Popular Irish-inspired restaurant turns 50, iconic steakhouse turns 60, in 2026
Dallas, TX (RestaurantNews.com) Legendary Restaurant Brands, the parent company of Bennigan’s, Bennigan’s On The Fly and Steak and Ale, enters 2026 with strong momentum following a year of growth and expansion across its portfolio. The company wrapped 2025 with a full domestic and international franchise pipeline, reflecting robust enthusiasm for its iconic brands and increasing guest demand for innovative casual dining concepts.
Throughout 2025, Bennigan’s continued to strengthen its position as a leading full-service casual dining franchise by leveraging time-tested brand loyalty and signature menu offerings like the World Famous Monte Cristo
. Both brands rolled out updated food and beverage menus in 2025, which contributed significantly to higher same-store sales and unit-level profitability increases systemwide.
Growth across the domestic portfolio was supported by several major developments, including a brand new, ‘ground up’ Bennigan’s in Alamogordo, New Mexico, a LOI for an Area Development agreement for a Steak and Ale project in the DFW markets, a new Steak and Ale for Anderson, South Carolina and a 30-unit Bennigan’s On The Fly expansion in partnership with Franklin Junction.
Internationally, the company signed a Master Franchise Agreement for the development of 100+ Bennigan’s in the Republic of India, executed a multi-store agreement for Bennigan’s and Steak and Ale in Panama/Central America and finalized an agreement for a new ground-up Bennigan’s in Guyana, South America. Additionally, Bennigan’s has reached an agreement for 2 new locations in Qatar and Dubai with continued rapid development across the Middle East anticipated in the year ahead.
With interest rates easing and consumer confidence improving, Legendary Restaurant Brands is building on more than half a century of category leadership. In 2026, Bennigan’s will celebrate its 50th anniversary and Steak and Ale will mark its 60th anniversary, underscoring the enduring appeal of two of the most recognizable names in American casual dining.
“With improving economic conditions, renewed enthusiasm for casual dining and our focus on creating new emotional connections with our heritage, new-stalgia initiatives, there has never been a better time to capture the American Dream of business ownership than to consider the very brands that created and pioneered the casual dining category,” said Paul Mangiamele, founder and CEO of Legendary Restaurant Brands. “Our franchise partners are benefiting from decades of our time-honored, ‘people-centric culture,’ global brand awareness, strong brand equity, proven operating systems, compelling unit economics and the support of our seasoned Legendary Restaurant Brands Corporate Team focused on mutual long-term success.”
In addition, Bennigan’s On The Fly gives franchisees a flexible, hybrid business model designed for smaller, high-traffic locations – offering Bennigan’s signature favorites in a compact footprint ideal for non-traditional venues, including host kitchens, retail spaces and airports. Built for convenience without sacrificing quality, Bennigan’s On the Fly is a strong option for entrepreneurs looking for a streamlined investment while leveraging the legendary concept’s strong brand recognition and enduring reputation.
Together, these milestones honor more than a century of combined hospitality – built on generosity, familiarity and a belief that great food should always feel worth it. At a time when restaurant concepts come and go, Bennigan’s and Steak and Ale stand apart as brands that didn’t chase trends. Rather, they stood on their own and won over fans with quality service and food.
From the beginning, both brands understood something timeless: guests return to places that make them feel welcome, satisfied and respected. Bennigan’s became known for its warm Irish-inspired hospitality, bold flavors and approachable indulgence. Steak and Ale defined an entirely new kind of steakhouse – one that delivered premium steaks, prime rib and exceptional service with a family-friendly high-value orientation.
According to Mangiamele, that shared philosophy is what continues to drive both brands forward.
“Bennigan’s and Steak and Ale were built on fundamentals that never go out of style – great food, genuine hospitality and value guests can feel,” said Mangiamele. “That experiential consistency is why these brands still resonate five and even six decades later.”
Mangiamele doesn’t just attribute the success of both brands to loyal customers. He finds the partnerships to be just as important due to the personal connection he makes with every prospect.
“Franchisees that partner with us are in business for themselves, but not by themselves,” Mangiamele said. “We’re proud to provide a roadmap and support for people who are journeying toward their personal American dream.”
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, full-service restaurant redefining and leading casual dining again. With chef-driven food, innovative drinks, and warm, friendly Irish hospitality, this Legendary brand delivers memorable and experiential dining experiences to every guest. 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 operated from an existing commercial kitchen. Steak and Ale is truly the ‘American Original’ that has made its triumphant return and is already generating keen global interest. This new generation of Steak and Ale has been redefined as a 21st-century polished-casual concept that now sets the standard for affordable, high-perceived-value, family-friendly steakhouses.
To join the Legendary Restaurant Brands arsenal of franchise brands, please visit LegendaryRestaurantBrands.com or call 800.804.5049.
Contact:
Jay Brasher
Champion
806-437-9583
[email protected]
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