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New-look Shoney's eyes major expansion

Lizzy Alfs
USA TODAY NETWORK – Tennessee
David Davoudpour, CEO of Shoney's, greets cashier and hostess Janet Carter while visiting the Shoney's restaurant on Donelson Pike in Nashville.

Shoney’s CEO David Davoudpour is poised to launch a sweeping expansion effort following a significant overhaul of the dining chain he bought nine years ago.

The Nashville-based company is turning its focus to franchising with the long-term goal of opening hundreds of new locations following a years-long effort to revamp its menu and aesthetic.

“There is no reason for us to forget about iconic American brands, whether it be in the car industry, transportation or hospitality. We are determined to make sure the Shoney’s brand stays in front of every American,” Davoudpour said.

A longtime Atlanta restaurateur, Davoudpour in late 2006 acquired the Nashville chain that was founded 69 years ago and narrowly avoided bankruptcy in 2001. In its heyday, Shoney’s had close to 1,300 locations. The company has about 150 restaurants today.

Cracker Barrel to debut Holler & Dash fast-casual restaurants

Davoudpour froze franchising efforts to first overhaul Shoney’s menu and then introduced a new look for its restaurants.

“You have to be able to, in many ways, reward a franchisee with a product you believe in 100 percent. The frozen burger was not a product I believed in,” Davoudpour said.

The goal of the changes is to keep core customers happy while bringing in new ones, particularly millennials who may not be as familiar with the brand.

In a similar move, Cracker Barrel, another locally based dining chain, is targeting new clientele with the launch of fast-casual biscuit house Holler & Dash.

Shoney's CEO David Davoudpour jokes around with manager Shaquita Mitchell while visiting the Shoney's restaurant on Donelson Pike in Nashville. The Nashville-based Shoney's is preparing to start a big expansion effort.

Under new executive chef Eric Cleveland, Shoney’s moved away from frozen foods, opting instead for fresh ingredients offered at a value, Davoudpour said. Newer menu additions include grilled whitefish, chicken Florentine, a chicken club sandwich, beef sliders and chicken wings. Updated menus rolled out at the restaurants on March 1.

The restaurant still serves its tried-and-true favorites, such as the Shoney’s burger — which is now made fresh with 100 percent ground beef — and the salad bar and hot food bar.

Shoney’s also announced this week that it is jumping on the cage-free egg bandwagon with plans to source 100 percent of the 50 million eggs it uses each year from hens that aren’t confined to cages by 2025.

“Naturally, we’re looking for the best quality food that is healthy for our consumer base. Kids coming to our restaurant, we want to make sure they eat fresh lettuce. We want to make sure we give them…fresh cracked eggs,” Davoudpour said.

Coming soon to a Shoney’s near you – beer and wine

Davoudpour places Shoney’s in between family dining chains such as Golden Corral and Cracker Barrel and full-service restaurants with bars such as Ruby Tuesday.

Part of the Shoney’s revamp includes adding full bars or wine and beer in certain markets. On tap in the Nashville area, the company-owned Shoney’s at 546 Donelson Pike is slated for a remodel that will add liquor to the menu.

Davoudpour said the company is looking for a new Shoney’s location in the Madison area after the restaurant at 720 Gallatin Pike, the first Shoney’s in the state, closed for a remodel in August but then lost its lease and never reopened.

Shoney's CEO David Davoudpour says he's determined to keep the brand visible.

He said all Shoney’s locations will be remodeled, but it’s an effort that will take about 10 years to complete. All new restaurants will feature the new look. Each restaurant is designed unique to its particular market, Davoudpour said.

“What works in Nashville may not work in Kalamazoo, Mich., may not work in Acworth, Ga.,” Davoudpour said.

Expansion of the brand is reliant on franchisees, Davoudpour said. He hired a new director of franchise sales to spearhead that effort.

As for where growth opportunities exist for Shoney’s, Davoudpour said there are no limitations.

“We would love to be everywhere,” he said.

Reach Lizzy Alfs at 615-726-5948 and on Twitter @lizzyalfs.

First Shoney's in Tennessee to get major remodel