Founded in 1947 by Alex “Shoney” Shoenbaum when he opened the “Parkette Drive-In” adjacent to his father’s bowling alley in Charleston, West Virginia. Shoenbaum became a Big Boy franchiser in 1952 and changed the name of his restaurant to Parkette Big Boy Shoppe. By 1954, Shoenbaum had 5 restaurant locations.
In 1982, the company began franchising restaurants in other states under the name Shoney’s Towne and Country. In 2000, the company filed for bankruptcy and was acquired by Lone Star Funds. In 2007, the company was purchased by Royal Capital Corporation, the same owners as Church’s Fried Chicken.
The new CEO, David Davoudpour, has completely reorganized and revitalized the restaurant chain, making it profitable once again. As of December of 2019, the company had 282 locations in 17 states.
In April 2020, in response to the coronavirus pandemic, Shoney’s offered free meals to hospitality workers.
Shoney’s maintains a corporate office in Nashville, Tennessee.
Founded in 1947 by Alex “Shoney” Shoenbaum when he opened the “Parkette Drive-In” adjacent to his father’s bowling alley in Charleston, West Virginia. Shoenbaum became a Big Boy franchiser in 1952 and changed the name of his restaurant to Parkette Big Boy Shoppe. By 1954, Shoenbaum had 5 restaurant locations.
History
In 1982, the company began franchising restaurants in other states under the name Shoney’s Towne and Country. In 2000, the company filed for bankruptcy and was acquired by Lone Star Funds. In 2007, the company was purchased by Royal Capital Corporation, the same owners as Church’s Fried Chicken.
The new CEO, David Davoudpour, has completely reorganized and revitalized the restaurant chain, making it profitable once again. As of December of 2019, the company had 282 locations in 17 states.
In April 2020, in response to the coronavirus pandemic, Shoney’s offered free meals to hospitality workers.
Shoney’s maintains a corporate office in Nashville, Tennessee.