The Future 50

Shane Thompson hung on to his grandfather’s advice: “Do what you love, and do it better than anyone else.” Thompson’s restaurant, Shane’s Rib Shack, has been racking up multiple “Best BBQ” accolades since 2002, thanks to its signature hickory-smoked ribs, hand-chopped pork and a variety of Southern sides. Thompson says the chain’s continued growth strategy involves targeting multi-unit operators, because of their resources and access to capital. Shane’s also plans to work toward developing a specialized lending program to provide franchisees with easier access to financing.