Fast Food Chain Expands with New Outlet Amidst Revitalization Efforts
In the fast-food industry, the revival of a once-popular chain can be a rare and exciting event. One such example is Roy Rogers Restaurants, which, after a period of decline, is making a comeback primarily in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern United States.
Originally founded by the Marriott Corporation in 1968 after acquiring RoBee's House of Beef, Roy Rogers Restaurants reached its peak in the 1990s with over 600 locations across the country [1][2]. However, in 1990, the chain was sold to Hardee's, leading many Roy Rogers restaurants to convert into Hardee's locations [2].
Fast forward to 2002, and the Roy Rogers brand was reacquired by the Plamondon family, former Marriott executives and franchisees. Since then, they have been working tirelessly to revive and expand the chain [2][3].
The most recent expansion efforts include the opening of a new restaurant in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, last week, marking the brand's return to southern New Jersey and the Philadelphia market for the first time since the 1980s [1][3]. Additionally, a new location is planned for Leesburg, Virginia, which will be their third there [1]. As of mid-2025, there are approximately 40 to 41 Roy Rogers Restaurants, with more than half of these in Maryland, where the company is based [1][2].
The Plamondon brothers, Jim and Pete Jr., have been credited with helping open and operate multiple Roy Rogers restaurants. Jim Plamondon, co-President of the Roy Rogers Restaurants, stated that Cherry Hill allows them to serve a growing, diverse community [3].
The resurgence of Roy Rogers Restaurants reflects a strategic push to reestablish the brand in its traditional markets with a combination of company-owned and franchised outlets [1][3]. The brand's return to the southern New Jersey and Philadelphia markets has been met with a warm welcome, as evidenced by the high volume of customers at the Cherry Hill location on June 25, 2025 [3].
The Plamondons are also looking to expand the brand beyond its food offerings. They recently launched Roy Rogers merchandise, aiming to further grow the brand's presence [3].
As the Roy Rogers Restaurants continue to expand, it's clear that they are committed to bringing back the nostalgia and quality that made them a household name in the fast-food industry.
References: [1] Roy Rogers Restaurants. (2025). Press Release: Roy Rogers Restaurants Return to Southern New Jersey and Philadelphia Markets. Retrieved from [www.royrogers.com/news](http://www.royrogers.com/news) [2] Plamondon Companies. (2025). About Us. Retrieved from [www.plamondoncompanies.com/about-us](http://www.plamondoncompanies.com/about-us) [3] Roy Rogers Restaurants. (2025). Instagram Post: Welcome to Cherry Hill, NJ! Retrieved from [www.instagram.com/royrogersrestaurants](http://www.instagram.com/royrogersrestaurants)
- In the financial markets, the resurgence of Roy Rogers Restaurants is being funded by the Plamondon brothers, who have been credited for their strategic efforts in reviving and expanding the once-popular fast-food chain.
- The revival of Roy Rogers Restaurants is not only limited to the fast-food industry, as the Plamondon family aims to grow the brand's presence through the launch of Roy Rogers merchandise.
- The comeback of Roy Rogers Restaurants is primarily focused on their traditional markets, including the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern United States, such as in Cherry Hill, New Jersey and Leesburg, Virginia.
- The Plamondon family, with their background in the hospitality industry, are also looking to expand Roy Rogers Restaurants' footprint in the retail and lifestyle sectors, beyond their food-and-drink offerings.
