Legendary Restaurant Brands Carries Positive Momentum From 2016 Into New Year
Bennigan’s, Steak and Ale poised for continued global expansion in 2017
Building off a highly successful 40th anniversary year, the iconic Bennigan’s brand is looking ahead to continued growth throughout 2017. This will coincide with the expansion of its fast-casual concept, Bennigan’s on the Fly, and the comeback of its Legendary sister brand, Steak and Ale.
Operating under the Legendary Restaurant Brands banner, Bennigan’s experienced a healthy 6 percent same-store sales growth in 2016 along with average unit volume (AUV) growth in excess of 35 percent over the last six years.
The company started the year with a bang as the Santa Clara Bennigan’s was Ground Zero for countless Super Bowl revelers from across the globe. That was followed by a worldwide St. Paddy’s Day celebration 40 years in the making, culminating in one lucky grand prize winner, Sarah Patel, scoring the trip of a lifetime to Ireland.
New Bennigan’s franchised restaurants opened in Melbourne, Fla., and Obarrio, Panama, while Panama City, Fla., welcomed a new company-owned location in July. Additional domestic units are currently under construction for 2017 grand openings in Sacramento, Calif., Lexington, Ky., Jackson, Tenn., and Monahans, Texas. Qatar and Bahrain will each welcome another international unit this year as well.
The venerable Steak and Ale brand is set to make its long-awaited return with a groundbreaking planned this April in Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico. The company signed a Master Development Agreement (MDA) with ONBD Group last year and expects to announce additional locations in the months ahead.
New MDAs are likewise nearing completion to bring multiple Bennigan’s and Steak and Ale locations to India and Australia.
In addition, a new Bennigan’s on the Fly is now in the works for Las Vegas.
“We’ve just completed another strong year of growth for Bennigan’s, but looking ahead to 2017, all three Legendary brands are poised to have a big year,” said Legendary Restaurant Brands CEO Paul Mangiamele. “The pent-up demand for Steak and Ale, as well as Bennigan’s, remains significant, so we know we’re just at the tip of the iceberg when it comes to our potential growth – both domestically and overseas.”
Mangiamele put several new pieces in place to support the company’s continued growth, including engaging the Barker Agency in New York as its Advertising Agency of Record. In addition, the company contracted with Bridg Technology of California to deploy its cutting-edge precision marketing software in all of its restaurants.
ABOUT LEGENDARY RESTAURANT BRANDS
Legendary Restaurant Brands owns the iconic Bennigan’s and Steak and Ale brands – the pioneers of casual dining – as well as the fast-casual concept, Bennigan’s On The Fly. Bennigan’s is a high-energy neighborhood restaurant and tavern that is redefining casual dining. With chef-driven food, innovative drinks and warm, friendly Irish hospitality, this Legendary brand delivers memorable dining experiences to every guest and offers a franchise model capable of compelling returns on investment. Steak and Ale is another American Legend poised for a triumphant return. Redefined as a 21st Century polished-casual concept, the new Steak and Ale will once again set the standard for affordable steakhouses.
