Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Lenny's grabs guests with 3-D TV giveaway

Lenny’s was just featured in Nation’s Restaurant News in an article called “Lenny’s grabs guests with 3-D TV Giveaway.” The article goes in depth into Lenny’s latest Scratch N’ Win promotion and discusses how this has been a successful way to engage its guests with the brand. In addition to that Lenny’s saw a 5 and 6 percent sales increase during the promotion period with an 11 percent sales hike one week. Lenny’s is also reaching out to its guests through Facebook promotions, the new Substantial Rewards loyalty program and testing out mobile-phone apps too. Check out a portion of the story below or read the full article here.

Lenny's grabs guests with 3-D TV giveaway

When Lenny’s Sub Shop officials reprised last year’s Scratch & Win promotion this fall, they decided a contest prize consisting of a 3-D home entertainment center was the best way to reach out and grab customers’ attention.

“With technology evolving, 3-D TVs are the thing people want to have but won’t go out to get till prices drop,” said Brent Alvord, president of the 170-unit Memphis, Tenn.-based Lenny’s.

The home entertainment center, which replaced a $100,000 cash prize offered in 2009’s Scratch & Win contest, was one of several major tweaks that made the promotion a “fantastic success” its second year, Alvord said. (Read More)

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Lenny's franchisee opens location in Oakland, Tennessee

Lenny's franchisee John Mills’ was recently featured by The Oakland News, which discusses his new store opening in Oakland, TN! Milles talks about his previous experience in the restaurant industry; his love for Lenny’s healthy/ delicious products, positive approach to guest service, and excellent franchise system; his plans to connect with the Fayette County community; and his plans to expand throughout Fayette County. Check out the article below.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Franchisee Profile: Neal Patel

Franchisee Name: Neal Patel
Franchisee Since: Jan. 2009
Franchise Locations:
1) 102 E Broughton Street, Savannah, GA 31401
2) 103 Canal Street, Pooler, GA 31322


View Neal Patel - Lenny's in a larger map

Q: Where are you originally from?
A: I moved to Savannah from India 10 years ago.

Q: What did you do before franchising with Lenny’s?
A: I studied computer science at Savannah Tech and later attended Armstrong University. My parents own a hotel in Savannah so I also helped them run that.

Q: How did you learn about Lenny’s?
A: I wanted to own my own business all through college. One of my friends actually owned the two Lenny’s nearby and offered to sell them to me. I didn’t know much about Lenny’s at the time but I visited one as a customer to learn more and really liked the way they did things.

Q: Why was it the right fit?
A: I love meeting people and a restaurant is the perfect environment for that. It’s hard work, but I love making sandwiches just the way customers like.

Q: What are your expansion plans?
A: I own the rights to a total of 10 stores in the Savannah market, so I’d like to eventually open another 8 to add to the two I already own.

Friday, November 5, 2010

Second New Menu Item Since '98 Rolls Out at Lenny's

QSR recently documented Lenny's newest addition to their menu--the Hot Italian Sub. This sub is only the second new menu item from the 150-plus-unit sub franchise since 1998. Check out a portion of the article below or read the full story here.

Second New Menu Item Since '98 Rolls Out at Lenny's

"I Love Lenny's." These three words sum up the devotion of Lenny's Sub Shop's fanatical following, and explain why this 150-plus-unit sub franchise has worked so diligently to prepare for evolutionary expansion in 2011. Lenny's has made another addition to its menu, proving innovation is what intrigues and keeps guests coming back.

Lenny's new Hot Italian Sub, which hit counters nationwide on November 1, is only the second new release ever since the creation of Lenny's original menu back in 1998.

The Hot Italian Sub is a combination of four premium Italian meats, provolone cheese, onions, and green peppers grilled to perfection and topped off with oregano, pepper, oil, and vinegar. It is similar to the cold Italian Sub already on the menu. (Read More)

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Lenny’s Heats Things Up: Introducing the Hot Italian Sub

National Sub Shop Franchise Rolls Out a Brand New Sandwich on November 1st

“I Love Lenny’s.” These three simple yet powerful words sum up the devotion of Lenny’s Sub Shop’s fanatical following, and explain why this 150-plus unit sub franchise has worked so diligently to prepare for evolutionary expansion in 2011. Lenny’s has made another addition to their menu proving innovation is what intrigues and keeps guests coming back.

What’s so exciting about a new sandwich? Well, Lenny’s new Hot Italian Sub, which hits counters nationwide on November 1st, is only the second new release ever since the creation of Lenny’s original menu back in 1998.

The Hot Italian Sub is a combination of four premium Italian meats, provolone cheese, onions and green peppers grilled to perfection and topped off with oregano, pepper, oil and vinegar. It is similar to the cold Italian Sub already on the menu, and many of Lenny’s loyal fans have mentioned the potential deliciousness of heating up this already very popular sub.

Hot Italian Sub

Lenny’s has always thrived by sticking with what works and finding success in consistency,” said George Alvord, Lenny’s CEO. “But our main interest is guest satisfaction, and upon listening carefully to the feedback of both our guests and our franchisees, we’ve decided to take a leap of faith. And I think we’ll find the results to be pretty delicious.”

The first addition to Lenny’s original 1998 menu came last year, with the French Dip, a hot roast beef sub with au jus dipping sauce. The hugely positive guest response let Lenny’s know loud and clear that their loyal fans would not be scared away by a few positive changes, as long as their old favorites stuck around as well.

Even though they’ve upgraded the business, "people appreciate that our favorite items haven't changed since the beginning," said 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. When you order one of Lenny’s authentic Philly Cheesesteaks it will be cooked fresh and served hot off the grill. 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.

“The key to Lenny’s expansion is just that—expansion,” Alvord said. “We are making additions without taking anything away. What could be better than that?”