Why Steak & Ale is making a comeback, 15 years after shutting down

How do you dust off a brand that has been dead for 15 years?

This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast “A Deeper Dive” features Paul Mangiamele, the CEO and chairman of Legendary Restaurant Brands, the owner of Bennigan’s.

Mangiamele discusses his decision to open Steak & Ale, which is scheduled for next spring.

Bennigan’s and Steak & Ale were in the same group that filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2008, which shed a light on problems with the casual dining sector. Bennigan’s franchise system was saved from liquidation by its secured lender. But Steak & Ale was shuttered, seemingly for good.

Mangiamele bought Bennigan’s and has operated it since. But he also owned the rights to Steak & Ale. Now he plans to bring it back, a potentially rare comeback from Chapter 7 by a restaurant brand.

We talk with him about why he’s making that decision and why now. Paul also talks about what he’s doing to adapt the chain to a new market.