July 29, 2008

Bennigan's shuts doors without notice

Management suspiciously quiet, website pulled

Management at the Bennigan's restaurant chain is avoiding the media after closing its restaurants nationwide.

A staffer in Colorado confirmed that the chain was closed nationally but he believed that it was only temporary. Other employees believed the restaurant was "closed for good."

Of the nearly 800 restaurants generating more than $800 million in annual sales, 20 restaurants are located in North Texas, according to Bennigan's Web site.

Bennigan's, founded in 1976, is owned by Metromedia Restaurant Group, which also includes Steak and Ale, Ponderosa Steakhouse and Bonanza Steakhouse restaurants.

TheDenverChannel call to the Plano, Texas headquarters of Metromedia Restaurant Group elicited a, "We have no comment at this time," from the woman answering the phone.

The chain started in 1976. Of the nearly 800 restaurants in 32 states that generated more than $800 million in annual sales, according to its Web site, 11 restaurants are located Colorado.

Metromedia, which owns Bennigan's, Ponderosa and Steak and Ale, announced last month that it put 59 of its Florida restaurants up for sale or lease.