Bennigan’s has officially re-opened its doors here in Plano. Feel free to begin dancing your Irish jig, folks because they are here to stay. Having had a long time standing reputation for being one of the largest Irish restaurant chains in the world, it was a truly green celebration to hear this place was back in town.
When the newest location popped up off of 75 and Spring Creek Parkway, next to the Sleep Experts, it was intriguing to find out what had changed about the restaurant. On Facebook, when people were asked if anyone had been there yet, we got a reply:
“(I have) been there once. (I) loved the way it looked, it was clean, (I) got good service and the burger (I) ordered was great.” Eric Smith, Bennigan’s Customer
Upon hearing these details, contact was made to the Bennigan’s Franchise home office. The questions remained whether or not this restaurant had any healthy options, and what was it that was new about them. As a surprise, President and CEO Paul Mangiamele gave an exclusive interview to this examiner.
Paul Mangiamele was asked about what was new about Bennigan’s, he said that everything from the ground up was re-envisioned, and that they were beginning a Bennigan’s Irish Revolution.
From a redesign in the signage, to new classy additons to the new menu, he stated that this was an Irish (food) Revolution, and it has begun. He claimed that there were new blackboards upon which featured specials would be written, which was a new novelty that he though would bring that extra touch of service to the restaurant's customers.
Mr. Mangiamele was nothing less than classy when giving his interview, and when he was asked whether or not this place was good for game day, he explained quite excitedly that there were televisions everywhere. He stated that he was a road warrior himself, having to eat out often, and watches a lot of TV in restaurants, and so he likes to have healthy options on his menu, along with a TV in every spot possible for other road warriors as well.
"We wanted to build a restaurant using a flavor profile, with a healthy option." Paul Mangiamele CEO of Bennigan's, "I am a road warrior, like so many others."
When we asked about the healthy options for the healthy game watcher, he went over several healthy options that Bennigan’s serves on their menus, and after his interview inspiration to visit the restaurant was a must. Mr. Mangiamele is heavily into offering physically fit healthy menu options, especially with him being into bodybuilding, triathlons and being an Olympic boxer.
"I am heavily into fitness, so I felt we needed the healthier options. I created the Danny Boy's Chicken, adding a chicken breast, (and) adding the option of the mashed potatoes or the rice pilaf, and then the broccoli of course. So, then on the other side of it, for the fish we have the Grilled Seaside Salmon which could be grilled or blackened, and then again you get the broccoli and the rice pilaf." Paul Mangiamele president and CEO of Bennigan's
Walking up to Bennigan’s, their new contemporary sign was visible. Before entering the restaurant, people are forced to walk by the patio, and can’t possibly help to take a peek at the new contemporary classic décor. Upon entering, people are greeted by a host, and shown to a table.
The new Bennigan’s has a contemporary casual atmosphere. They have TV’s in pretty much every nook and corner, which is great for game day fans. The tables appear to have hard-wood laminated tops, and the drink menus are pasted to wine bottles on the table. Their bar is magnificent. Spanning around the entire restaurant, every table is but a few steps away from it, and it is decorated with a contemporary classical theme, but keeping with a hardwood type of feel.
Healthy options are plentiful here. They have menu items for less than 700 calories which includes their Pub Bites, the Kilkenny Chicken Salad Wrap (add mustard on the side), their Grilled Chicken Kilkenny Salad (Sub balsamic dressing), the Tuscan Chicken, the Seaside Grilled Salmon, the Grilled Chicken Strips (sub broccoli for fries), the Spinach Salad, and the Apple Pecan Salad.
For the gluten free-folks, this place is gluten free heaven! Gluten-free options are bountiful with options from decadent Bacon Cheeseburger Chips, to their new Grilled “Bricked” Rocket Steak, which features a seared to order sirloin served atop a bed of arugula, served with cherry tomatoes, garlic, and drizzled with a balsamic glaze.
Serve one of those with their ice cold Pepsi, and you are in gluten free heaven! Other gluten-free sinfully delicious meals include most of their salads and soups, along with their Legendary Favorites such as: Oh Baby Back Ribs, Tuscan Chicken, Drunken Pot Roast, Stacked Chicken & Shrimp, Grilled Chicken Platter, Grilled Salmon, Pan Seared Tilapia, Grilled Chicken Tenders with Sweet Potato Fries, New York 12 oz Strip Steak, and the Fire Grilled 8oz Top Sirloin.
This place is perfect for Superbowl Game Day fun with over a dozen TV's to watch, and for that day they are serving Happy Hour Specials along with Entrée Specials. Even if you miss the game day specials, have no fear, for this place is full of Irish fun.
During the interview, it was said that they have an Irish celebration on the 17th of every month, a half way to Irish Day celebration on September 17th, and of course they own the massive celebration on March 17. Every Thursday they have $3 for Three Olives Vodka, and they have $5, $6, and $7 lunch specials every day. Average cost for lunch for 1 person is around $11. (with drink, tax and tip.)
It was enjoyable speaking with Mr. Mangiamele, and hearing about his exciting news. Very soon, it will be exciting to hear all about the details of St. Patrick's Day, and what they have in store for the biggest restaurant party in Plano.
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