Iconic chain executes agreement to bring new restaurant to co-owner’s hometown
Mandan is about to get its first casual-dining chain restaurant. And it’s not just any restaurant … it’s Bennigan’s, the iconic brand beloved across the globe for its chef-driven American fare and friendly Irish hospitality.
Rob Knoll, owner of Knoll Appraisals, and his business partner, Monte Stein, owner of Capital City Restaurant Supply, announced today that they have purchased the rights to bring a Bennigan’s franchise to Mandan.
Through Rob’s long-time work with the city’s Renaissance Zone and the Economic Opportunity & Prosperity Committees, he noted a recent study showed a $10 million economic gap between the demand for a sit-down, casual-dining restaurant in Mandan and the current absence of supply.
Gwen Mangiamele, who co-owns Legendary Restaurant Brands – parent company of Bennigan’s, Steak and Ale and Bennigan’s On The Fly – with her husband, CEO Paul Mangiamele, is also from Mandan, and was childhood friends with Knoll.
“I had been imploring Gwen for months to consider bringing Bennigan’s to our hometown,” said Knoll. “She loved the idea, and said all we needed was a qualified franchisee. After asking around, I eventually thought ‘why not me?’ And the rest, as they say, is history.”
“Rob and I go way back – all the way to grade school when we lived five or six blocks from each other – and later when we both attended North Dakota State University,” said Mangiamele. “Rob’s the kind of guy who knows how to have fun but he’s also a serious businessman. He’s had a highly successful career in real estate and has been a strong advocate for Mandan for many years. Rob is passionate about bringing Bennigan’s to Mandan, and I know he and Monte are going to show our town just how special the casual dining experience can be. I can’t wait to get back home and help christen it!”
Don McGuire, President of Professional Contractors Inc., is working on the development of the restaurant located at 1516 27th St. NW. The location is close to Interstate 94, Walmart and the new Starion Sports Complex.
The 5,500-square-foot restaurant is tentatively projected to open in May 2018, bringing roughly 75 new jobs to the local economy. The menu in Mandan will feature such signature Bennigan’s favorites as the World Famous Monte Cristo, Oh, Baby Back Ribs, the Turkey O’Toole, Lina’s Crispy Chicken Sandwich, the Big Irish double-decker hamburger and a wide assortment of handcrafted specialty drinks.
“Mandan is a wonderful bedroom community to Bismarck, the capital city, and it deserves a better dining option,” said Stein. “Our new Bennigan’s will bring guests from all around the state.”
As it redefines the casual dining segment, Legendary Restaurant Brands LLC continues to experience significant growth both domestically and overseas, including 50 percent AUV growth and 6 percent same-store-sales growth over the past two years. Since the end of 2012, the company has opened new franchise locations in Clarksburg and Frederick, Md; Santa Clara and Sacramento, Calif.; Melbourne, Fla.; Lexington, Ky.; Tysons Corner, Va.; Veracruz, Mexico; Larnaca, Cyprus; Obarrio, Panama; Doha, Qatar; and Dubai, UAE; and a corporate location in Panama City, Fla.
Additional restaurants are planned for Ohio, Florida, Indiana, Tennessee and Texas; and internationally in Mexico, Central America, Cyprus, Bahrain, China, Australia and Pakistan.
For your nearest location, menu, hours and additional information, visit Bennigans.com.
You’re with friends at Bennigan’s. The American Legend!
Legendary Restaurant Brands owns the iconic Bennigan’s and Steak and Ale brands – the pioneers of casual dining – as well as the non-traditional brand, 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 Original 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, family-friendly steakhouses.
For franchising information, visit Bennigans.com or call 855-GOT-BENN.
