Santa Clara residents eager for new prototype restaurant to re-open this fall; first of many in California pipeline
Like most people, Narender Taneja loves a good comeback story. So when the California businessman was offered the chance to be a part of Bennigan’s renaissance in the heart of Silicon Valley, he jumped at the opportunity.
“Most people know that Bennigan’s has been undergoing a dramatic revival over the past couple of years, and I’ve been very impressed by what I’ve seen from its new leadership and the way it is redefining the casual dining space,” Taneja said. “Bennigan’s is a true American institution, and I know the people of California are eager to see the brand develop restaurants throughout the state.”
Taneja, Bennigan’s newest franchise operator, is President and CEO of JJM Group Hotels, which owns, operates and manages Hilton and La Quinta hotels in California and Wyoming. Bennigan’s, the Legendary brand renowned for its friendly Irish Hospitality, recently tapped Taneja to own and operate its Santa Clara restaurant, starting with extensive renovations that are currently underway and expected to be completed this fall.
“This is a big deal for the people of California, and with the new Levi’s Stadium just a mile away, we are poised for success and ready to serve the area that helped make Bennigan’s one of the top restaurant brands on the west coast,” said Taneja.
Having been in the hospitality business for 35 years, including franchise experience at the helm of Denny’s and American Grill restaurants, Taneja has a broad array of experience when it comes to managing and operating franchises, both in the dining and hotel industries.
With California’s only existing Bennigan’s more than two decades old and in need of some TLC, Taneja quickly got to work at giving the Santa Clara facility the facelift it deserved. When it re-opens this fall, the upgraded Bennigan’s will showcase the chain’s newly introduced exterior design and signage prototypes, as well as contemporary interior finishes such as new furniture, flooring, flat screen televisions and more.
The restoration marks Taneja’s first step toward eventually introducing several new Bennigan’s restaurants to the Golden State over the next 10 years. As construction continues in Santa Clara, Taneja has been busy negotiating for two new restaurant locations in nearby cities.
“I couldn’t be more pleased with the way Narender has taken the initiative not only to bring the Santa Clara Bennigan’s up to world-class standards, but how he has mapped out his plans for growth throughout the state,” said Paul Mangiamele, president and CEO of Bennigan’s Franchising Company. “Obviously, California is a hugely important market for a global brand like ours, so we are certainly doing everything we can to ensure that Narender is the latest in a long line of franchisee success stories.”
The Santa Clara Bennigan’s is located at 4150 Great American Parkway.
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, 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.
