Lenny's was just recently featured in the Knoxville News Sentinel!

Harrington: Helping youth with job skills

Dian Trosclair considers herself a victim of modern-day miracles.

After 28 years in the corporate world, Trosclair’s executive position with ServiceMaster was eliminated last January as part of the weak economy and outsourcing.

It provided the perfect window for the 55-year-old Knoxville native to move back to East Tennessee from Memphis and become involved in the community through the five Lenny's Sub Shop stores she owns with her brother, Sean Norris.

"In my corporate career, charitable things were addressed mostly by writing a check," said Trosclair, who spent 12 years at FedEx and 15 at ServiceMaster. "I was never really able to get involved. I feel like this is my opportunity in life to make a difference." (Read More)

Franchisee Spotlight: Dian Trosclair

Each week, Lenny's will highlight a franchisee. This week, Dian Trosclair, is our spotlight franchisee.

Franchisee Since: May 2008
Franchise Locations: Knoxville, TN; Alcoa, TN

How Dian Trosclair Got Started With Lenny’s Sub Shop…

Dian had always wanted to return to Eastern Tennessee, having grown up there with her brother, Sean Norris, and she thought that delving into independent business ownership seemed like the best opportunity to relocate back to Tennessee. When the company that she worked for as Vice President of Strategic Sourcing & Supply Chain Logistics was bought by a private equity company, Dian took the opportunity to become more involved in her Lenny’s locations. Originally beginning as a passive owner of five Lenny’s locations, Dian has recently taken on a more involved approach and is actively involved in the operation of each location, helping during the busy lunch hours and interacting directly with customers to provide them with an exceptional Lenny’s experience.

What Intrigued Dian Trosclair about Lenny’s Sub Shop…

Having spent time looking for business opportunities with her brother for several years, Dian became interested in Lenny’s Sub Shop upon seeing the success of the Lenny’s concept. Dian also knew several people who owned Lenny’s locations themselves and had a great experience as franchisees. Dian wanted to be able to work with the public and be a part of a friendly atmosphere, and she ultimately found that opportunity with Lenny’s.

Something Interesting About Dian Trosclair’s Story…

As a franchisee of Lenny’s Sub Shop, Dian looks forward to becoming more involved in the community. While working in the corporate world, she always felt that her work came first and the community came second, but with Lenny’s she feels like she is able to ingrain her business within the community. Currently, through Lenny’s, Dian donates time and resources to Youth Villages, to muscular dystrophy foundations and to a program called ‘Joy of Music’, which provides music lessons to underprivileged children, and Shriners. Dian has seen first hand how many of these organizations have helped her friend’s children overcome difficult illnesses and handicaps. Over the next few years, Dian looks to become involved with additional organizations throughout the community.

For more information about Dian Trosclair, Lenny's Sub Shop or the Lenny's Sub Shop franchise opportunity, please visit http://www.lennys.com/.

Lenny's was recently featured in the Commercial Appeal!

Memphis sandwich-maker Lenny's is saturating local market
By Toby Sells

When a new Lenny's Sub Shop opens at Main and Peabody Monday, the Memphis sandwich-maker will have nearly saturated its hometown market.

The new store at 153 Main will open in the spot formerly occupied by Blues City Pastry. The high-traffic corner is the end of the Main Street Mall, sits right on the trolley line and is a gateway to the South Main and Beale Street entertainment corridors.

The new Lenny's is opening less than a mile from a current Downtown location at 22 N. Front.

"It's right in the heart of Downtown and is an extremely high-traffic area," said franchise co-owner Lawson Fisher. "The timing was right, and it's just a great location." (Read More)

Lenny's was recently featured in the Memphis Daily News!

Land of Lenny's

Second Downtown location saturates market
TOM WILEMON | The Daily News

With the opening of a second Downtown Lenny’s, the Memphis-born restaurant chain has the city covered as good as the hot pepper relish on its signature subs.

The new restaurant, slated to open Monday at153 S. Main St., is just a short jaunt of seven blocks - not even a half-mile - from the existing one at 22 N. Front St.

There are so many Lenny’s in Memphis that it’s just about impossible to open a new franchise unless it’s Downtown.

“We give a 1-mile radius in terms of a defined area that a franchise has around a location except for a downtown area, where it can have higher density,” said Brent Alvord, president of Lenny’s.

Older franchise agreements allow exclusive rights within a 2-mile radius. About 30 Lenny’s stores are in the greater Memphis area, accounting for almost one-fifth of all the franchises in the United States. (Read More)

Lenny's Opens New Location in Louisville!

Lenny’s Sub Shop Brings Mouth-Watering, Mile-High Subs to Louisville for the First Time
Equipped with a Fanatical Following, and Plentiful Portions, Sub Shop Franchise Expands in Louisville

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 specialist, is opening a location in Louisville for the very first time and to show their enthusiasm to enter the market, Lenny’s Sub Shop is rewarding fanatics and first time customers with free subs for a year.

Whoever said “there is no such thing as a free lunch” will eat their words on May 6, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. when Lenny’s Sub Shop will award the first 50 guests in line a free sub each week for an entire year and $3 regular-sized subs all day. The new Lenny’s is located at 3942 Taylorsville Road.

Dustin Childers, a long-time airline pilot flying both commercial and corporate jets, is responsible for giving Louisville its first taste of the Memphis-based sub shop that has expanded into a national success. Childers grew up with Lenny’s Sub Shop and his nostalgia for the brand encouraged him to become a Lenny’s Sub Shop business owner.

“Our huge grand opening celebration is going to encourage trial of Lenny’s among Louisville consumers and I’m 100% positive once they experience Lenny’s, they’ll be a lifelong customer,” said Childers. “I am excited to provide Louisville consumers with an authentic fresh sliced sub made to order, all while delivering the Lenny’s experience.”

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 about 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 deli case, you can watch while the Lenny's crew member slices the meat and cheese fresh to order. Employees are frequently seen in the dining area asking if you're enjoying your food or if you 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.”

Franchisee Spotlight: Dustin Childers

Each week, Lenny's will highlight a franchisee. This week, Dustin Childers, is our spotlight franchisee.

Franchisee Since: May 2009
Franchise Locations: 3942 Taylorsville Road, Louisville, KY

How Dustin Childers Got Started With Lenny’s Sub Shop…

Dustin got involved in the airline industry as a pilot flying commercially at first for Northwest Airlink and then transitioned into flying as a corporate pilot, which is still what he does today. With his family as his main priority, Dustin was eager to become an entrepreneur and build a business with his family. Being from Memphis, Dustin had experienced Lenny’s Sub Shop growing up and fell in love with the brand as a consumer. At the point of his wanting to become a business owner, Dustin’s nostalgia for Lenny’s encouraged him to check out Lenny’s franchise opportunities. Louisville, where Dustin is currently living, does not have a Lenny’s location and so Dustin thought that Louisville would benefit from the “Lenny’s experience.”

Now, Dustin will be the first Lenny’s franchisee to put a new twist on a Lenny’s new opening. On his grand opening day, May 6, the first 50 people in line will receive free subs for a year in addition to $3 regular subs for the entire day.

What Intrigued Dustin Childers about Lenny’s Sub Shop…

Dustin was first intrigued by Lenny’s as a customer growing up in Memphis. He was a frequent visitor of Lenny’s and was impressed every time by the great customer service he received. Dustin loved the fresh food, which is made to order, and the superior customer service, which comprises the “Lenny’s experience.”

Something Interesting About Dustin Childers’ Story…

Outside of work, Dustin spends the majority of his free time with his family. He has two children, ages 4 and 2. Dustin is also a baseball fan as he played baseball while in college.

For more information about Dustin Childers, Lenny's Sub Shop, or the Lenny's Sub Shop franchise opportunity, please visit http://www.lennys.com.

Franchisee Spotlight: Tripp Williams and Lawson Fisher

Each week, Lenny's will highlight a franchisee. This week, Tripp Williams and Lawson Fisher are our spotlight franchisees.

Franchisees Since: January 1, 2008
Franchise Locations: Memphis, TN; Millington, TN; Little Rock, AR

How Lawson and Tripp Got Started With Lenny’s Sub Shop…

The idea to become Lenny’s franchisees was on a completely random day for Lawson and Tripp. These best friends since sixth grade were casually dining at a local Memphis restaurant when they starting talking about their desire to become entrepreneurs. At the time, Tripp worked at Fed Ex and Lawson, at a company that sold telephone systems. Both were stable in their jobs and satisfied, but had a passion to run their own business.

Lawson and Tripp had many experiences with Lenny’s growing up in Memphis as Lenny’s was founded in Memphis and a local Memphis favorite. The two friends immediately thought about franchising Lenny’s in Memphis as a result of their nostalgia for the brand.

Lawson and Tripp engaged in conversations with the executive team at Lenny’s in September 2008 and four short months after beginning the discussions, Lawson and Tripp were operating their first four stores: two in Memphis, one in Millington and another in Little Rock, AR.

Now, about two years later, the best friend franchisee team is opening their fifth location in a coveted downtown Memphis location in one of Memphis’ most historic buildings where the original hardwood floors are still intact and customers can enjoy outdoor seating overlooking Memphis’ downtown.

What Intrigued Lawson and Tripp about Lenny’s…

Lawson and Tripp whole heartedly believe in the product, the food. All the meats and cheeses are freshly sliced and each sub is made to order. It’s also in the way that the product is delivered to the guests that excited Lawson and Tripp. Lenny’s delivers a unique experience to each guest called the “Lenny’s experience,” in which every guest is greeted, their hot food is delivered to their table, and Lenny’s team members clean up afterwards.

Something Interesting About Lawson and Tripp’s Story…

Lawson and Tripp have been best friends since 6th grade. Both attended the University of Memphis and are young entrepreneurs at 33 and 32 respectively. Lawson is married to his wife, Christi with a baby on the way. Tripp is engaged to his fiancé, Cris.

Lenny's Opens New Location in Downtown Memphis!

Total Market Saturation: Lenny’s Sub Shop Brings Mouth-Watering, Mile-High Stuffed Subs to Unique Downtown Memphis Location
Equipped with a Fanatical Following and Plentiful Portions, Sub Shop Franchise Plots 24th Location in Memphis

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 now 157-unit sandwich specialists, is opening a new Memphis location. In a coveted downtown spot in one of the city’s most historic buildings, Lenny’s is continuing to dominate the sandwich sector in Memphis, and the new location brings Lenny’s to a total of 24 Memphis locations, 30 throughout the Mid South, which marks complete market penetration for Lenny’s in the Mid South region.

The prime location downtown will open April 19 at 153 South Main St. To keep the historic appeal of the building intact, the new location boasts the original hardwood floors and provides this Lenny’s location with a new look and feel. In addition, it will offer outside seating overlooking downtown.

Opening their fifth Lenny’s location at only 33 and 32 years old respectively, Lawson Fisher and Tripp Williams, are Memphis natives who grew up in Memphis and attended the University of Memphis. Their desire to develop multiple Lenny’s locations came from their nostalgia of the locally-based brand, and their vision of being successful business owners. Fortunately for the two young entrepreneurs, the Lenny’s system has set up a solid foundation for success.

“The fanatical fans, the customer experience and the quality of the food are the reasons for our decision to continue expanding Lenny’s in Memphis,” said Lawson Fisher, who, along with his business partner and best friend, Tripp Williams, own five locations in the metro Memphis area and Little Rock, AR markets.

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 about 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.

“Our fans have given us every reason to keep growing in Memphis,” said Fisher. “Tripp and I have plans to keep developing Lenny’s. We’d like 10-15 stores total.”

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 deli case, you can watch while the Lenny's crew member slices the meat and cheese fresh to order. Employees are frequently seen in the dining area asking if you're enjoying your food or if you need a drink refill. The average combo meal including chips and a drink costs about $8.70, 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.”

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.