Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Economic Exposure: Lenny’s Fans, Food, Experience Don’t Waver

Equipped with a Fanatical Following, Personality, and Proven Taste, Sub Shop Franchise Extends National Reach

Memphis, Tennessee – Armed with a fanatical following full of folks often expressing their deep admiration of Lenny’s Sub Shops with three powerful words, “I Love Lenny’s”, the 157-unit sandwich specialists spent much of 2009 preparing itself for the next step in its brand evolution. Refusing to shy away from a turbulent economy, Lenny’s leaders went to work, expanding both taste and internal strength.

Lenny’s has a fantastic foundation. We are taking the foundation and expanding the opportunity,” said George Alvord, CEO of Lenny’s. “Rather than regressing, as many brands have been forced to do in the last few years, we took this economy as an opportunity to fine-tune our brand from both consumer and franchise prospect angles. Our ability to reinvest in the brand during the toughest economic climate of our brand’s history has proven fruitful.”

In 2009, Lenny’s experienced executives saw a shift in the way entrepreneurial prospects were seeing the brand, too. In fact, Lenny’s opened 12 restaurants in 2009 and projects continued growth for 2010.

“The economy exposed many brands,” said Brent Alvord, President. “For us, it exposed our commitment and unwillingness to waver.”

Lenny's high-quality casual concept has caught on; the proof is in the numbers. The executive team and a small group of investors purchased the brand in 2004 from its Philly-native founder, took the 50-unit chain and expanded it to a nationally-recognized, 157-unit franchise with locations in 20 U.S. states. They revamped Lenny's franchising infrastructure by adding additional support and staff training, and new customer service videos and slideshows to help create the exceptional experience that customers have since come to expect from the brand.

Even though they’ve upgraded the business, "people appreciate that our favorite items haven't changed since the beginning," said George Alvord. "Our Authentic Philly Cheesesteak is still the most popular item, and our guests can still have the customized experience they love."

Part of the brand’s allure is its commitment to its fans. Not all sandwich shops are created equal, unfortunately for the competition, Lenny’s has proven that. That's why hungry people across the nation are talking about the quick-casual restaurant serving fresh meats on generously-portioned subs for over a decade (the Authentic Philly Cheesesteak 15-incher weighs over a pound). Unlike those serving processed meats, Lenny's high-quality steak is from Philadelphia and is trucked twice per week to its locations across the country.

Lenny's stands a step above the competition by offering dining services that other quick-casual restaurants don't. For instance, when you place your order at the Lenny's counter, you can watch while the Lenny's crew member slices your deli meat fresh to order. Employees are frequently seen in the dining area asking if you're enjoying your food or need a drink refill. The average combo meal including chips and a drink costs about $8.50, and refills are free. Don't look for a garbage can on the way out; a Lenny's staff member will clean off the table for you.

“Exceptional service has always been a staple to our guest experience. I think Social Media has widened that scope of demand even deeper. Positive word of mouth now spreads electronically throughout our Social Media footprint, and it is vital for us to maintain that positive buzz,” Brent Alvord said. “Our commitment, across every part of the restaurant, can be seen in the way our fans rave about our brand.”

ABOUT LENNY’S SUB SHOPS
Since the beginning, Lenny's commitment to quality and attention to detail has gone into every restaurant and sub sandwich. This dedication has helped Lenny's to become one of the fastest growing sub sandwich chains in the country. Today, Lenny's Sub Shop continues to expand throughout the United States by offering franchise opportunities. Authentic Philly Cheesesteaks & The Deli Fresh Experience™ are reasons why our loyal guests say they prefer a Lenny’s sub hands down to our national competition. Why? Lenny's puts back what has been missing in the sub sandwich business - More Food, More Taste, More Personality!® For more information, visit www.lennys.com.

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