Growing up in Des Arc, Dana Neely developed her passion for barbecue by watching and helping her father smoke and slather ribs in the Delta style.
Her restaurant, Girls Gone BBQ, is a re-creation of her childhood, and she has traveled a sometimes-rocky road to give it life.
A Taste of Adventure
Eager to see the world, Neely left the Delta for London, England. She worked as a barista at world-famous Harrod’s.
Her next adventure brought her back across the pond to Washington state. There, she received a degree in photography from The Art Institute of Seattle. To fund her love of travel and pursuit of photography, she took various catering jobs.
She also soon learned that she could not find the kind of barbecue she loved out West.
Neely began cooking her family-recipe ribs for friends. As the demand for her ribs grew, she researched the possibility of a catering business. With a menu of ribs, slaw, mac and cheese, and cornbread, Girls Gone BBQ was born in the Pacific Northwest.
Starting out with small catering jobs, she went full time in 2014.
Home State of Mind
In 2019, Neely traveled to Northwest Arkansas and decided to investigate the potential of a Fayetteville location.
Learning of the free resources offered by the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center at the University of Arkansas, she reached out for guidance.
Then the adage that “life happens while you are making plans” proved true for Neely in early 2020.
The first NWA location fell through and COVID-19 hit. Shortly thereafter, Neely was diagnosed with breast cancer and endured seven surgeries plus radiation.
During this time, she participated in the weekly online Restaurant Forum offered by the center for local restaurateurs. “The forum helped keep us informed during the pandemic and gave us a place of community to brainstorm ideas and solutions,” says Neely.
From the forums to market research, the UA Fayetteville ASBTDC team helped Neely prepare to open her restaurant.
The center provided comprehensive research and location data. Business consultant Lori Lieblong guided Neely through the creation of a formal business plan and financial workbook along with a creative brief.
“Lori helped me take my big idea and create the foundation needed to open the brick-and-mortar location,” said Neely.
Open for Business
Girls Gone BBQ opened in August 2022 in Fayetteville. Pitmistress Neely prepares ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and “Arkansausage” with a Delta tang.
Four sauces, multiple salads, sides, banana pudding, and seasonal cobblers complete the menu, along with vegan and vegetarian options.
The restaurant has four full-time and six part-time employees.
Girls Gone BBQ is located at 2630 E. Citizens Drive and offers dine in, takeout, catering, and delivery.
View the #ggbbq menu at girlsgonebbq.com.
