It’s been five years since the Monte Cristo has been served in Northern Virginia. But thanks to a nationwide resurgence of the Bennigan’s restaurant chain, it’s only a matter of days before locals will once again be able to purchase the classic American sandwich.
The newest Bennigan’s will officially open its doors on Monday, August 19, in McLean, Virginia, across from the Tysons Galleria Mall. A festive grand-opening celebration has been scheduled for September 13.
“Ever since my days as a manager at my neighborhood Bennigan’s, I’ve had a passion for the brand and all it stands for,” says Mazhar Chughtai, franchise owner of the Tysons restaurant. “I believe very strongly in providing legendary customer service and in our focus on chef-driven food. Now that Bennigan’s is back and growing again under strong corporate leadership, I couldn’t wait to serve up some Irish hospitality here in my new home in Northern Virginia.”
The Tysons Corner restaurant, which will add nearly 100 jobs to the local economy, offers 16 beers on tap, HD TVs throughout the building, VIP meeting rooms, and an outdoor patio bar with canopy.
In addition to the Monte Cristo, the menu features such traditional Bennigan’s favorites as its Oh, Baby Back Ribs, the Turkey O’Toole, the Big Irish, and a wide assortment of innovative specialty drinks.
“Mazhar is a terrific operator, and he’s put together a great team to lead Bennigan’s return to the Beltway area,” says Paul Mangiamele, Bennigan’s president and CEO. “We’re assembling an extraordinary team of franchisees that, like us, ‘bleed green’ and share an intense passion and nostalgia for the Bennigan’s brand. I’m especially excited about the Tysons restaurant because we have a great history in this region, and we know how much people are looking forward to our return.”
Now nearly a 100-unit company, Bennigan’s has experienced extensive domestic and international expansion over the past two years.
Bennigan’s Franchising Company plans to continue its growth momentum with agreements to develop more than 30 new restaurants in the next few years in New Jersey, Virginia, Texas, Arkansas, Minnesota, Florida, Tennessee, and Michigan, and international openings slated for Dubai, Mexico, Central America, Cyprus, and Korea at US Army Base, Camp Humphreys.
