Legendary Restaurant Brands to ‘give the public what they want,’ with first new location opening in Minnesota in April 2024
Dallas, TX (Restaurant News Release) When an iconic American restaurant brand goes away, it can feel like a huge loss. But if that brand comes back to life, diners can relive their happy memories and create new ones that will last decades.
That’s why the news that Steak and Ale is making a triumphant return is so exciting for its legions of fans scattered across the nation, including the 50,000-plus members of the “Steak and Ale’s Comeback” Facebook group.
Thanks to Legendary Restaurant Brands Chairman & CEO Paul Mangiamele and franchisee partner Roy Arnold, the first new Steak and Ale – the casual-dining brand that many credit with inventing the salad bar – will open in the Wyndham Hootel Nicollet Inn in Burnsville, Minn., in April 2024.
“Bringing back one of the most beloved restaurant brands in America is a tremendous honor and privilege, and the culmination of years of persistence and dogged determination,” said Mangiamele, whose Legendary Restaurant Brands also owns Bennigan’s and Bennigan’s On The Fly. “We’re thrilled to finally give the public what they want – frankly, what they’ve been demanding – as demonstrated by the tenacity of loyal Steak and Ale fans both online and virtually everywhere I go.”
Located at 14331 Nicollet Court in Burnsville, Minn., the new Steak and Ale will be housed in a 6,000-square-foot space featuring a patio with hotel access as well as its own outside entrance.
The restaurant will accommodate 220-225 guests, and will also handle food and beverage operations for the hotel – including room service, breakfast, lunch and dinner, late night and delivery. It will even serve as a host kitchen for Bennigan’s.
“The new Steak and Ale will maintain the Tudor-style look and Old World charm that guests enjoyed for decades, and of course, we’re bringing back everyone’s favorite salad bar,” said Mangiamele. “We’re leaning into what I call ‘new-stalgia,’ because Americans love a great comeback story. But while retaining the signature elements that made Steak and Ale an American classic, we’re redefining it as a 21st Century polished-casual concept, setting a new standard for affordable family-friendly steakhouses with a fun atmosphere, great music and infectious energy.”
Day-to-day operations will be handled by franchisee Roy Arnold, CEO of Kansas-based Endeavor Properties. Arnold’s 15-store franchise agreement in the Midwest includes exclusive rights for expansion in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.
“I couldn’t be more excited to be the first one to bring Steak and Ale back to the American dining scene, introducing a new generation to this beloved brand and rekindling memories for lifelong fans who’ve waited patiently for its return,” said Arnold. “I wouldn’t be surprised if Burnsville becomes a new tourist mecca as Steak and Ale devotees flock to the city to satisfy their cravings for our succulent Prime Rib, iconic salad bar, warm rolls and other favorites.”
Founded in 1966 by legendary restaurateur Norman Brinker, Steak and Ale was the original casual dining steakhouse. At its peak, the brand counted more than 110 locations worldwide.
The new S&A menu will feature all of its traditional favorites – from the giant salad bar, to the Hawaiian Chicken dinner and Kensington Club Steak – along with several contemporary touches, including a Prime Rib carving station with dramatic cast iron doors. Along with an array of beer, wine and cocktails, tableside salad service and Irish Coffee will be offered.
For more information about Legendary Restaurant Brands, visit LegendaryRestaurantBrands.com.
About Legendary Restaurant Brands
Legendary Restaurant Brands owns the iconic Bennigan’s and Steak and Ale brands – the pioneers of casual dining. Bennigan’s is a high-energy neighborhood full-service restaurant that is redefining and leading casual dining again. 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. The polished, fast-casual brand Bennigan’s On The Fly was designed for non-traditional venues, including hotels, or as a delivery-only virtual model that can be operated out of an existing commercial kitchen. 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.
To join the Legendary franchise family, visit LegendaryRestaurantBrands.com or call 800.804.5049.
Contact:
Stanton Brasher
Champion
972-930-9933
sbrasher@championmgt.com