Franchisee Profile: Tripp Williams – Multi-Unit

Franchisee Since: 2008

Franchise Locations: 6 Lenny's Locations

1. 11401 Financial Centre Pkwy, Little Rock, Ark. 72211
2. 1699 Stadium Blvd., Jonesboro, Ark. 72401
3. 153 Main St., Memphis, Tenn. 38103
4. 5643 Shelby Dr., Memphis, Tenn. 38141
5. 1664 Sycamore View Rd., Memphis, Tenn. 37134
6. 8265 U.S. Highway 51, Memphis, Tenn. 38053
   

Q: Where are you from?

A: I am originally from Memphis, Tenn. I grew up there and attended college at The University of Memphis.

Q: What was your career before franchising?

A: Before becoming involved with Lenny’s Sub Shop, I worked at FedEx for 10 years. My business partner and best friend since sixth grade, Lawson Fisher, worked with a communications firm for the same length of time before we decided to go into business together.

Q: How did you learn about the brand?

A: Lawson and I knew of the product because we were customers, but we also had a relationship with the owners of Lenny’s corporate. When we decided to get into the business, we acquired five stores right off the bat. It was something we really jumped into, and we have continued with that level of enthusiasm ever since. My wife, Cris, is also an owner and operator of the locations, and we all have taken on a store that we manage ourselves.

Q: What was appealing to you about joining a franchise system?

A: It’s great because we’re able to run our own business, but we have the backing of a big company. With Lenny’s headquartered in Memphis, and our personal relationship with its owner, the franchise has this great family atmosphere. It makes it that much more fun working with Lenny’s, having that feeling that you’re working with family.

Q: What skills from your previous jobs have helped you in your business?

A: Lawson and I were both in the customer service industry, so we each knew how to handle the customer relationship. But, it wasn’t the food industry, which we discovered is a lot different. As far as our customer relationships, our backgrounds gave us a good start and while I was at FedEx I couldn’t help but learn about business and how things are run at a strong company.

Q: How has the economy affected your business?

A: Although some aspects have made it harder, overall the economic situation has benefited our business. In one respect, it’s really competitive to secure a loan from a bank right now, but on the other hand a lot of people are opting for less expensive dining options. We got into the business before the recession hit, and even though things have been hard we have been able to grow each of our restaurants through that time.

Q: What obstacles have you overcome to get where you are today with your business?

A: The biggest obstacle we’ve overcome so far has been the shock of doing business in the food industry. This industry is one where there can be a lot of employee turnover, so we had to learn how to manage that and how to find good people and hold on to them. Once we were able to do that, we have seen great success.

Q: What makes your business different?

A: Although there are a lot of sub shops out there, I really don’t feel like we have many competitors. We provide a product that you don’t get at any other sub shop. Every person who walks through the door is getting a fresh sub — we slice it right there for them, or we grill it right there. They’re getting a half-pound of meat and cheese on their sandwich, and we take care of the guest in every way possible. All around, it’s just a very different experience than you’ll get anywhere else.

Q: How does your business connect with the community?

A: In all of our locations, we try to do some sort of giving back. In Memphis, we have provided boxed lunches for various golf tournaments and fundraisers. In our newest location in Jonesboro, Ark., we’re just five minutes down the road from Arkansas State University, so we’re making it a priority to reach out to the university. We are looking forward to doing something for the students there.

Q: What are your expansion or development plans?

A: We really think that Jonesboro, population wise, could hold another two to three stores. However, we’ll have to see how this first location goes.

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.

Lenny's Sub Shop featured on KAIT8.com

Lenny’s Sub Shop was recently featured on the Jonesboro, Ark., local ABC affiliate’s website, KAIT8.com, announcing the upcoming grand opening on Aug. 23 for franchisees, Tripp Williams and Lawson Fisher. The pair are bringing the first Lenny’s Sub Shop restaurant to Jonesboro, just down the street from Arkansas State University. The first 25 people in line at the 1699 Stadium Blvd. restaurant on grand opening day will receive free Lenny’s for one year. Click here to view feature.

Free subs for a year!

By: Patricia Davis

Lenny’s Sub Shop is coming to Jonesboro.

The restaurant, located at 1699 Stadium Boulevard, will have its grand opening on Tuesday, August 23.

(Read More)

Franchisee Profile: Michael Timbes, Franchisee of the Fayetteville and Bentonville, AR Locations

Today we will be highlighting Michael Timbes, the franchisee of the Lenny's Sub Shops in Fayetteville and Bentonville, AR.

Locations: Fayetteville, AR; Bentonville, AR

How Michael Timbes Got Started With Lenny’s Sub Shop…
Michael, a 30-year veteran of the telecommunications industry, decided to escape the corporate culture and start his own business. To begin his search for his own business, Michael attended a franchising conference to get a better feel for his business options, as he knew he wanted to become involved in a franchise concept. After hearing the presentation on Lenny’s, Michael fell in love with the brand and knew that Lenny’s was a perfect fit for him. Michael began researching and found that none of the competing franchises were held to the same standards as Lenny’s Sub Shop in guest experience and freshness of food. Michael fell in love with the product; both the taste and portion size of the sandwiches and saw the success of Lenny’s in Memphis and knew that this success could be achieved in his home state of Arkansas. Soon thereafter, Michael opened his first location in Fayetteville, which was a huge success, just as he thought, and Michael is now opening his second location in Bentonville.

What Intrigued Michael Timbes about Lenny’s Sub Shop …
Michael was attracted to the superb guest experience including the personal relationships employees establish with customers by remembering their names and their specific orders. He also noted that all of Lenny’s Sub Shop locations are immaculate and held to high cleanliness standards.

Something Interesting About Michael Timbes Story …
Alongside operating his Lenny’s locations, Michael is also an Operations Manager for AT&T Wireless. To help him handle the work load, his youngest son, Kyle, and wife, Karen, are managers of his original Lenny’s location. His family-owned business will continue when he opens his second Lenny’s location in Bentonville, as he plans on making his son, Kyle, a general manager of the Bentonville location.

Where Specifically Did Michael Timbes Learn about Lenny’s Sub Shop?
A colleague of his informed him that there were franchising opportunities available for Lenny’s Sub Shop and sent him an invitation to a conference at the Hyatt Hotel in Memphis. Listening to Lenny’s Sub Shop’s presentation, Michael saw the potential for Lenny’s in Arkansas and immediately became attracted to Lenny’s Sub Shop.

With the vast success of his Fayetteville location, Michael is opening a second location in Bentonville.

Lenny’s Sub Shop Brings Mouth-Watering, Mile-High Subs to Bentonville

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 150+-unit sandwich specialists, is opening a new Bentonville location at 800 SE Walton Blvd.


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A 30-year veteran of the telecommunications industry, Timbes decided to escape the corporate culture and start his own business. This will be Michael Timbes’ second Lenny’s Sub Shop location in Arkansas. He opened his first Lenny’s in Fayetteville in December of 2008. The new Bentonville location will be opening on September 10.

Timbes’ family is also heavily involved in the business. To help manage the responsibilities of running two restaurants, his youngest son, Kyle, and wife, Karen, are managers at the Fayetteville location and when he opens his second Lenny’s location in Bentonville, his son, Kyle, will be the general manager.

“The fanatical fans, the customer experience and the quality of the food are the reasons for my decision to bring Lenny’s to Bentonville,” said Michael Timbes. “Bentonville deserves the Lenny’s experience, and I am excited to provide the consumers with an authentic fresh sliced sub.”

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 in 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.

“Personality and exceptional service have always been staples of our guest experience. We are confident that Micheal Timbes will build and expand the Lenny’s brand presence into the Bentonville market and experience success.” CEO George Alvord said. “We believe that in very short order, Bentonville will gain even more fans who love our brand.”