Bennigan's Continues International Expansion With Grand Opening In Larnaca, Cyprus

DALLAS, June 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Bennigan's Franchising Company and AXM Overseas Holdings, Ltd. announced today the grand opening of Bennigan's in Larnaca, Cyprus. The newest restaurant for the nearly 100-unit chain, Bennigan's in Larnaca is the fourth Cyprus location for franchise partners Chris and Andrew Axentiou.

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

The father and son team became Bennigan's franchisees in 2002 and own three other Cyprus locations in Nicosia, Limassol and Protaras.Over the past several years, they have succeeded in building strong operations centered on the brand's chef-driven menu and Legendary hospitality.  The Larnaca location opened on June 4 and is already attracting crowds with its high-definition TVs, projectors and video wall to showcase sporting events.

"The Cyprus franchise team has overcome unbelievable obstacles in opening this restaurant, including construction strikes and the Cypriot financial crisis," said Paul Mangiamele, Bennigan's President & CEO. "They have shown a strong will, tenacity and passion to accomplish this milestone, proving the Axentiou's bleed green, which is the fabric of what will propel Bennigan's renaissance."

The Cyprus opening is another in a growing list of accomplishments for Bennigan's, which has experienced phenomenal domestic and international growth over the past two years. Internationally, the brand recently celebrated two openings in Dubai, with plans to debut a third location this year in the United Arab Emirates and two new restaurants in Veracruz. International openings are also slated for Panama, El Salvador and U.S. Army Base Camp Humphreys in the Republic of Korea. Stateside, the chain has agreements to develop over 30 new restaurants in the next few years in New Jersey, Virginia, Texas, Arkansas, Minnesota, Florida, Tennessee and Michigan.

"We are proud to be a part of the team that is rekindling a passion for Bennigan's loyal guests around the world," said Chris Axentiou, owner and chairman of AXM Overseas Holdings Ltd. "With nearly four decades of experience, compelling unit economics and robust infrastructure to support its franchise partners, Bennigan's is poised to continue to grow here in Cyprus and across the globe."

New and existing franchisees are benefitting from the chain's Legendary comeback, which is detailed in the new book "Bennigan's Return to Relevance…Bleeding Green 25/8." Written by Mangiamele, the book shares the details behind the brand's resurgence and its relentless focus on the people, food and experience that defines Bennigan's.

Mangiamele will be hosting a book signing in New York City on June 20 during the International Franchise Expo at The Javits Center, Booth #638.  Sales from the book benefit "Operation Enduring Opportunity," a program developed by the International Franchise Association. The goal is to put 75,000 veterans and military spouses and 5,000 wounded warriors to work by 2014.  The program focuses on hiring veterans as team members and recruiting them as franchise business owners.  The book can also be purchased at http://bennigans.com/bennigans-book.

About Bennigan's
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, every meal, every day. Every member of the team "bleeds green" and demonstrates a 25/8 focus to support its franchise community. The company's revolutionary comeback has introduced a new generation of Bennigan's that reflects the brand's history and pays respect to its rich heritage. A focus on reinvention, flexible prototypes, innovative food, Legendary service and other sales-generating initiatives has resulted in explosive growth both domestically and internationally. For more information, visit www.bennigans.com or call 855-GOT-BENN. 

Media Contact:
Amanda DelPrete
Fish Consulting
954-893-9150
[email protected]

SOURCE Bennigan's