Closing the deal on Denny's

In 1999-2000 the privilege of representing Shoney's Inc. in the sale of three of their properties in our region fell to me. It was a whirlwind as the speed of sale was imperative. All three were sold and closed within a nine-month period.

The properties are now owned by the Montano family, dba El Acapulco in Poplar Bluff, by Bening Motors in Sikeston and by Jomar Investments, dba Denny's in Cape Girardeau.

While I generally love my job from day to day, once in while you are blessed to meet someone extraordinary and it makes the job worth the long, long hours and lack of personal freedom. This is the case concerning the new owner of the Denny's franchise in Cape Girardeau.

Jim Erkman has been wonderful throughout the process of purchasing the former Shoney's building. He endured my numerous phone calls, fax memos and packages as I kept insisting that Cape Girardeau and my client's property in particular were worthy of his attention. After six months of prodding, Jim and three of his key executives flew in to take a look at our city and the real estate available.

While he knew that he could not consider starting construction on the project here until January 2001, Mr. Erkman was gracious enough to close on the property in August 2000. Since the announcement of the sale, we have eagerly awaited the opening.

Beginning at 6 a.m. on April 30, you'll be able to start enjoying those "grand slam breakfasts" and the rest of the full-service menu.

The restaurant will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The seating capacity is about 150. Some 110 full-time and part-time employees have been training to be ready when the doors open on April 30. The general manager in Cape Girardeau is Scott City resident Beau Posey. Mr. Posey has 17 years experience in the industry and is very excited to get the doors open.

He was thrilled to learn that so many residents in Cape Girardeau and the surrounding areas were actually requesting that a Denny's be opened here. The anticipation will surely pay off.

This store features the new Denny's Diner 2000 concept. The concept is a step back in time with a fun-filled, circa 1950s atmosphere. A giant jukebox adorns the lobby. The servers will perform special dances for the customers while sporting their bowling shirt uniforms. You can expect the same great food, but a lot more fun than the traditional Denny's.

Jomar Investments is headquartered in Lake Saint Louis, Mo.

Having a privately-owned franchise with a real person who cares so much about the day to day operations is a true assets to the business and the community. Mr. Erkman tells me that he and his employees plan to be involved in the community through the Chamber of Commerce as well as other organizations. There are also plans for charitable fundraisers and awareness campaigns through the restaurant.

As a side note: new on the market are two of the former Paramount Headwear factory buildings. A 75,873-square-foot warehouse with office building in Bernie, and a 60,780-square-foot warehouse with office building in Dexter.

Cynthia de Journett Austin is the CFO of Austin Acquisitions in Jackson and the commercial specialist with RE/MAX Achievers in Cape Girardeau.

Your questions and comments are welcome at: 1471 N. Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63701, (573) 979-7653 or online at www.teamaustins.com.