A pair of area restaurant owners will be expanding with a new franchise agreement.
Michael and Cherie Cook, who own Godfather’s Pizza, Donut House, Godfather’s Concessions, and Courtside Café at Three Rivers College, expect to open a location of Perkins Restaurant & Bakery in Poplar Bluff by February 2025.
The Cooks are also in the process of selecting sites for two other locations in the area, according to a press release. Michael Cook said these will most likely be in Cape Girardeau and Farmington.
“We were looking for a homestyle dining concept, and Perkins is the perfect addition to our existing restaurant brands. We want Perkins to be a hub that draws guests from all neighboring towns,” Michael Cook said. “Cherie and I have decades of experience with restaurant management in the hospitality industry, and we’re looking forward to using our knowledge to pursue this new opportunity for ourselves and our family as we open these locations.”
He anticipates determining the Poplar Bluff location in the next few months and beginning employee training around September 2024. The other two locations will likely open within the next four years.
The Cooks plan to manage the business alongside their two youngest sons. Michael Cook’s experience includes a general manager role at Godfather’s Pizza as a teenager and later acquiring the location in 2013. Cherie Cook brings over 20 years of experience in customer service and is intimately involved in managing their restaurant business accounts.
They are also in partnership with their friends in Lemonade House Grille, Fishin Pig restaurants, and three LHG Mobile food trucks.
This will bring Perkins to 11 locations in Missouri, according to the company.
The 65-year-old breakfast franchise is entering “an era of strong growth and continued innovation,” officials said.
“At Perkins, we’re looking for successful and experienced restaurant operators and Michael and Cherie fit the bill,” said Peter Ortiz, chief development officer at Huddle House and Perkins. “Michael and Cherie have the experience necessary to thrive and grow with our brand for years to come.”