Arni’s Restaurant has a long tradition in Indiana.  In 1965 the first Arni’s opened at Market Square Shopping Center in Lafayette by Arni Cohen.  Originally seating 120 diners, the restaurant’s popularity forced several expansions over the years to its current capacity of almost 500. Through the years, several more Arni’s opened in various communities throughout Indiana.  Most of these were smaller stores with an emphasis on carryout service.  In the summer of 1988, Arni opened his second full service operation, this time with his oldest son Kurt, who had been managing restaurants in Chicago with Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises.  Seating capacity at this store is almost 300 diners.  This brought the total number of restaurants to five. In order to gain total control of quality and to provide broad storage for the wide variety of food products and supplies the company was now using, Arni’s created a distribution company called Linarco Distributing and completed the construction of a 15,000 square foot commissary and distribution center.  This gave the company the space to not only develop its own products, such as dough, salad dressings and chili, but also to stock items for the sale to both company owned stores and outside restaurants as well. In 1992, Arni’s youngest son Brad joined the company to help spearhead franchise sales and development.  Over the years, 9 franchises have been sold throughout central Indiana, with 8 of those restaurants still in operation.  In 1996 Arni’s elected to buyout the Columbus franchise and make it a company owned store.  The current lineup consists of 10 company owned stores and eight franchised locations.  Arni Cohen always had a philosophy that if you take care of the employees, they will take care of you.  This mantra has resulted in Arni’s Restaurants having a turnover rate that is a fraction of the national average.  Almost 15% of the staff has been with Arni’s for over 10 years.  In addition, Arni’s prides itself in providing a fun place to eat, with efficient service, and quality food at reasonable prices.  The goal has always been to have loyal customers and employees. Arni Cohen passed on February 7th, 2002.  His sons Kurt and Brad Cohen are carrying his vision into the 21st century.    Key Company Personnel Kurt Cohen President Bradley Cohen Vice President Shelley Hendricks Public Relations Brian Nelson Purchasing Manager Ed Moskovitz Franchise Manager Chuck Petry Corporate Office Manager