Bennigan’s has long been one of the most popular American restaurant brands across the globe. Its focus on chef-driven food, innovative drinks and friendly Irish hospitality has helped it stand apart from other concepts that have come and gone over the years.
Today, Legendary Restaurant Brands, owner of the iconic Bennigan’s and Steak and Ale brands, announced the signing of an exclusive Master Development Agreement that will bring 20 new restaurants to several new markets throughout the Americas.
Conrado Rovira, franchise owner of two successful Bennigan’s restaurants in El Salvador, will be adding locations in that country, while taking the brand to Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Chile. The agreement includes the company’s fast-casual concept, Bennigan’s On the Fly, which is designed for airports, universities and other non-traditional locations. He will also be introducing Steak and Ale to Panama and other countries in which he has Master Development rights.
“Ever since I opened my first Bennigan’s in early 2006, I’ve been looking forward to the day when I could share this beloved brand with more Latin American markets,” said Rovira. “Our restaurants in El Salvador are known as popular gathering spots for friends and family, thanks to our great food, high-energy environment, live music and outstanding service. And, of course, every day is St. Paddy’s Day here! Expanding further in Central America, as well as in Chile, is a dream come true.”
“We think Steak and Ale is another extraordinary brand that would do exceedingly well in the Americas, and we’re proud to represent the concept that actually started casual dining,” continued Rovira. “And Bennigan’s On the Fly is a perfect option for smaller footprints and for markets where non-traditional or fast-casual options are more desirable.”
Rovira currently operates two popular Bennigan’s restaurants in San Salvador. One is in the Centro Comercial La Gran Via. The other is located in the World Trade Center at Colonia Escalon.
“When I first joined the company in 2011, I quickly learned who our best and most successful and savvy franchisees were. Conrado was not only at the top of the list, he was voted our Franchisee of the Year,” said Legendary Restaurant Brands Chairman and CEO Paul Mangiamele. “I’m so excited for him, and for us, because I know this expansion to fertile markets throughout the Americas is destined for greatness. And it’s further testimony that Bennigan’s is not just back in the USA, but internationally as well.”
Now with more than 150 restaurants open or under contract worldwide, Bennigan’s is experiencing another year of strong growth while simultaneously redefining casual dining. The company has recently opened new franchise locations in Clarksburg, MD; Katy, TX; Santa Clara, CA; Tysons Corner, VA; Veracruz, Mexico; Larnaca, Cyprus; and Dubai, UAE.
Additional restaurants are planned for Arizona, California, Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia; and internationally in Bahrain, Central America, Chile, Cyprus, Kuwait, Mexico, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia.
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 compelling returns to all its franchisees. Steak and Ale is another American classic 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. Bennigan’s and Steak and Ale will be celebrating their 40th and 50th anniversaries, respectively, in 2016.
For franchising information, visit Bennigans.com or call 855-GOT-BENN.
