Restaurant is first to feature chain’s new prototype design
An epic comeback story is being written about the iconic Bennigan’s restaurant chain, and an exciting new chapter is unfolding in Fayetteville.
The newest Bennigan’s officially opened its doors at 112 Redstone Drive in Fayetteville on Sunday, January 19th. It is the first restaurant in Bennigan’s worldwide system to feature the company’s new state-of-the-art prototype design from the ground up. Local franchise owners David and Melissa Hunt also own and operate the Hampton Inn nearby.
“We decided that the area needed an upscale casual dining option, and we’ve been fans of Bennigan’s for many years,” said David Hunt. “We love the menu, the friendly Irish hospitality, the ambiance and everything the brand represents, and we felt it would be a great fit for Fayetteville and Northern Alabama.”
The Fayetteville restaurant, which will add roughly 100 jobs to the local economy, incorporates Bennigan’s updated design concept featuring greater interior seating flexibility, a “shotgun” bar, improved lighting, an inviting outdoor patio and enhanced visibility of the kitchen and food pick-up window that allows the food to be the star in the dining room.
“Every new Bennigan’s opening is exciting, but this one is extra special because it’s our first restaurant built to the new prototype design,” said Paul Mangiamele, Bennigan’s President and CEO. “It’s one thing to see it on paper, but quite another to see it in real life. And, in a word, it’s Legendary. I’m so proud of this showcase restaurant, and so pleased that David and Melissa are on the Bennigan’s team. They have been outstanding franchise partners from the very beginning, and I know they are going to have tremendous success here in Fayetteville.”
The menu features chef-driven, freshly prepared food made-to-order and served up with a healthy dose of Irish hospitality. In addition to the World Famous Monte Cristo, entrees include such traditional Bennigan’s favorites as Oh, Baby Back Ribs, the Turkey O’Toole and the Big Irish double decker hamburger. The Fayetteville restaurant has 16 beers on tap along with a wide assortment of innovative specialty drinks.
The Hunts are planning a special “grand opening celebration” for St. Paddy’s Day, featuring live music and cool prizes.
“Of course, every day is St. Paddy’s Day at Bennigan’s,” said David. “But we’re going to throw a party in March that would make any Irishman proud, to celebrate our return to Tennessee. We’re looking forward to providing memorable dining experiences to our friends and neighbors and establishing Bennigan’s as their favorite neighborhood restaurant and tavern.”
Now with over 150 restaurants open or under contract worldwide, Bennigan’s Franchising Company is on pace to more than double its size. Since the end of 2012, the company has opened new franchise locations in Clarksburg, MD; Jonesboro, AR; Fort Worth and Houston, TX; Saddle Brook, NJ; Tysons Corner, VA; Panama City, FL; Veracruz, Mexico; Larnaca, Cyprus; and Dubai, UAE.
Additional restaurants are planned for Arkansas, California, Florida, Minnesota, New Jersey, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia; and internationally in Algeria, Dubai, Ecuador, India, Mexico, Central America, Cyprus and Korea at US Army Base Camp Humphreys.
The Fayetteville restaurant will be open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until Midnight Friday and Saturday.
ABOUT BENNIGAN’S
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, the Legendary brand delivers memorable dining experiences to every guest, every meal, every day. Every member of the team “bleeds green” and demonstrates a 25/8 focus to support its franchise community. The company’s revolutionary comeback has introduced a new generation of Bennigan’s that reflects the brand’s history and pays respect to its rich heritage. Bennigan’s focus on reinvention, flexible prototypes, Legendary service and compelling returns on investment has resulted in explosive growth both domestically and internationally.
For franchising information, visit www.bennigans.com or call 855-GOT-BENN.
