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Roy Rogers plans to return to South Jersey for the first time in decades.

After signing a lease for a 3,300-square-foot-building at 614 Haddonfield Road in Cherry Hill, the western-themed fast-food chain expects to open next spring, according to a Nov. 20 press release.

A PDQ restaurant that closed in 2023 previously occupied the storefront. Roy Rogers will be the only drive-thru restaurant on Haddonfield Road, PhillyVoice noted.

In addition to design upgrades, Roy Rogers will include new technology, such as electronic menu boards, ordering kiosks and digital drive-thru menu boards for an elevated guest experience, the company said.

The Maryland-based chain offers burgers, roast beef sandwiches and fried chicken. Roy Rogers also features its “Fixin’s Bar,” which allows guests to customize their orders with a variety of fresh produce, condiments and signature sauces.

Staging a comeback

At its peak, Roy Rogers had more than 650 restaurants across eight states. However, the chain settled into decline during the 1990s when its parent company, the Marriott Corp., sold the rights to Hardee’s. After, most of the locations were converted into other restaurants.

During the mid-2010s, Roy Rogers sought to expand its presence in New Jersey. At that point, the brand had one Garden State restaurant, in Pine Beach. Amid great fanfare, the chain added spots in Brick, Edison, Flemington and Franklin. Today, locations remain in Brick and Pine Beach.

Currently, Roy Rogers’ footprint consists of 23 company-owned restaurants and 17 franchise sites in seven states.

Joe Briglia, the company’s director of real estate and franchise development, commented on the chain’s first return to the region since the 1980s. “We’ve received an overwhelming number of requests from loyal Roy Rogers fans for a location in this area and we’re delighted to make it a reality,” he said.

Roy Rogers co-President Jim Plamondon said the chain “could not be happier to bring our USDA choice top round roast beef, juicy burgers and fresh, hand-breaded fried chicken back to Cherry Hill.”

“Roy’s legacy fans will be thrilled to see the iconic Fixin’s Bar and use our signature sauces to customize their favorite sandwiches and tenders. New guests will be pleased with our diverse menu and quality beef, burgers and chicken you can’t find anywhere else,” he said.

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