Shoney’s Tries To Revive Itself Again

The Times-Picayune:

On the back of Shoney’s executive business cards is the mantra of new management: restoring the Southern buffet and restaurant chain to its ‘glory days.’

It is the latest attempt to revive the once-dominant comfort food chain, long known for its inexpensive buffets. Shoney’s once claimed 1,200 restaurants nationwide. But it has shrunk to 272 in recent years amid customer complaints of worn-out decor, poorly cooked food and uneven quality.

The Nashville-based restaurant chain’s new owner, CEO and Chairman David Davoudpour, said he is determined to bring the brand back. Since he acquired the company in January, Davoudpour has taken over several underperforming franchise locations and turned them into company-owned restaurants. He has vowed to use fresh - not frozen - meat and fruit products and try to improve service through spot checks of stores and better employee training. More.