Another restaurant chain hopes to plant its flag in the Upstate.
Memphis, Tenn.-based Lenny’s Grill & Subs said it is looking for franchisees in the region to help lead its expansion into South Carolina.
Bob Ritter, vice president of franchise and market development with Lenny’s, said the company could easily open three to five new stores in the Upstate within the next few years.
“We’re very excited about it,” Ritter said. “We have a presence in Charlotte (N.C.). This would be our first presence in South Carolina. It makes sense from a logistics and distribution standpoint, as well as with the demographics we’re looking for.”
Lenny’s opened in 1998. The company operates 104 stores in 12 states, according to Ritter.
Each store typically creates about 20 jobs, he said.
He said the total cost to open a new Lenny’s ranges from about $275,000 to $310,000, including a $25,000 franchise fee. The company offers a $20,000 discount for franchisees who are minorities or veterans.
“Our franchisees run the gamut from former executives to restaurateurs—anyone who wants to be in business for themselves,” Ritter said.
Ritter said the company offers top-notch support services, including franchise business coaching, assistance with real estate and construction, around-the-clock support and ongoing training.
“We’re there when (franchisees) open and we’re in every location every 60 days or so,” he said.
Ritter said the company has some freestanding stores, but about 95 percent are in strip centers. He said strip center locations that best suit Lenny’s stores are end spaces with a drive-through.
For more information, visit: lennysfranchise.com.
