Ex-Bennigan's Changes Names Again

If you don't recognize the name River City Grill, you may recognize the restaurant by it's short-term former name - Shenanigan's. Still doesn't ring a bell? It's the old Bennigan's. The Ambassador Caffery restaurant has once again changed names after major financial troubles at Bennigan's caused many franchise owners to back out fo the chain.

Most Bennigan's locations in Louisiana are owned by the same owner, and I've noticed the ex-Bennigan's in Metairie is also now a River City Grill. I have no clue where the name comes from, but I'm assuming it has something to do with the chain's Baton Rouge-based owner.

As for what happened with Shenanigan's - I have two guesses. Either someone else has already trademarked the name for a similar Irish-themed restaurant, or the genre wasn't that popular with diners minus a big brand name.

Has anyone tried Shenanigan's or River City Grill? Leave a comment below.

Bennigan's now Shenanigan's

POSTED 4/21/09

Bennigan's on Ambassador Caffery is now Shenanigan's. An employee told me the name switch happened last Tuesday - and that most of the menu is the same familiar Irish fare. However, some former Bennigan's items are off the menu. This move is not a huge surprise. Last summer, Bennigan's parent company filed for bankruptcy and 150 corporate-owned stores closed. According to Newsweek, about the same number of stores stayed open - they were franchise stores. Most analysts agree this is one of the worst times ever for casual dining chain restaurants after boom times earlier this decade and throughout the '90s.

Ownership at the Lafayette restaurant is not changing. The Advocate reports Rick Pastorek owns seven restaurants across the state that will be transitioning from Bennigan's to Shenanigan's. The article also states other franchise owners are also making the switch along with building a new distribution network.

If you'd like a great in-depth look at what may have paved the way to Bennigan's downfall, check out this Newsweek article. The store in Lafayette has always seemed popular - especially during the annual St. Patrick's Day Blarney Blast.