject to change over time. Contact the restaurant for the most up-to-date information.
Location, Hours, Contact Info, and More
Map
Directions
Contact Big Dave’s All American BBQ ***Permanently Closed***
Greenville, SC 29605
Hours of Operation
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| Sunday | Closed |
Review Sites
Features
Cards and Cash, Heavy Tomato Sauce, Light Tomato Sauce, Mustard Sauce