Lenny's featured in 1851 Magazine

Lenny's Sub Shop was recently featured in 1851 Magazine in an article titled "The Military Experience: Why Veterans Make Great Franchisees." In this article, Shutao Wang, a Lenny's Sub Shop Franchisee, explained how his experience in the military has helped him excel at his new position. Read his excerpt below, or click here for the full article.

The Military Experience: Why Veterans Make Great Franchisees

At a young age, military servicemen and -women are given the opportunity to take on important leadership roles, so military personnel become comfortable in these positions early.

“The U.S. Army taught me leadership skills and teamwork that translates to my business and how I operate it,” said Shutao Wang, a current Army operating room first assistant technician at Fort Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina, and the new owner of Lenny’s Sub Shop in Greenville, South Carolina. By learning how to lead a team, as well as how to support your staff at every level, veterans gain a unique skill set that develops their business management capabilities.

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Lenny's Sub Shop featured in Knoxville News Sentinel

Lenny's Sub Shop was featured in an article in the online edition of the Knoxville News Sentinel called "Three restaurant franchises plan Knoxville expansion." The article was built from an interview with Lenny's franchisee Dian Trosclair, and discussed discussed how Dian Trosclair, who opened her fifth Lenny's location in Knoxville on Lovell Road late last year, is looking for new sites for expansion. The article also explains how Dian plans to offer a delivery service for businesses from her current locations, which should be running by July or August. Click here to view the full article or read an excerpt below.

Three restaurant franchises plan Knoxville expansion
By Ed Marcum

Three franchise restaurant operations are looking to open new locations in the Knoxville area.

[Dian] Trosclair, who opened her fifth Lenny's location in Knoxville on Lovell Road late last year, is looking for new sites. "We have one or two sites we are looking at but we haven't started discussions yet," she said. In the meantime, Trosclair plans to offer a delivery service for businesses from her current locations. These are at 1145 Hunters Crossing in Alcoa, and at 4622 Kingston Pike, 9335 Kingston Pike, 523 Gay Street, 2901 Tazewell Pike and 150 Lovell Road in Knoxville.

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Lenny's Sub Shop featured in Nation's Restaurant News

Lenny's Sub Shop was featured in an article in Nation’s Restaurant News titled, “Growth Concepts: Restaurant executives share franchising, growth strategies,” that ran on Friday, March 2, 2012. In the article, Lenny's President Brent Alvord talked about the reason for the brand’s growth optimism is based the cash referral program offered, and with Boefly introducing franchisees to new lending banks. He also spoke about the quality return for an investor in the Lenny’s system, and even included the number of locations openings this year with projected growth number in the next few years. Click here to view the full article, or begin reading the Lenny's excerpt below.

Growth concepts: Restaurant executives share franchising, growth strategies
by Mark Brandau

Brent Alvord, president, Lenny’s Sub Shop
System size: 150 units
Growth targets: 10 openings this year, 20 next year, 30 to 40 every year following
Source for optimism: Internal referral program, franchise lending brokers

We extended a $10,000 cash reward to anybody who referred a franchisee who opens a store this year. We offered it to our internal people, our Facebook fans and all 120,000 members of our rewards card program. The biggest source of good leads typically is our customers in our restaurants, because they’re avid fans who love our food and talk to us when they’re thinking about buying a business.

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Lenny's Sub Shop featured on Patch.com

Lenny's Sub Shop was recently featured on Patch.com in an article titled "Lenny's Sub Shop: All About Service". Patch.com reporter Melissa Kory compiled an article about the enjoyable experience she had when she attended the VIP opening of the Lenny’s Sub Shop location in Marietta. Franchisees AJ and Sonia Singh discussed that the quality of the food and the service is part of the reason they were drawn to the franchise in the first place, and that providing a great experience for their customers is their top priority. Click here for the full article or begin reading below.

Lenny's Sub Shop: All About Service

by Melissa Kory

This week's Bites Nearby is a little out of the ordinary, primarily because I didn't have time this week to enjoy a sit-down meal but also because there is a new sub shop in Marietta.

That being said I bring you Lenny's Sub Shop near Walmart off Cobb Parkway. This Lenny's opened on Wednesday and, for those interested, is now hiring.

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Lenny's Sub Shop featued in Memphis Daily News

Lenny's Sub Shop was recently featured in the Memphis Daily News in an article titled "Lenny's first drive-thru expects 30 pct. Uptick annually." Reporter Sarah Baker spoke with James Kelly, Lenny’s franchisee in Memphis, to find out the business strategy behind developing a drive thru location in Memphis. Kelly, the owner of 10 locations in the area, said that he wanted to reinvest in this location for his customers in order to make it more convenient. Click here to read more.

Lenny’s first drive-thru expects 30 pct. uptick annually 
By Sarah Baker

Move over roast beef, here comes the Philly cheesesteak.

As of Tuesday, Sept. 27, the former Arby’s at 4740 Showcase at Perkins and I-240 is officially Memphis’ first drive-thru Lenny’s. There model comes after the sub sandwich shops’ drive-thru locations in both Arkansas and Mississippi.

The idea came about when franchisee James Kelly, who currently has 10 locations in the Memphis area, noticed a loyal following paired with decreasing traffic at his Mall of Memphis store. He calls that the “people side” of the equation.

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Lenny's Sub Shop featured in Commercial Appeal

Lenny's Sub Shop was recent featured in Commercial Appeal in an article titled "First drive-thru Lenny's in Memphis area opens". James Dowd, reporter with the Commercial Appeal, spoke with James Kelly, franchisee and co-owner of 10 Memphis area Lenny’s locations, about bringing the very first drive-thru location to Memphis. When the former Arby’s came up for sale, Kelly and his partners jumped on the opportunity to develop the same Lenny’s Sub Shop, but with an added bonus: a drive-thru. Lenny’s lovers can now order at the drive-thru at 4740 Showcase Blvd. Click here to view the article in its entirety.

First drive-thru Lenny's in Memphis opens 

By James Dowd 

For Memphis entrepreneur James Kelly, partner at Kelly Green Restaurants, tweaking an already finely tuned business machine doesn't just make sense -- it make dollars and cents. 
 
Kelly is a franchisee for Lenny's Sub Shop and operates 10 of the stores in Memphis. And now he's become the first local franchise holder to launch a drive-thru Lenny's, which is located in a former Arby's at 4740 Showcase Blvd.

(Read more)

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: David Barksdale, franchisee of Cool Springs, Tennessee

Franchisee Since: 2004
Franchise Locations: Cool Springs, Tenn.; Jackson, Tenn.

David Barksdale was first introduced to the Lenny’s Sub Shop brand while working in the commercial real estate industry in Jackson, Tenn. As a commercial real estate owner, one of Barksdale’s tenants was a Lenny’s restaurant owner, who was relocating and looking for someone to sell the business to. In order to keep the restaurant in his building, Barksdale purchased the restaurant and made his entrance into the world of restaurant ownership.

That was about seven years ago, and since then Barksdale has learned a lot about the restaurant business and Lenny’s Sub Shop, opening another location in Jackson, Tenn., three years after he bought his first, and buying an existing location in Cool Springs, Tenn., in early 2011.

What attracted you to Lenny’s?
Before I bought my first store, I met with the corporate office and I felt like there was a really good staff in place. Lenny’s was a relatively new franchise back then, and was still in the process of growing, so this was an opportunity for me to kind of be on the ground floor of a growing operation. I realized that in that type of situation I’d be able to get in the market and do things I couldn’t do with a brand that had been around for awhile.

Once I got into the business and I started to look at the numbers — the sales being generated — I realized how much potential there was in these stores. The capital and the inventory outlays were very attractive, which got me thinking about opening my second location. Aside from the business aspect, I really enjoy being able to interact with customers. It’s nice when you get to know them on a first name basis. That’s probably the most rewarding part.

What are your growth and development plans?
Right now I’m still focused on the store transfer in Cool Springs, where we’ve just about gotten everything where we want it to be in terms of staffing. I spend about two days there each week, working to make sure things are going smoothly. In the future, I’d like to open stores in Williamson County or Davidson County and possibly even Nashville.

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.



“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?”

Franchisee Profile: Lynn Hiller of the Two Overland Park Lenny's Locations

Today we are highlighting Lynn Hiller. Lynn is the Lenny's Sub Shop franchisee of the two Overland Park, Kansas locations.

Locations: 9343 W 87th Street, Overland Park, KS; 8327 W 135th Street, Overland Park, KS


View Lynn Hiller's Lenny's Locations in a larger map

How Lynn Hiller Got Started with Lenny’s…
Lynn and her family are from Memphis, Tennessee, where Lenny’s is based. She is a long time friend of Lenny’s President, Brent Alvord and has witnessed firsthand the potential of Lenny’s success when her brother, Louis, opened a Memphis location in 2001. Soon thereafter, Lynn and her husband were transferred to Overland Park, Kansas and realized there were no Lenny’s in the Kansas City area and Lynn decided to leave her job of eight years at State Farm Insurance to open her first Lenny’s location in 2006. With the vast success of her first location, she opened her second location in Overland Park three months later.

What Intrigued Lynn Hiller about Lenny’s…
With her personal connections to Lenny’s, the success of her brother Louis’ location and the success of the Lenny’s brand throughout Memphis, Lynn was confident that this could be replicated in the Kansas City metro area. She credits Lenny’s superior guest service and large portion sizes to Lenny’s success as well as catering to local businesses and schools in the Kansas City area.

Something Interesting About Lynn Hiller’s Story…
Lynn was the first to bring Lenny’s to the state of Kansas and her two locations are over 150 miles away from the next closest Lenny’s location in Springfield, MO.

Where Specifically Did Lynn Hiller Learn about Lenny’s?
Lynn was introduced to Lenny’s by Brent Alvord, Lenny’s President, and her brother Louis, franchisee of Lenny’s in Collierville, TN.

Franchisee Profile: Steve and Susan Nichols of Lenny's Sub Shop of Gallatin, TN

Today our franchisee profile will be highlighting Steve and Susan Nichols, our husband and wife franchisees from the Lenny's Sub Shop in Gallatin, TN.

Location: 1025 Nashville Pike Ste 130, Gallatin, TN 37066


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How Steve and Susan Nichols Got Started With Lenny’s Sub Shop…
A church pastor all his life and corporate manager of a mobile tool company for eight years, Steve Nichols has had plenty of experience with both community involvement and corporate franchising. However, with a family of six to support, Steve was often forced to spend most of his time on the road, away from his four children and wife Susan, then a stay-at-home mom. Finally, Steve decided to quit his corporate job and look for something else, something that would support his family financially while also allowing him to work with his wife, to be there for his children, and to engage with his community as he so loved to do. Little did he know, a chance discovery on Craigslist would fulfill all these desires and more. Since falling in love with Lenny’s and taking over as local franchisees in June of 2009, Steve and Susan Nichols have watched their little sandwich franchise blossom into a bustling neighborhood hotspot, and they’ve done it all together.

What Steve and Susan Nichols Love About Lenny’s Sub Shop …
The Nichols fell in love with Lenny’s Sub Shop the first time they ate there, and their affections have only grown with time. Steve cited the value of the menu, the high quality of the food, and the ever-present atmosphere of friendly hospitality that the restaurant has exuded from the start. The Nichols have nurtured that atmosphere, making Lenny’s the kind of place where customers know they’ll eat great and be personally taken care of every time they show up.

“I truly believe that Lenny’s has the potential to be the best sub shop in the nation,” said Steve. “The giant subs are just that good. And beyond that, it has a personality that sets it apart from everybody else—small services and undeniable value that we’ll never have to apologize for. You never have to apologize for value.”

Something Interesting About Steve and Susan Nichols’ Story…
For Steve and Susan Nichols, it’s the human connections that make this business venture most enjoyable. While Susan tends to gravitate toward marketing while Steve focuses more on daily operations, the duo have what Steve calls “as much a of partnership as you can possibly have,” spending most of each day working in the shop together from 7:30am until closing. Family comes first for the Nichols—with four adopted children ranging in age from 10 to 19, Steve and Susanknow how to create a welcoming environment for young people, and they’ve used this knowledge to make Lenny’s a haven for the Gallatin community at large.

Steve and Susan Nichols’ Community Involvement…
Community involvement is very important to the Nichols family, and they’ve strived to integrate their business into Gallatin community life as fully as possible. As Chamber of Commerce members, they continuously support a slew of local organizations, from the local community college to the local church to the local high school, hosting spirit nights, sponsoring the marching band, and participating in a variety of other events. It is this kind of thoughtful integrity and dedicated cultivation that has turned their Lenny’s franchise into what it is today: a successful and beloved community restaurant with real expansion potential.

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.”