Alcoa O'Charley's to undergo 'RevO'lution'
By Robert Norrisof The Daily Times Staff
Originally published: May 08. 2008 3:01AM
Last modified: May 08. 2008 12:30AM
O'Charley's in Alcoa is going for an "O'My."
The restaurant, located in Springbrook Corporate Center, is undergoing a refurbishing that will give it an updated look. The Nashville-based chain is calling the planned changes "Project RevO'lution."
During the month-long "rebranding," O'Charley's will raise funds for the Alcoa City Schools by collecting a percentage of all dessert sales.
Work started Sunday at the 364 Fountain View Circle location, and is taking place at night when the restaurant is closed, but customers will notice the changes as they happen.
"It will have a new color scheme, a much cleaner look, new décor on the walls," said David Cox, operations director.
"There will be a complete new furniture package guests will notice. What I really hope they notice is a whole new guest experience. We cater to the guests."
The burgundy-colored booths and seat covers will be replaced with black, and there will be new lighting. The exterior will have updated signage, lighting and updated awnings.
The neon logo sign will be replaced with a backlit design that is easier to read, said Cox, who oversees O'Charley's restaurants from Crossville to Morristown, including the six in the Knoxville area that are undergoing the revitalization.
Cox said service also will be enhanced. For example, the update includes curbside to-go service with a separate entrance for customers if they want to wait inside for orders called in ahead of time.
Jeff Warne, O'Charley's concept president, said the Project RevO'lution program has been a success in markets where the rebranding has been completed.
"The continued positive response of our guests and team members confirms that we 'got it right.' The program was two years in development, and we are quite proud of the final product and the improved results we are seeing in other markets and will soon see in Alcoa," Warne said.
The plan is for the nighttime work to continue until June 1. On that night the restaurant will stop service at its normal 10 p.m. Sunday close time and stay shut for 2¬½ days. At 5 p.m. on June 4, the following Wednesday, the Alcoa O'Charley's will reopen for business.
At 4:30 p.m. June 4 before the reopening, a "ribbon-carving" ceremony will be held featuring an oversized, ceremonial steak knife. At that time the dessert sales donation will be presented to the Alcoa director of schools.
During the 2¬½-day shutdown, the restaurant staff will be in training.