Shane's Rib Shack Is Where it's At -

Good People, Making Great Barbeque

By Abbey Martinez

When Shane Thompson and his wife Stacey opened up the first Rib Shack in McDonough, Georgia in 2002, they had no idea how people would react to his grandfather’s secret BBQ recipe.

While they started off humble – the original shack had a tin roof and even an outhouse – word got around quickly as people came in droves to try their delicious BBQ. Now, 22 years later, there are more than 75 Shane’s Rib Shack locations across 8 southern states, with the fortunate souls of Columbus getting the chance to bite into their magnificent smoky delights since January 2015.

Built from the ground up here in Columbus, our shack’s original owners recently passed the torch to local man Danny Raste and his family. “We’re taking Shane’s to a whole new level of serving in the Columbus community”, Danny declares.

Originally from India, Danny and his wife Alpa moved their new family to Columbus in 2007, and have loved being a part of the community ever since. Danny immediately went to work and gained experience at several well known establishments, from working in the kitchen at the (now gone) Buckhead Bar and Grill, to being the guy you saw behind the counter at the Maple Mart liquor store. Danny even owned a small Indian grocery store on the corner of Macon and Miller Road - where he also ran a catering business for a while.

In all capacities Danny has become known around the community as someone who truly loves to serve. Andy Freeman, a local friend and frequent patron tells us, “I’ve known Danny for some time and he’s always been so nice to do business with. I love seeing him so happy in his current role, he’s laser focused on treating his customers with kindness and respect. He’s the kind of person who wants nothing but to see a smile appear on every face who walks in the door.”

The motto of the Shack has always been, “Nothing brings people together like good BBQ.”

And good BBQ it is.

There’s not much that tops the portion size you get at The Shack, from their chicken, ribs, pulled pork, and wings to their oh so yummy sides like the mac-n-cheese and baked beans. If there’s one item they’re most known for it’s the pulled pork. There really aren’t a lot of places in Columbus where you can get good pulled pork, which is quite surprising due to all the BBQ spots in town. Yet at Shane’s, the pulled pork is juicy, tender and so flavorful. It’s good on bread with some of their wonderful coleslaw or alone with your favorite sauce.

Another item we can barely do justice to describe is their burgers. If you are a burger connoisseur and have not been to the Shack, we’re revoking your card. These tasty pillars of perfection are not only full of flavor, they are monstrous and you can get them several different ways. The classic All American is a ½ lb. (no ‘where’s the beef’ here) delight, and comes piled high with your favorite fresh toppings. The Cowboy is just like the American, but this bad boy comes with bacon and those amazing little fried onions, and our personal favorite, The BBQ Burger, arrives topped with chopped BBQ Pork & Shane’s original BBQ sauce.

Danny is quick to point out that if you’re looking for something lighter or like to keep things vegan, they have plenty on the menu for you as well, with a variety of Shack salads and side dishes. Our go to? The sweet potato fries, every time.

Danny and his crew at The Shack have taken every measure to ensure their ingredients come from a thoughtful and sustainable place. Danny will go out of his way to buy local produce from local farmers when he can, and he and his family prepare everything they make fresh every day in their kitchen.

“I want customers to feel good, and devour the food with their eyes, before they even take a bite,” Danny laughs, because “When the food looks good, and makes you feel good, it tastes even better.”

Danny also reminds us, this isn’t just about great food—it’s about community. “Shane’s Rib Shack is centered on a love for food, friends, and family.”

When you walk into Shane’s you truly feel welcomed and invited. Forget about your to-do list for today and tomorrow, and sit down, eat, and enjoy losing your worries. It’s an immersive experience that’s better than any food chain sports bar. Of course, their family meal packs make it super easy to take it with you and make it a night at home as well.

What does the future hold for Danny? He tells us his big dream is to eventually expand his business portfolio, and one day open his own restaurant. In the immediate future, Danny and his family are gearing up to launch a food truck, aiming to spread the BBQ joy throughout town, offering up their homemade BBQ with a warm smile. For now, he’s content to serve the good people of Columbus, one sandwich at a time.

To get some Shane’s for yourself, stop in the Columbus location anytime from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week. Downloading the app will reward you with a free Big Dad sandwich, and if you’re planning something big, the Rib Shack staff have you covered with their catering menu options. Check it all out at: order.shanesribshack. com/menu/columbus/. Follow them on all social media platforms @shanesribshackcolumbusga.