Bennigan's Grill & Tavern Celebrates 30th Anniversary With Nation's Largest St. Patrick's Day Party; 30 New Locations, Fresh Ad Campaign and Revamped Bar Also Planned for 2006.

PLANO, Texas -- Bennigan's Grill & Tavern, the casual dining chain known for American food with an Irish flavor, will celebrate its 30th anniversary by hosting the nation's largest St. Patrick's Day party in 2006. Bennigan's also expects to open 30 new restaurants, launch a fresh advertising campaign and introduce a new look for its legendary bar, all designed to reinforce everything that has made the chain one of the most successful and enduring brands in the restaurant industry.

"It's going to be the biggest and best year to be a part of our company," said Clay Dover, vice president of marketing at Bennigan's. "We're going to spend the entire year focused on what Bennigan's does best - provide a fun and lively environment where people can enjoy themselves and share great food and drinks with their friends and family."

The celebration actually begins in late February when Bennigan's kicks off its St. Patrick's Day Blarney Blast with a national sweepstakes, drink specials and promotions for the weeks leading up to St. Patrick's Day and the nation's largest St. Patrick's Day party in March.

"We expect more than 300,000 people to celebrate the Irish holiday with us," said Dover.

Details of the nationwide party will be announced in early 2006.

"It will be unlike anything we've ever done," Dover said. "We have three decades worth of loyal customers and we want to share this milestone with them in true Bennigan's fashion. It will be a great Irish celebration."

Customers also can expect an increased focus on Bennigan's beverage program in 2006. Dover said the bar areas will be revamped and remodeled to better serve patrons. Drink specials, happy hour events, signature drinks and an original late-night menu will introduced throughout the year.

As part of an aggressive expansion effort started in 2005, the company also plans to open as many as 30 new restaurants worldwide.

"In 2006, we won't just be celebrating where we've been. We will also be celebrating where we are going," said Dover.

Bennigan's currently has 270 restaurants in 34 states as well as 40 locations in 10 countries.

About Bennigan's Grill & Tavern

Since its founding in 1976, Bennigan's has always been the place where people have gone to enjoy great tasting, unique American food, spend time with friends at the neighborhood tavern or just to enjoy a relaxed, upbeat atmosphere.

Bennigan's is owned by Metromedia Restaurant Group (MRG). MRG is one of the world's leading multi-concept table-service restaurant groups, with more than 800 Bennigan's(R), Steak and Ale(R), Ponderosa Steakhouse(R), Bonanza(TM) Steakhouse and The Plano Tavern(R) restaurants in the U.S. and abroad. Our restaurants, representing four of the most well-known brands in the restaurant industry, today serve more than 160 million guests a year, inspired by a common vision to Be the Powerhouse Restaurant Team, Winning Every Guest Every Day, Worldwide.