Bennigan’s, a casual dining concept in the Legendary Restaurant Brands portfolio, is expanding thanks to a new 15-unit deal.
Legendary Restaurant Brands signed an area development agreement to open Bennigan’s and Steak and Ale across the United States. The deal, for 15 locations, is with Endeavor Properties, which intends to open units in Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.
The agreement marks the return of Steak and Ale, a casual dining chain that had been defunct since 2008 after it filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and closed all 58 of its remaining restaurants. Paul Mangiamele, who was CEO of Bennigan’s, acquired Steak and Ale in 2015 with plans to re-launch the concept.
Endeavor, led by CEO Roy Arnold, plans to open its first Steak and Ale by fall 2023 in Burnsville, Minnesota. Endeavor, based in Wichita, Kansas, is an investor in hospitality real estate.
RNR Tire Express inked a three-unit deal for the Chicago area with John Abraham, a new franchisee who has a background in the healthcare industry. Abraham’s first unit is anticipated to open this fall. Founded in 2000, RNR has 173 locations in 27 states..
RNR Tire Express will expand in the Chicago market with a new six-unit deal.
PayMore, an electronics resale brand, recently signed several multi-unit deals in Atlanta, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Phoenix. In Atlanta, PayMore inked a three-unit deal with franchisees and brothers Salim and Amir Kaba, who bring previous retail experience. For New Jersey and Massachusetts, a business group purchased the rights to open six units across the two states. Entrepreneur John Neilas also signed a deal with PayMore to open five locations.
Brooklyn Dumpling Shop inked a three-unit agreement for the city of Philadelphia with a trio of new franchisees. Alex Flack, Nick Sordoni and Stephen Hudacek bring experience in software, real estate and business operation, and are expected to open the new Philadelphia locations by the end of 2023.
Rise Southern Biscuits and Righteous Chicken inked a deal to open the brand in San Diego. The multi-unit agreement is with Jason Kasid, who has operated a family convenience store for more than 25 years. Kasid is planning to open five locations in the San Diego area. Rise now has 17 locations in seven states.
Menu items from Rise Southern Biscuits and Righteous Chicken which is expanding in the San Diego area.
The Little Gym, a children’s gym and enrichment concept in the Unleashed Brands portfolio, signed a three-unit agreement with John and Dena Murphy for the Tampa Bay area. The Murphys are already franchisees, operating several Christian Brothers Automotive locations in Florida. The Little Gym has nearly 400 locations in total across 31 countries.