Shoney’s Amplifies Its Efforts to Feed Those in Need During Unprecedented Times

April 28, 2020

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 24, 2020) – (RestaurantNews.com) Even if the restaurants at America’s Dinner Table are quiet for a spell, rest assured that the All-American brand Shoney’s is very busy doing what is does best: feeding its communities and at a time when a friend in need needs a friend indeed.

From its fearlessly philanthropic Chairman and CEO David Davoudpour to a beloved one-unit franchise partner a state away, the brand world-renowned for freshly-prepared, high-quality food with friendly service, is being a category leader in community stewardship, actively feeding those who need it most at a time when it is most needed. For example:

In March, when a tornado ravaged Shoney’s hometown of Nashville, Mr. Davoudpour personally picked up the tab for Nashvillians impacted by the storm for three nights, providing comfort, assistance and a warm meal to hundreds.
Amid the pandemic that has closed restaurants nationwide, Shoney’s franchisee in Chesapeake, Ohio, has served hospitality workers industry-wide, serving more than 4000 meals FREE via curbside pick-up, including more than 3000 All-American burgers on the past three Thursdays.
Earlier this year, prior to unforeseen circumstances, Shoney’s committed to partner with WKRN-Channel 2 Nashville in order to support the station’s 2 Gives Back program, which serves first responders and service department in its viewing area. The program provides weekly free lunches to local heroes including fire departments, police precinct and others.

David Davoudpour,
Shoney’s Chairman and CEO

“In good times and not-so good times, Shoney’s has always supported its communities. It started decades before me and you have my word that under my watch, it will continue, with vigor,” stated Mr. Davoudpour. “Being America’s Dinner Table’ comes with great responsibility, which we embrace with pride. We are here for our team and our valued guests. Better days are just ahead yet we are with you always.”

“More than ever, this is a time to step up and give back,” said Jennifer Ford, marketing director for the Shoney’s franchisee partner in Chesapeake. “We are all in this together through good times and tough times and we want to make sure we treat those impacted with a warm meal. Shoney’s historically has always been the ultimate team player and wants to extend its best wishes for good health for all.”

In addition to its year-round and situation-specific philanthropic efforts, Shoney’s has collected several industry accolades during its 73-year history and was recently recognized by consumers as one of America’s Favorite Chains in the family-dining category, based on a Restaurant Business poll and was voted one of the best 8 family dining restaurants in the United States in the Consumer Picks Survey via Nation’s Restaurant News.

Shoney’s was recognized for having the best rating for value among all family dining chains and also scored well for its service, menu variety and diners being likely to recommend it. Its category leadership, relevance and impact on family dining was recently captured in a column in Columbia, Tennessee’s newspaper, Columbia Daily Herald.

Since acquiring the great American eatery in 2007, Mr. Davoudpour has been on a driven and spirited mission to reinvigorate and revitalize Shoney’s, a family-friendly, southern-style restaurant brand. Shoney’s is one of the first, and has always been one of the most popular, family casual dining concepts in the United States.

In order to get back to what Mr. Davoudpour confidently calls Shoney’s “Glory Days,” the brand is now growing through franchising, following an extensive revitalization effort. Shoney’s is offering franchising opportunities to qualified single and multi-unit candidates. For more information, visit http://www.shoneys.com/franchise/.

About Shoney’s

Shoney’s is headquartered in Nashville, operates in 17 states and is now growing through franchising following an extensive revitalization effort. For 73 years, guests have enjoyed Shoney’s family-friendly, casual dining experience. Visit www.shoneys.com for more information on restaurant hours, locations and special offers. Shoney’s is offering franchising opportunities to qualified single and multi-unit candidates. For more information, visit http://www.shoneys.com/franchise/. You can also follow Shoney’s on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Contact:
Derek Farley
150PR for Shoney’s
704-941-7353
derek@150pr.com

Shoney's News

Shoney’s Amplifies Its Efforts to Feed Those in Need During Unprecedented Times

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 24, 2020) – (RestaurantNews.com) Even if the restaurants at America’s Dinner Table are quiet for a spell, rest assured that the All-American brand Shoney’s is very busy doing what is does best: feeding its communities and at a time when a friend in need needs a friend indeed. From its fearlessly philanthropic […]

Shoney’s is closely following all guidance issued by the CDC, and state and local governments and health departments. At this time, Shoney’s remains open to serve the needs of our communities and our team members as that is our brand promise.

March 13, 2020

David Davoudpour Chairman & C.E.O. March 13, 2020 Dear Shoney’s Guests: I wanted to take a moment to let you know what steps Shoney’s is taking to maintain a healthy and safe environment in our restaurants for our guests and team members. Shoney’s is closely following all guidance issued by the CDC, and state and […]

Shoney’s® CEO Mr. David Davoudpour To Provide FREE Meals to First Responders and Nashvillians Impacted by Tornado for Next Three Nights

March 6, 2020

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 3, 2020) – In response to last night’s devastating tornado in its home town, Nashville-based Shoney’s, under the direction of and compliments of its Chairman and CEO Mr. Davoudpour, is showing its support by providing comfort and assistance to first responders and those Nashvillians impacted by the disastrous storm. Mr. Davoudpour today […]

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Shoney’s is closely following all guidance issued by the CDC, and state and local governments and health departments. At this time, Shoney’s remains open to serve the needs of our communities and our team members as that is our brand promise.

– David Davoudpour, Chairman & CEO

March 13, 2020

David Davoudpour
Chairman & C.E.O.
March 13, 2020

Dear Shoney’s Guests:

I wanted to take a moment to let you know what steps Shoney’s is taking to maintain a healthy and safe environment in our restaurants for our guests and team members.

Shoney’s is closely following all guidance issued by the CDC, and state and local governments and health departments. At this time, Shoney’s remains open to serve the needs of our communities and our team members as that is our brand promise.

Shoney’s has heightened all cleaning protocols. Our team members are frequently sanitizing all surfaces of the restaurants and changing out bar utensils as needed or every 30 minutes. They are following frequent hand washing procedures and wearing disposable gloves. Shoney’s is monitoring the health of its team members to ensure that anyone who has symptoms of a cold or flu be asked to get well at home and not put others at risk.

Please join us for breakfast, lunch or dinner at Shoney’s. We are wishing that you and your family stay healthy, safe and happy during this time of heightened concern as the safety of our team members and guests is always our top priority.

Very truly yours,

David Davoudpour

1717 Elm Hill Pike, Nashville, TN 37210

Shoney's News

Shoney’s Amplifies Its Efforts to Feed Those in Need During Unprecedented Times

April 28, 2020

Shoney’s is closely following all guidance issued by the CDC, and state and local governments and health departments. At this time, Shoney’s remains open to serve the needs of our communities and our team members as that is our brand promise.

March 13, 2020

Shoney’s® CEO Mr. David Davoudpour To Provide FREE Meals to First Responders and Nashvillians Impacted by Tornado for Next Three Nights

March 6, 2020

View More News

Shoney’s® CEO Mr. David Davoudpour To Provide FREE Meals to First Responders and Nashvillians Impacted by Tornado for Next Three Nights

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 3, 2020) – In response to last night’s devastating tornado in its home town, Nashville-based Shoney’s, under the direction of and compliments of its Chairman and CEO Mr. Davoudpour, is showing its support by providing comfort and assistance to first responders and those Nashvillians impacted by the disastrous storm.

Mr. Davoudpour today pledged to personally treat, on behalf of his brand, those working hard to restore Music City and others affected to a complimentary, warm and wholesome meal from the restaurant’s Fresh Food Bar for the next three nights, including tonight (Tuesday, March 3, 2020). The meal is offered from 8 pm – 10 pm at the brand’s downtown location:

Shoney’s Downtown
110 Interstate Drive
Nashville, TN 27206

“Shoney’s is Nashville and Nashville is Shoney’s. When we cry, we all cry together and when we dine, we all dine together,” said Mr. Davoudpour. “Our doors are open to our guests, friends and families who may benefit from a wonderful meal on the house. This is our hometown and we will do our part to heal our great city and encourage other businesses and the kind community to do the same.”

#NashvilleStrong #NashvilleTornado2020

About Shoney’s

Shoney's News

Shoney’s Amplifies Its Efforts to Feed Those in Need During Unprecedented Times

April 28, 2020

Shoney’s is closely following all guidance issued by the CDC, and state and local governments and health departments. At this time, Shoney’s remains open to serve the needs of our communities and our team members as that is our brand promise.

March 13, 2020

Shoney’s® CEO Mr. David Davoudpour To Provide FREE Meals to First Responders and Nashvillians Impacted by Tornado for Next Three Nights

March 6, 2020

View More News

Shoney’s Doors Will be Open for a Christmas Day Feast on Wednesday, December 25 and will Feature a Spectacular All You Care to Eat, Freshly Prepared Food Bar!

December 20, 2019

Kids 4 & Under Eat Free at America’s Dinner Table on this Special Day

Nashville, TN (RestaurantNews.com) Shoney’s, the iconic, All-American restaurant brand, will serve as America’s Dinner Table again this Christmas. At 11:00 a.m. on Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25, Shoney’s, world-renowned for its homestyle goodness at a true value with friendly service, will feature its homestyle, All You Care to Eat, Freshly Prepared Christmas Day Feast, starting at $12.99.

This Christmas Feast will include holiday favorites like crispy chicken, roast beef with mushrooms & gravy, turkey breast, ham with apples, butterfly shrimp, macaroni & cheese, sweet potato casserole, loaded mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls, blackberry cobbler and so much more, available for dine-in or from Shoney’s Market Fresh Food Bar To-Go. Prices and participation may vary by location.

David Davoudpour, Shoney’s Chairman and CEO

“Shoney’s is pleased, privileged and uniquely qualified to host our annual Christmas Day Feast. It’s always a special family holiday meal and we are committed to providing homestyle goodness, southern hospitality, and value,” said Shoney’s Chairman and CEO Mr. David Davoudpour. “Shoney’s is the ideal place to share your Christmas Day meal with loved ones. It’s one of our favorite days of the year and we’d love to share it with you. And, as always, we’ll do the dishes so you can head home and enjoy your presents.”

Shoney’s has collected restaurant industry accolades for the entirety of its 72-year history and the world-renowned brand was recently recognized by consumers as one of America’s Favorite Chains in the family-dining category, based on a Restaurant Business poll and was voted one of the best 8 family dining restaurants in the United States in the Consumer Picks Survey via Nation’s Restaurant News.

Shoney’s was recognized for having the best rating for value among all family dining chains and also scored well for its service, menu variety and diners being likely to recommend it. Its category leadership, relevance and impact on family dining was recently captured in a column in Columbia, Tennessee’s newspaper, Columbia Daily Herald.

In order to get back to what Mr. Davoudpour confidently calls Shoney’s “Glory Days,” the brand is now growing through franchising, following an extensive revitalization effort. Shoney’s is offering franchising opportunities to qualified single and multi-unit candidates. For more information, visit http://www.shoneys.com/franchise/.

Shoney's News

Shoney’s Amplifies Its Efforts to Feed Those in Need During Unprecedented Times

April 28, 2020

Shoney’s is closely following all guidance issued by the CDC, and state and local governments and health departments. At this time, Shoney’s remains open to serve the needs of our communities and our team members as that is our brand promise.

March 13, 2020

Shoney’s® CEO Mr. David Davoudpour To Provide FREE Meals to First Responders and Nashvillians Impacted by Tornado for Next Three Nights

March 6, 2020

View More News

Commentary: Thanksgiving lunch, hot fudge cake fuel walk down memory lane at Shoney’s

December 11, 2019

Shoney’s was one of the best restaurants in my small Tennessee town growing up, and at one time, it was the place to go in Columbia to be seen on a Friday or Saturday night.

As I sat in the Columbia location for Thanksgiving lunch and for Free Hot Fudge Cake Day a week later, I was flooded both times with nostalgic, feel-good memories of the iconic brand.

My father helped open a Shoney’s restaurants in Cookeville, about 70 miles east of Nashville, when I was a little boy. He was part of the breakfast crews who introduced the popular breakfast bar during its heyday.

Late in his life — until he died in 2012 at age 80 — dad would drive to town every morning from his farm outside Sparta and have a breakfast bar at Shoney’s. He drank a cup of coffee and ate lightly from the breakfast bar, and they only charged him $1. The managers, cooks and waitresses always treated him with great respect and admiration for having been and around Shoney’s for 50 years.

Looking back, I’ll never forget how they made my father feel or how excited I was to go to Shoney’s into my college years. Shoney’s briefly opened a franchise in Phoenix when I was working in Arizona in the 1990s, and I would take friends and colleagues to lunch and wax poetically about how highly regarded Shoney’s was down South.

Through the years, Shoney’s lost part of its sizzle as the place to go. Maybe that’s partly because of Cracker Barrel’s emergence as the go-to place for breakfast and country cooking. Maybe it’s because Waffle House’s no-frills locations could whip up bacon, eggs and waffles as fast as their smarmy waitresses could call out the order.

There always were distinct difference to me between Cracker Barrel, Waffle House and Shoney’s. Cracker Barrel was the place to go if you were traveling. Waffle House was the best bet for late at night or on snow days. Shoney’s was a community meeting place where you would your friends and neighbors.

I noticed some Shoney’s locations started to close in the 1990s and 2000s as the brand lost luster. It seemed Denny’s — home of the Grand Slam breakfast — suffered the same fate around the same time.

Luckily for Shoney’s, David Davoudpour bought the company in 2006 and has been on a mission to restore it as the country’s premier family dining destination. His passion has allowed the company to remain at 150 locations in 17 states.

“In the long run, I would like to have 1,000 Shoney’s restaurants,” Davoudpour told The Daily Herald on Friday.

I spoke with Davoudpour after he visited several locations on Free Hot Fudge Cake Day. He originated the concept for the first week in December as a thank you to customers and as a way to say Merry Christmas.

Click Here to Read the full story at The Daily Herold.

Shoney's News

Shoney’s Amplifies Its Efforts to Feed Those in Need During Unprecedented Times

April 28, 2020

Shoney’s is closely following all guidance issued by the CDC, and state and local governments and health departments. At this time, Shoney’s remains open to serve the needs of our communities and our team members as that is our brand promise.

March 13, 2020

Shoney’s® CEO Mr. David Davoudpour To Provide FREE Meals to First Responders and Nashvillians Impacted by Tornado for Next Three Nights

March 6, 2020

View More News

Shoney’s To Treat America to FREE Hot Fudge Cake on Thursday, December 5, 2019

November 26, 2019

Shoney’s Says Thank You and Happy Holidays by Offering its Signature and Most Popular Dessert – at No Charge and with NO Purchase Necessary.

Nashville, TN (RestaurantNews.com) Shoney’s, the iconic, All-American restaurant brand, world-renowned for freshly-prepared, high-quality food at a great value with friendly service, is saying Thank You and Happy Holidays again this year with its legendary annual National FREE Hot Fudge Cake Day on Thursday, December 5, 2019.

America’s Dinner Table for more than 71 years, Shoney’s will offer its popular dessert at no cost and with no purchase required to its loyal fans and new guests. Shoney’s famous Hot Fudge Cake has been a brand staple since 1947 and has played a key role in the brand’s recent resurgence. Shoney’s serves over 2 million Hot Fudge Cakes each year, and for one day a year, guests get one for free!

David Davoudpour,
Shoney’s Chairman and CEO

“I made a commitment to return one of the most iconic American brands to its glory days and as part of that pledge, I vowed that Shoney’s would create its own holiday, an annual event to show our appreciation for our valued guests,” said Shoney’s Chairman and CEO Mr. David Davoudpour. “I invite you to join us as Shoney’s honors our past and celebrates our commitment to treating future generations with America’s favorite dessert and on this day, it’s on me!”

Shoney’s has collected restaurant industry accolades for the entirety of its 71-year history and the world-renowned brand was recently recognized by consumers as one of America’s Favorite Chains in the family-dining category, based on a Restaurant Business poll and was voted one of the best 8 family dining restaurants in the United States in the Consumer Picks Survey via Nation’s Restaurant News.

Shoney’s was recognized for having the best rating for value among all family dining chains and also scored well for its service, menu variety and diners being likely to recommend it.

About Shoney’s

Shoney’s is headquartered in Nashville, operates in 17 states and is now growing through franchising following an extensive revitalization effort. For more than 70 years, guests have enjoyed Shoney’s family-friendly, casual dining experience. Visit www.shoneys.com for more information on restaurant hours, locations and special offers. Shoney’s is offering franchising opportunities to qualified single and multi-unit candidates. For more information, visit http://www.shoneys.com/franchise/. You can also follow Shoney’s on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Contact:
Derek Farley
150PR for Shoney’s
704-941-7353
derek@150pr.com

Shoney's News

Shoney’s Amplifies Its Efforts to Feed Those in Need During Unprecedented Times

April 28, 2020

Shoney’s is closely following all guidance issued by the CDC, and state and local governments and health departments. At this time, Shoney’s remains open to serve the needs of our communities and our team members as that is our brand promise.

March 13, 2020

Shoney’s® CEO Mr. David Davoudpour To Provide FREE Meals to First Responders and Nashvillians Impacted by Tornado for Next Three Nights

March 6, 2020

View More News

Shoney’s Celebrates the Undisputed Flavor of Fall with its Annual Pumpkin Fest

September 13, 2019

Pumpkin Pie, by the Slice or Whole, Pumpkin Pie Milkshakes, Pumpkin Pancakes and Spiced Pumpkin Infused Coffee Available for A Limited Time at America’s Dinner Table

Nashville, TN (RestaurantNews.com) With Autumn on the horizon, pumpkin is now officially the undisputed flavor of fall and Shoney’s, America’s Dinner Table for more than 70 years, is bringing back several seasonal favorite pumpkin offerings, all freshly-prepared and made-to-order in a variety of ways, during its annual Pumpkin Fest.

The iconic, All-American brand, under direction of Shoney’s Chairman and CEO Mr. David Davoudpour and his team of culinary experts, is featuring its famous Pumpkin Pie, by the slice and whole, Pumpkin Pie Milkshakes, Pumpkin Pancakes (short stack or endless) and Spiced Pumpkin Infused Coffee for a limited time only.

Read this whole press release on RestaurantNews.com

Shoney's News

Shoney’s Amplifies Its Efforts to Feed Those in Need During Unprecedented Times

April 28, 2020

Shoney’s is closely following all guidance issued by the CDC, and state and local governments and health departments. At this time, Shoney’s remains open to serve the needs of our communities and our team members as that is our brand promise.

March 13, 2020

Shoney’s® CEO Mr. David Davoudpour To Provide FREE Meals to First Responders and Nashvillians Impacted by Tornado for Next Three Nights

March 6, 2020

View More News

Shoney’s Is One Of “America’s Favorite Family-Dining Restaurants”

February 28, 2019

Thank you to Restaurant Business Magazine and all of our wonderful fans for honoring us as one of “America’s Favorite Family-Dining Restaurants”. We couldn’t be more flattered.

Click here to read more

Shoney's News

Shoney’s Amplifies Its Efforts to Feed Those in Need During Unprecedented Times

April 28, 2020

Shoney’s is closely following all guidance issued by the CDC, and state and local governments and health departments. At this time, Shoney’s remains open to serve the needs of our communities and our team members as that is our brand promise.

March 13, 2020

Shoney’s® CEO Mr. David Davoudpour To Provide FREE Meals to First Responders and Nashvillians Impacted by Tornado for Next Three Nights

March 6, 2020

View More News

Shoney’s Boy Scout Navigators Scholarship Program Provides $536,000 In Scholarships for Students in At-Risk Communities

April 11, 2018

Shoney’s Initiative Benefitting the Boy Scouts of America® Learning for Life Navigators Program Has Provided 176 Scholarships Since 2006

Nashville, TN Shoney’s makes a difference in the communities it serves every day. Through its sponsorship of a unique scholarship program benefiting the Boy Scouts of America’s Navigators program, the Shoney’s initiative has awarded $536,000 changing lives through 176 scholarships, including ten to Metro Nashville Public School students recently equaling $46,000, for promising high school students in at-risk communities.

The scholarships, administered by the Boy Scouts and sponsored by Shoney’s, is a part of a program for MNPS high school young men and women whose goal is to provide in-school college prep programs culminating with an opportunity to receive a college scholarship.

The Navigators program is managed through the AVID class. AVID, Advancement Via Individual Determination, is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to closing the achievement gap by preparing all students for college and other postsecondary opportunities.

Through the generosity of Shoney’s and its service and vendor partners since 2006, scholarships have been provided to those who have shown an ability to achieve success while overcoming significant personal obstacles and challenges. The Boy Scouts of America’s Navigators Program honors deserving young achievers by giving them the opportunity to learn more about their future career options and aiding them in developing their personal occupational paths.

Deadrick Thaxton and Juan Gipson, who represented Shoney’s, was joined by Boy Scout representatives: Larry Brown, Scout Executive; Vance Lackey, Director of Field Service; and Marah Vogt, Exploring Executive.

“We are honored to be a partner of AVID. In 2004, Shoney’s and the Boy Scouts formed the Navigators Scholarship program,” said Thaxton. “Our goal was to provide guidance and financial support for AVID students to prepare for their future in college. The first scholarships were given out in 2008, and after today we will have provided 179 students with $536,500 in scholarship funds.”

The following recipients received a one year $1,000 scholarship:

Lauren Reese
Merna Sadek
Karoleen Said
Marina Abdelnour

Others were awarded a $4,000 scholarship which will be paid over four years:

Nitya Bhatt
Jordan Scales
Nardeen Fayik

Several recipients received the top scholarship of $10,000 payable over four years:

Maria Farg
Dina Mikaiel
Nanch Abdo

“Shoney’s scholarship recipients live by a philosophy of determination,” said Shoney’s Chairman and CEO David Davidpour. “They inspire others to excel and give us hope and confidence in our future. Shoney’s is very excited to continue our partnership with Boy Scouts of America to make dreams a reality for some very deserving future leaders.”

Shoney's News

Shoney’s Amplifies Its Efforts to Feed Those in Need During Unprecedented Times

April 28, 2020

Shoney’s is closely following all guidance issued by the CDC, and state and local governments and health departments. At this time, Shoney’s remains open to serve the needs of our communities and our team members as that is our brand promise.

March 13, 2020

Shoney’s® CEO Mr. David Davoudpour To Provide FREE Meals to First Responders and Nashvillians Impacted by Tornado for Next Three Nights

March 6, 2020

View More News

Shoney’s Opens First-Of-Its-Kind Location at Sugarloaf Mills

April 11, 2018

Shoney’s opened its first mall location at Sugarloaf Mills in Duluth, Ga. “No longer will you have to come to the mall and eat once-frozen chicken or beef,” Davoudpour said. “All of our food will be fresh. Our chicken will be hand-breaded, our beef will be hand-seasoned … it will all be great food from a great menu.” Read more.

Shoney's News

Shoney’s Amplifies Its Efforts to Feed Those in Need During Unprecedented Times

April 28, 2020

Shoney’s is closely following all guidance issued by the CDC, and state and local governments and health departments. At this time, Shoney’s remains open to serve the needs of our communities and our team members as that is our brand promise.

March 13, 2020

Shoney’s® CEO Mr. David Davoudpour To Provide FREE Meals to First Responders and Nashvillians Impacted by Tornado for Next Three Nights

March 6, 2020

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