Damon's Grill Expansion Continues with New Franchised Locations in Puerto Rico and Pennsylvania (1/02)

After opening 15 new restaurants last year, expansion plans remain as hot as the grill at Damon's International. This week, two more franchised Damon's Grill locations open, the first of five new restaurants scheduled for the first quarter.

The first Damon's in Puerto Rico opens in Guaynabo, a city of 90,000 located about 10 minutes from San Juan. Located in a retail shopping district, it is the first of seven to be built on the island. The Franchise is owned and operated by Puerto Rico-based American Management, Inc. Chairman Walter Pierluisi plans to open his next Damon's this summer in Hatillo. The Restaurant seats 214 and has approximately 100 employees.

Damon's 12th Pennsylvania restaurant, located just west of Allentown in Fogelsville, also opens this week. Veteran restaurant operators Jim Rippon and Al Hassman built a 230-seat restaurant that employs 120. It serves the Allentown area, and is expected to draw from suburban Philadelphia.

With more than 140 locations worldwide, Damon's International is a leading franchiser and operator of full-service, casual dining restaurants that emphasize grilled steaks, chicken and seafood, salads and Damon's award- winning ribs. Guests enjoy a quiet dining room or Damon's high-energy Clubhouse that features a state-of-the-art multi-screen entertainment system offering sports, network programming and interactive games. Founded in 1979, Damon's International is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio.