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"It began as a contest between (Business Development Coordinator) Bill Carroll and me to see who could eat the most meals here," said Marrocco. "After about 35 lunches and dinners Bill bowed out."
Ward said he wanted to publicly celebrate Famous Dave's one-year anniversary.
"It's been a good year for us here in New Britain," he said. "A great partnership and exposure for the city."
Mayor Timothy Stewart said the city couldn't thank Famous Dave's enough.
"You've provided good food, great restaurant and nice atmosphere," Stewart told Ward. "We hope the partnership will continue."
Ward said it will.
"We're opening 10 new restaurants in New England, most of them in Connecticut because of the density of population," he said, and credited the catering business for his chain's success. "That's 30 percent of our business."
Famous Dave's catering clients include Central Connecticut state University, insurance firms and area hospitals.
Ward also said his restaurant's St. Louis Ribs is a key attraction.
"It's bringing people in," he said. "See those trophies over there." He pointed to a display in the main dining room laden with gold and silver cups.
"They're all legit," he said. "Awards won by our St. Louis Ribs. People tell us they come here for our ribs."
"Frank's not the only customer who's clocked a few meals here," said Bill Millerick, president of the New Britain Chamber of Commerce. "You start talking about having lunch or dinner at Famous Dave's and people will tell you: 'I've been there 10, 15 times.' They brag about it."
Millerick said the next step is to spread the word about Famous Dave's and its ribs to Berlin and Plainville.
"I think the people will respond," he said.
Scott Whipple can be reached at swhipple@newbritainherald.com or by calling (860) 225-4601, ext. 319.
