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.”