Bennigan's and Brixmor Form Strategic Alliance to Add Bennigan's Restaurants Nationwide

DALLAS, Aug. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Bennigan's Franchising Company (Bennigan's) and Brixmor Property Group (Brixmor) announced a strategic partnership to add Bennigan's restaurants nationwide into Brixmor's portfolio of shopping centers. 

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120117/NY36739LOGO )

The partnership will include positioning Bennigan's signs at select existing buildings and pad site locations within the Brixmor portfolio of shopping centers, promoting pre-approved restaurant space and franchise opportunities within the company's targeted growth markets. Financing will be available for qualified candidates.

"This exciting partnership with Brixmor will add tremendous velocity to our development program and will compress the time period from prospect inquiry to restaurant opening.  We have selected a dozen high potential markets for Bennigan's growth and currently have 30 approved sites with signage about our unique offering," said Paul Mangiamele, Bennigan's President & CEO.  "Through this program we've put together a full arsenal of weapons to set franchisees up for the path to success, and intend to revolutionize casual dining by being the first restaurant franchise to provide pre-approved space and financing upfront."

The initial phase of the site selection and franchisee outreach campaign identified by Bennigan's and Brixmor are in Escondido, CA; Superior, CO; Charlotte and Greensboro, NC; Cinnaminson, NJ; James Island and Spartanburg, SC; Greeneville and Hermitage, TN; Austin, Frisco, Fort Worth and Pasadena, TX.  The second phase to be rolled out as part of the program are properties located in Aurora, CO; Royal Palm Beach, FL; Ann Arbor, MI; and Richfield, MN.

"We are pleased to partner with Bennigan's to help drive their growth forward," said Steve Kaufman, Senior Vice President, Retailer Services & National Accounts, Brixmor Property Group.  "At Brixmor, with more than 620 properties across the U.S., we're a natural fit to support Bennigan's expansion plans and coordinate with their efforts in finding solid real estate sites and reaching out to potential franchisees."

While closing in on nearly 100 restaurants, Bennigan's is progressively building upon the resurgence of the brand with improvements introduced after Mangiamele took over as chief executive in May 2011 to bring the iconic American brand back to its former glory.  The overhaul includes menu optimization, increased operational standards, server training and local store marketing pushes, as well as a new prototype that debuted a smaller footprint, updated menus and bar offerings, uniforms, logos and signage.

About Bennigan's
Bennigan's is a high-energy neighborhood restaurant and pub committed to creating a Legendary brand experience for every guest, every meal, every day and to be known for our remarkable people, our chef-driven food, innovative drinks and warm, friendly hospitality.  For more information visit www.bennigans.com.

About Brixmor Property Group
Brixmor is the second largest owner of community and neighborhood shopping centers in the U.S. and has been a leader in redevelopment over the last decade. Brixmor was selected as one of Chain Store Age's Top Redevelopers for work completed during 2010/2011.  The Company actively manages a national portfolio of more than 620 properties, aggregating 96.0 million square feet, which are strategically located across 39 states and primarily anchored by grocers or leading discounters.  Brixmor is the largest landlord (by gross leasable area) to The TJX Companies, The Kroger Company, Ahold USA, Dollar Tree, Inc. and Staples, Inc.  The Company is headquartered in New York, New York with multi-disciplinary, full service regional and local offices across the country. Further information is available at www.brixmor.com. 

Media Contact:
Jenna Kantrowitz
Fish Consulting
646.454.9708
[email protected]

SOURCE Bennigan's