Lenny’s Sub Shop Highlights ‘All-American Classic’

Memphis, TN – To help celebrate our nation’s independence day, Lenny’s Sub Shop, a national sub sandwich franchise, is kicking off a two month long promotion featuring its All-American Classic sub in all of its sub shops nationwide.

With a value price point of $4.95 for this half pound sub, Lenny’s highlights the deliciousness that sets their subs far above their competition.  The All-American Classic is Lenny’s personal spin on the traditional ham and cheese sub sandwich by adding Capicola – one of their signature Italian meats.  

“I had our All-American Classic sub for lunch the other day and it’s really awesome,” said Brent Alvord, President of Lenny’s Sub Shop. “This promotion is bringing focus to our brand’s roots with the All-American theme.  Since inception 15 years ago in the heart of the mid-south with red, white, and blue colors, we have always taken pride in identifying with hard working Americans and providing hearty subs at an affordable price. ”

The promotion will also be supported on their website, their 90,000+ fanned Facebook page, and in-shop with red, white, and blue visual displays featuring “All-American Classic ½ Pound of Delicious for $4.95” content.   

“We really are making more targeted marketing decisions this year.  Look for continued exciting initiatives to come from our brand,” Alvord said.  “The quality of our big, fresh, and fast subs will always be the cornerstone of Lenny’s.”

For more information, please visit https://www.facebook.com/LennysSubs or https://twitter.com/lennyssubs.

ABOUT LENNY’S SUB SHOPS

Lenny’s Sub Shop features AWESOME half pound subs with premium meats sliced to order and Authentic Philly Cheesesteaks served hot off the grill.  Lenny's commitment to quality and fast, friendly service has helped Lenny's to become one of the most admired sub sandwich chains.  Lenny's Sub Shop continues expanding with great franchise opportunities still available.  Authentic Philly Cheesesteaks & The Deli Fresh Experience™ are reasons why our loyal guests say they prefer a Lenny’s sub hands down to our competition.  Lenny’s subs are big, fresh, and fast!  For more information, visit www.lennys.com.

Franchisee Spotlight: Chris White & Derrick Crandall

Chris White was born and raised in Ft. Walton Beach, FL. At the age of 16, he started working as a dishwasher for IHOP and worked his way up to become the general manager. He has worked with IHOP for 16 years.

Derrick Crandall started working for his brother, Chris White, at an IHOP and quickly moved his way up to an assistant manager position. He also worked for Cracker Barrel in Tennessee before returning to IHOP in Florida to work as a general manager.

Together, Chris and Derrick have a total of 28 years of experience in the food industry.

How did you learn about the brand?

For the past five years my brother and I had been looking for a business we could open together. We did a lot of research, and after my brother had tried Lenny’s in Fort Walton, he was instantly hooked. He told me about the restaurant and we knew this was an opportunity we’d be interested in.

What was appealing to you about choosing an opportunity with Lenny’s?

The support and backing of Lenny’s corporate is very helpful and unmatched in the industry. Since we both come from the restaurantbusiness, we know how important having leverage on contracts can be, and being a part of a franchise system definitely gives us that leverage. Lenny’s has been like a family to us and we couldn’t be happier working with them.

What makes your business different?

The Lenny’s product and the customer service we provide are unrivaled in the area. Also, with the experience my brother and I share, we have what it takes to be very successful with the concept.

What challenges have you overcome to get where you are now?

Acquiring the business has been a lot harder than we thought it would be. It took us about a year and a half to get bank approval with the way the economy is. We have also had a lot of construction issues as well. It’s just important to stay positive and we’re excited to open and serve the community.

What are your expansion or development plans?

We plan on opening five stores in the next five years. We would like to purchase more locations in Georgia and would love to be able to eventually open up to 15-20 locations total.

Do you have any other interesting hobbies or passions?

We both love to be outdoors and play sports – we love golf!

Franchisee Spotlight: Anand Patel

Before becoming a part of the Lenny’s Sub Shop franchise Anand Patel had an extensive career in hotel management. Patel received his hospitality and management degree from Collins School of Hospitality in Pomona, California. After graduating, Patel moved to Atlanta and operated a Country Inn & Suites for two years as the general manager. He then moved to Franklin, Tennessee and took over his father’s hotel company running the operations for 10 hotels in the Nashville area which he continues to do today.

Why did you choose an opportunity with Lenny’s?

I was familiar with Lenny’s because there is a location next to one of our hotels in Memphis. We used to do about $30,000 worth of catering every two years and they came up on my radar a lot. I saw Lenny’s available in Franklin, my home, and decided it was worth looking into. Just from my experiences with Lenny’s I knew it was a great opportunity.  I knew that I would be able to develop the business in this area as well.

What makes your business unique in the community?

We strive to make every experience unique and take our service to the next level. There is a lot of competition in the area, so we really have to stand out with the service and how we treat our customers.

Are you involved with any charities or do any community outreach with your business?

We have done a number of fundraisers for brain tumor foundations.  My daughter has a brain tumor and this cause really hits close to home. It’s just a way that we are able to give back and we’re fortunate to have this opportunity to help.

What are your expansion or development plans? What is your end goal with Lenny’s?

We currently own three locations and we've seen 28% sales increases since purchasing. Ideally, we would like to develop further into downtown Nashville.

Do you have any other interesting hobbies or passions?

I’m a huge Tennessee sports fan! 

Positivity

We take pride in many things at Lenny's, from the fresh products to the satisfied customers. Still, one of the things we're most proud of is our high standard of customer service and the outstanding employees that make it possible. The internet makes it easy and convenient for complaints, but we're often taken back and touched when people go to great lengths to give a compliment. We feel that praise deserves to be heard, not for us, but for the employees who represented themselves in such upstanding ways. We're proud of you.

From Shop #49 in Memphis, TN:

"I am filling out this comment card to send some due recognition to the PM staff. During my visit tonight, another customer was being extremely rude to the employees preparing her food - to the point that other customers were looking around at each other shocked. Rather than respond harshly (or worse, as we all wanted to do), they continued to give her the same level of service they give every other customer and did what they could do to diffuse the situation while she continued to pepper them with rude comments. I was impressed by their professionalism and the manner in which they treated her with infinitely more respect than she gave tot hem or than she deserved. Their manager/owner/operator deserved to know that quality people are running the store on the PM shift in particular."

From Facebook in regards to Shop #350 in Ft. Walton Beach, FL:

"The other day, I was on my way home from the grocery store, and I saw an older woman pulled over. Then, I noticed the kind stranger who had pulled behind her to change her tire. I wasn't surprised to see it was the local Lenny's vehicle, since the employees there are some of the nicest people I've come across, but I was impressed. I was a little surprised when I saw that it was he owner of my favorite two shops. No wonder everyone there is so incredibly kind. It starts at the top."

Lenny's Featured in The Tennessean

Lenny's was recently featured in The Tennessean in an article titled, "Sub shop owner sees power of personality".

The article describes franchisee Anand Patel’s background in hospitality management and his love for the Lenny’s brand. He notes that the Lenny’s personality and growth opportunities are what drew him to the brand and have allowed him to succeed. Anand credits his management style to his father, who has managed multiple hotels in the area since 1978. 

Click HERE for the full article or begin reading below:

Sub shop owner sees power of personality

Patel inherited strong work ethic from his father

Anand Patel, who grew up in Pulaski, Tenn., earned his bachelor’s degree in hospitality management with an emphasis in restaurants from California Polytechnic State University. Patel, 31, is married with two daughters, ages 2 and 1. He is a member of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association and the Tennessee Business Association, which is dedicated to educating and assisting Asian business owners.

Patel is the owner-operator and franchisee of three Lenny’s Sub Shops in the Nashville area and has partners in all three locations. He purchased his first one in Cool Springs in March of last year and began operating his second location that June in downtown Franklin and his third in Green Hills in January.

Lenny's Featured in Entrepreneur Magazine

Lenny's was recently featured in Entrepreneur Magazine and Entrepreneur.com in an article titled, "Sub Commander".

The article, which includes a nice photo of Edith Kelly-Green, talked about her success as an business owner and the largest multi-unit franchisee in the Lenny’s franchise system. The article also mentioned her previous experience at FedEx Express and how that experience helped her transition into a franchising success story. Overall, this was a great win for the brand!

Click HERE for the full article or begin reading below:

How a Retired FedEx Exec Built a Mini Sandwich Empire
By: Jason Daley

In 2004 Edith Kelly-Green was settling into retirement. After almost 30 years with FedEx--ultimately serving as vice president and chief sourcing officer for FedEx Express at the company's Memphis, Tenn., headquarters--her days consisted of waking up early, reading at Starbucks and working on the finances of several nonprofits.

A suggestion from her family prompted Kelly-Green to consider opening a Lenny's Sub Shop. "My daughter was a college sophomore at the time and said, ‘I eat there all the time. You have to invest!'" she remembers. "I knew the CEO and called him, thinking I'd just invest some capital. But he convinced me I'd be happier as a franchisee."

Lenny's Featured in The Williamson Herald

Lenny's was featured in The Williamson Herald in an article titled, "Owner of local Lenny's Sub Shop learns life happens when least expected".

The article details franchisee Anand Patel's background in the hotel industry and explains how he began purchasing Lenny’s Sub Shops in 2012. Anand notes the management staff at Lenny’s was already outstanding at the locations he purchased, but needed a little extra “TLC”. Anand notes that it was his employees and the community that helped him get through a difficult personal time when his daughter was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor. Anand credits his success to creating a friendly, home-like atmosphere. 

Click HERE to read the full article or begin reading below:

Owner of local Lenny’s Sub Shop learns life happens when least expected

By: Carole Robinson

Anand Patel had a plan for his life – and then life happened. Patel learned the importance treating people well, a close-knit family and a caring community. 

In 1978, Patel’s father purchased a hotel – his first – in Pulaski, Tenn. Looking to the future, he was soon building Days and Quality Inns along Interstate 65 in Tennessee from Exit 1 near the Alabama border to Exit 117 near the Kentucky border and a family business.

Lenny's featured on NBC's 3 Plus You in Chattanooga

Lenny's Sub Shop was featured on a segment with Chattanooga NBC’s 3 Plus You WRCB-TV. The segment featured Justin Johnson and Ben Larson of Lenny’s to discuss what makes Lenny’s unique, catering options and a demonstration on how to make a Lenny’s sandwich. View the segment embedded below, or click here if you do not see it below.

Lenny's Sub Shop featured on WBIR

Lenny's Sub Shop franchisee Dian Trosclair and general manager Crystal Martin from Knoxville were featured in a segment on the WBIR Knoxville noon show that ran on Thursday, August 30th. In this 4 minute segment, Dian shared how Lenny’s Sub Shop makes the best sandwich every time by using the freshest products from baked bread daily to freshly sliced meats and cheeses all topped off with Lenny’s signature pickles and hot pepper relish. Dian shared with the host how Lenny’s piles high the quality ingredients to ensure the best taste, even while taking it to go at events like the local “Booms Day” celebration. Dian was also able to discuss a few of the Lenny’s dips that are perfect for festivals and tailgate season. View the video below!

Lenny's featured in Memphis Business Journal

Lenny's Sub Shop was recently featured in an article titled “Social media: Lenny’s meal ticket” in Memphis Business Journal. The article included a section based on Lenny’s from the interview we secured for Brent Alvord with Michael Sheffield.

In the article, which includes two great store photos, Brent talks about the success Lenny’s has had with its social media brand initiatives. He does a great job talking about how the brand has connected with its fans and followers to handle all social experiences, and has increased its social fan base better than its larger competitors.

Social media: Lenny’s meal ticket
by Michael Sheffield
Sub sandwich chain rewards fans, draws customers

What was once its slowest day of the week has transformed into one of the busiest days of the week for Lenny’s Sub Shop, thanks to Facebook.

Since launching its Facebook page three years ago, Memphis-based Lenny’s, which has 150 locations across the country, has grown its fan base to more than 85,000 followers, with an average of 578 fans per location. By comparison, Subway, with more than 37,000 locations around the world and 16.4 million followers, has an average of 442 fans per location, according to industry statistics.

Brent Alvord, president of Lenny’s, says the company has tapped into its followers through its Social Wednesday promotions.

Social Wednesday provides Lenny’s followers with coupons ranging from free chips and drinks to free subs, and has increased annual sales among the company’s top franchisees by more than 9 percent. Lenny’s top franchisees average about $694,000 per year. The top 5 percent of the company’s franchisees average around $1.2 million in sales per year.

Lenny’s top store is based at Memphis International Airport and is owned by Kelly Green Restaurants, which owns eight Memphis locations.

Alvord says Social Wednesday evolved from a Valentine’s Day coupon the company launched three years ago that gave customers a free sub. That giveaway alone increased the company’s modest fan base by 43,000 people. Alvord says Lenny’s increased its fans by another 20,000 last year.

The company worked with Chicago-based No Limit Media Consulting on its web initiatives.

“We analyze how many friends those people have and how many their friends have, which is more than 19 million people,” Alvord says. “It continues to build momentum.”

Nick Powills, chief brand strategist for No Limit Media, says Lenny’s has an active engagement with its customers through initiatives like Social Wednesday.

No Limit estimates a non-Facebook fan will spend about $150 per year in the restaurant, while a Facebook fan will spend $310 annually.

“If you can increase impressions, you can encourage them to come in more,” Powills says. “It’s important to build your fans organically. If it’s a popularity contest, I want to win one with real people instead of names I bought from someone else.”

In addition to the customers participating, Alvord says franchisees have to buy in to the promotions.

“They’re independent owners, so we cannot mandate particular things and I can’t fix pricing or an offer,” Alvord says. “So we try to make sure it’s something they’re OK accepting and something we think will be appealing to the guests as well.”

Reuben Brunson, president of Rocket Fuel, which works with its clients on social networking projects, says the best way for a company to succeed in social media marketing is to make sure it is creating a targeted message for its web audience, which is most likely different from the traditional audience. That lack of a message distinction is often where campaigns fail.

“There are things you can do on the web like ask questions and start conversations,” Brunson says. “But you have to be careful to not come across too sales-y. That doesn’t mean you can’t do specials, but you don’t want to be unbalanced.”

Brunson says direct conversation with customers can create a level of trust, and if done the right way, your customers become your best advertisers. But only if they trust you.

“In the old days, if you had a great experience at a restaurant, you’d tell your friends or coworkers; same with negative experiences,” Alvord says. “In today’s world, people tell their Facebook friends. We can head off negative exposure and seek the customers out to make it right, but we can also proactively seek customers. It’s prime territory.”

Read the article on the Memphis Business Journal site

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.

(Read More)

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.

(Read more)

Lenny's Sub Shop featured in Memphis Business Journal

Lenny's Sub Shop was recently featured in the Memphis Business Journal in an article titled “Top-performing Lenny’s Sub Shop operator expects revenue boost with drive-through.” The article was built from an in-depth interview with James Kelly about his expansion into a new location with a drive thru. The reporter notes that James Kelly and his partners are strong Lenny’s operators who have extensive experience with the brand in Memphis. This is great brand awareness for the new location and for the continued expansion of Lenny’s through its headquartered market, Memphis. Click here to read more.

Top-performing Lenny’s Sub Shop operator expects revenue boost with drive-through 
by Michael Sheffield

Memphis is getting its first drive-through Lenny's Sub Shop location, thanks to a local franchisee that is one of Lenny’s top performers.

Kelly Green Restaurants LLC, which also opened a location in Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in September, is opening the drive-through Lenny’s to replace its original store on American Way.

(Read more)

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.

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.

Franchisee Profile: John Mills

Franchisee: John Mills
Location: Oakland, TN

Q: What did you do before franchising with Lenny’s?
A: I’ve always had a passion for the food business. I love to cook and be around food. My grandfather owned a restaurant and catering business and I remember at 12 years old he would put me in the back washing dishes, so that was officially my first position in the restaurant industry. I loved being around him and his knowledge carried over to other family members including my uncle, Danny Robinson, who was also instrumental in setting the path for me in other areas of the food industry. I've worked with distributors, manufacturers and even as a waiter back in college. All areas have given me insight into this business. Owning my own restaurant seemed like the next step for me.

Q: Why was Lenny’s the right fit for you?
A: I’ve always said, “If you believe in what you sell, then a good product will sell itself.” That’s really how I feel about Lenny’s. I love their healthy products and their friendly approach to guest service. Lenny’s corporate was also a big factor in my decision to become a franchisee. They offer great support and ongoing training to their franchisees. They give you all the materials you need to be successful. If you plug yourself into their proven system, you will succeed. After meeting the corporate staff, there’s only one word I’d use to describe them: family. The Alvords are great, and their entire corporate board is made up of the type of people I want to work with as a franchisee. Not to mention the support you get from other Lenny’s franchisees while you get your location up and going.

Q: How do you see your location connecting with the community?
A: A good manager is the key to success in the restaurant industry. I am very fortunate to have Jenny Karcher, who has lived in Fayette County all her life, as my manager. Jenny is that person that everyone wants to be around because of her wonderful personality and people skills. I am very proud of all my employees, because they deliver the “Lenny’s Experience” that each and every customer who comes in our door deserves! I want to be known in the community as the place to go for great food and a great experience. We are going to do whatever we can to help out and be a part of the Fayette county community. I want people to think of Lenny’s as their place in Fayette County to go and get a freshly made sub sandwich with the best service around!

Q: What are your expansion plans?
A: I definitely don't want to stop with one Lenny's. For the time being, my focus is on the first location and having it up and running. My desire is to expand throughout Fayette County with more locations in the future.

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)

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.