Shoney’s will open its first in-mall restaurant Thursday at Sugarloaf Mills in Lawrenceville. Another first will be full liquor service, the company said.
The new concept will be unveiled at 4 p.m. at the mall, at the junction of Sugarloaf Parkway and I-85.
Chief Executive Officer David Davoudpour said the opening represents a step toward Shoney’s “glory days.”
“We have developed a Shoney’s with more choices that appeal to everyone,” Davoudpour said.
Shoney’s is considered a family style restaurant, competing with IHOP, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Denny’s and Waffle House in metro Atlanta. Shoney’s has 165 restaurants in 16 states, including five in metro Atlanta.
According to research by Technomics, which tracks the restaurant industry, Shoney’s was the eighth-largest family dining chain based on 2012 sales, estimated at $319 million. IHOP led the category, followed by Denny’s and Cracker Barrel.
The restaurant category is typically defined by checks that are below $12 and with very limited or no alcohol service.
In addition to liquor, Shoney’s said the Sugarloaf Mills restaurant will be the only one in the country offering cooked-to-order entrees and seasonal buffets. The 3,500-square-foot restaurant, which will seat 107, will have a new quick service dining option called Shoney’s On The Go.
Nashville-based Shoney’s operates primarily in the Southeast, Midwest and Mid-Atlantic states.
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