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Roy Rogers Restaurant hits 'Comeback Trail' with Cal Ripken Jr.

April 5, 2018

Roy Rogers is on the comeback trail, and with any luck it will be like the original Roy Rogers' show theme song — "Happy Trails" —  for the chain, which has suffered a series of setbacks over the years that have taken the one-time 600-location chain down to just 54 units. 

The brand, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, is hoping the series of events its has planned around Baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. and customer freebies will increase traffic. The chain, according to a company press release, said the celebration will help restore the brand to its former glory in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, although the current owners attribute much of the past woes to problems with former ownership. 

Co-owners Jim Plamondon and Pete Plamondon Jr., the sons of a former Marriott Corporation executive, who was one of the brand's original franchisees in the 1960s, now operate more than 20 locations.

Their goal is to attract new franchisees as they open new stores, which is why they chose to partner with Ripken and the he Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation. It helps underserved youth through programs and so-called "Youth Development Parks" that give kids safe places to play, according to the release.