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New Ownership for Tampa Area bd's Locations
Jan 4, 2010
bd's Home Office, Press Release
New Ownership for Tampa Area bd's Mongolian Grill Locations
New franchisee brings extensive management experience and energy to heat up guest dining experience!
TAMPA, Fla. - Things are heating up in Florida for bd's Mongolian Grill, thanks in large part to the restaurant chain's new Tampa-area franchisee. Darryl Thomas has purchased the Lakeland, Fla., and Oldsmar bd's locations and has already begun his efforts to expand the brand locally.
"Restaurants that provide value will be successful, even as consumers are still pinching pennies," said Thomas of the Mongolian-style restaurant where guests create their own "Mongo Feast" and watch as it is freshly prepared on a large, flat grill. "With bd's Mongolian Grill, I recognized a unique opportunity to locally expand a brilliant brand that offers great food and energy to guests."
Thomas' immediate goals for the restaurants include expanding food offerings such as appetizers and 2010 limited time promotions. He and his managers intend to be very involved with the Oldsmar and Lakeland communities and he is committed to instilling passion in his team to provide the best bd's "Mongo Magic" experience to every Tampa area guest in every bowl at every visit.
"Darryl brings to bd's a unique set of sales, marketing and corporate leadership skills, which will be invaluable as he takes the reins in Florida," said Rodger Head, president and chief executive officer of bd’s Mongolian Grill. "We are thrilled that he is on board."
Previous to purchasing bd's, Thomas spent 14 years with The Coca-Cola Company, most recently as vice president of the Burger King International account team. He has relocated from London, where he served as president of Nautilus, International. Thomas has retained Tampa natives Charles Merle and Darren Ware as general managers. Operating partner Larry McGowan will oversee the day-to-day operation of both restaurants.
Community Giving:
As part of its commitment to serving the local community, bd's is kicking off 2010 by highlighting healthy eating with its "Fun, Fresh Foods" promotion that focuses on raising funds and awareness for the American Heart Association. This promotion starts Monday January 11th and features the many healthful, flavor options available at bd's Mongolian Grill.
Restaurant Concept:
bd's Mongolian Grill is a leader in the "Asian Grill" dining segment, recognized in recent restaurant industry trends as a popular niche appealing to young families. The restaurant provides a casual dining experience in an energetic atmosphere where guests choose their ingredients from a large variety of meats and seafood, fresh vegetables and flavorful sauces to create their own unique stir-fry. After guests gather their food, they watch their creation being grilled to perfection Mongolian style on bd's signature 6-foot diameter flat grill. bd's provides healthy food choices for those with special dietary needs such as gluten-free, low sodium, vegetarian and allergy-free requirements.
About bd's Mongolian Grill:
The first bd's opened in 1992 in Royal Oak, Mich. The chain has grown to 36 restaurants. Thirty-five locations are based domestically in 13 states, including 12 company-owned restaurants and 23 franchises. There is one franchise location in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. bd's offers multi-unit franchise opportunities specifically targeted in the Midwest, Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. To learn more about bd's Mongolian Grill, visit www.GoMongo.com or call (952) 288-2300.
"Restaurants that provide value will be successful, even as consumers are still pinching pennies," said Thomas of the Mongolian-style restaurant where guests create their own "Mongo Feast" and watch as it is freshly prepared on a large, flat grill. "With bd's Mongolian Grill, I recognized a unique opportunity to locally expand a brilliant brand that offers great food and energy to guests."
Thomas' immediate goals for the restaurants include expanding food offerings such as appetizers and 2010 limited time promotions. He and his managers intend to be very involved with the Oldsmar and Lakeland communities and he is committed to instilling passion in his team to provide the best bd's "Mongo Magic" experience to every Tampa area guest in every bowl at every visit.
"Darryl brings to bd's a unique set of sales, marketing and corporate leadership skills, which will be invaluable as he takes the reins in Florida," said Rodger Head, president and chief executive officer of bd’s Mongolian Grill. "We are thrilled that he is on board."
Previous to purchasing bd's, Thomas spent 14 years with The Coca-Cola Company, most recently as vice president of the Burger King International account team. He has relocated from London, where he served as president of Nautilus, International. Thomas has retained Tampa natives Charles Merle and Darren Ware as general managers. Operating partner Larry McGowan will oversee the day-to-day operation of both restaurants.
Community Giving:
As part of its commitment to serving the local community, bd's is kicking off 2010 by highlighting healthy eating with its "Fun, Fresh Foods" promotion that focuses on raising funds and awareness for the American Heart Association. This promotion starts Monday January 11th and features the many healthful, flavor options available at bd's Mongolian Grill.
Restaurant Concept:
bd's Mongolian Grill is a leader in the "Asian Grill" dining segment, recognized in recent restaurant industry trends as a popular niche appealing to young families. The restaurant provides a casual dining experience in an energetic atmosphere where guests choose their ingredients from a large variety of meats and seafood, fresh vegetables and flavorful sauces to create their own unique stir-fry. After guests gather their food, they watch their creation being grilled to perfection Mongolian style on bd's signature 6-foot diameter flat grill. bd's provides healthy food choices for those with special dietary needs such as gluten-free, low sodium, vegetarian and allergy-free requirements.
About bd's Mongolian Grill:
The first bd's opened in 1992 in Royal Oak, Mich. The chain has grown to 36 restaurants. Thirty-five locations are based domestically in 13 states, including 12 company-owned restaurants and 23 franchises. There is one franchise location in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. bd's offers multi-unit franchise opportunities specifically targeted in the Midwest, Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. To learn more about bd's Mongolian Grill, visit www.GoMongo.com or call (952) 288-2300.
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