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.