The Real Shane: How a Family BBQ Shack Became the Go To Spot for Barbecue
Discover the story behind Shane's Rib Shack and why it's one of the best BBQ places near you for slow-smoked ribs, wings, and Southern comfort food.
When you search for "barbecue near me," chances are you'll come across a few familiar names. But there's one that stands out—not just because of the food, but because of the family, heart, and Southern tradition behind it.
That name is Shane's Rib Shack.
This isn't a trendy BBQ concept or a flashy corporate chain. There really is a Shane, and his story is rooted in family, hard work, and a love for good food. So how did one man's passion project become one of the top BBQ places on the East Coast? Let's take a walk down memory lane—and maybe get a little hungry while we're at it.
It All Started with Big Dad's Secret Recipe
Shane Thompson didn't grow up in a restaurant kitchen. In fact, he left a corporate job in 2002 with nothing more than a dream, a supportive wife (shoutout to Stacey), and a cherished recipe passed down from his grandfather—Dewey "Big Dad" Brown.
Big Dad wasn't just a BBQ lover; he was a WWII vet, Clemson football player, and the man who taught Shane the value of doing things the right way. His advice was simple:
"Do what you love, and do it better than anybody else."
That same advice, along with a well-seasoned BBQ sauce recipe, lit the fire behind what would become the very first Shane's Rib Shack in McDonough, Georgia.
From One Shack to a Community Favorite
The first Shack wasn't much to look at—just a small building off the side of the road—but the smell of slow-smoked ribs and the warmth of Shane's hospitality caught on fast.
Locals came for the food, but they stayed because Shane treated them like family. Whether you were a regular or a first-timer, you got more than what you paid for—and probably left with a full belly and a smile.
That spirit is still alive today in every Shane's Rib Shack up and down the East Coast. When you search "Best BBQ near me" and find a Shane's nearby, you're not just getting great BBQ. You're getting a piece of Shane's story, seasoned with Big Dad's legacy.
What Makes Shane's One of the Best BBQ Places?
We're not just saying that because of the ribs (although they're pretty amazing). Shane's is one of the best BBQ restaurants because it brings together everything we love about good food and good people.
- Slow-Smoked Meats – From tender BBQ ribs to juicy chicken tenders, every item is made with care and time—never rushed.
- Famous Wings – Craving wings? Shane's offers both traditional and boneless options in a variety of bold flavors.
- Southern Sides Done Right – Whether you're in the mood for mac and cheese, Brunswick stew, or even fried okra, our sides bring that homestyle touch.
- Peach Cobbler & Sweet Tea – No Southern meal is complete without dessert. Look no further if you're on the hunt for the best cobbler in the area.
Rooted in Community. Built for You.
Shane and Stacey always believed that BBQ is about more than food—it's about people. That's why Shane's Rib Shack gives back to local schools, churches, first responders, and nonprofits in every community we serve.
So the next time you Google “BBQ restaurants near me”, remember that Shane's isn't just here to feed you—it's here to serve you like family.
Because good BBQ should always come with a good story. And at Shane's, that story is still being written—one plate at a time.
Ready to eat?
Order online at https://order.shanesribshack.com/
