Legacy Restaurant Group, LLC, in cooperation with Wendy’s International, announces the grand opening of its newly reconstructed Wendy’s franchise at 1625 Range Line Rd. in Joplin, Missouri. The new building sits on the site of the former Wendy’s restaurant, which was demolished by an EF5 tornado May 22, 2011. A ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce is scheduled for 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 26.
“We’re a proud partner in rebuilding and restoring the wonderful community of Joplin,” says Jill Lincoln, vice president of the Topeka, Kansas-based Legacy Restaurant Group, which owns several Wendy’s restaurants in and around Joplin as well as Topeka, Lawrence, and Kansas City.
The new Wendy’s opened its doors for business on Oct. 4, 2011, just 125 days after the massive storm. Legacy Restaurant Group was able to place the multiple employees who worked at the former store in its four other Wendy’s restaurants while the new building was being constructed.
“The support we received from our vendor partners, fellow franchisees, and Wendy’s corporate in our rebuilding efforts reinforced my belief in the Wendy’s family and their commitment to the values established by founder Dave Thomas,” says Kirk Williams, Wendy’s franchisee and president of Legacy Restaurant Group.
The totally state-of-the-art building features two drive-through windows and a self-service drink machine. Later this year, Wendy’s will install the new high-tech Coca-Cola Freestyle – the ultimate beverage experience that features more than 100 drink choices in one sleek touchscreen.
The management team of the restaurant includes General Manager Debbie Smith and Shift Managers Crystal Montgomery, Gine Morris, Jill Mayfield, and Dorothy Abell. This restaurant will employ about 40 area residents.