Established
1998
Franchise Units
20
Minimum Investment
$330,000
Franchise Fee
$25,000
Total Investment Range
$500,000
Home Based
No
Description
Lenny’s Grill & Subs has carved out a loyal national following by doing something simple—serving handcrafted subs, grilled sandwiches, and fresh-made ingredients with a level of care that feels unmistakably local. In an industry crowded with copycat concepts, Lenny’s has always stood out for its quality-first mindset, generous portions, and neighborhood-inspired hospitality. For more than two decades, the brand’s reputation has grown steadily across the United States, making it a compelling franchise for entrepreneurs who want a food business with strong operational systems and a proven customer base.
Lenny’s combines the consistency of a mature franchise system with the everyday excitement of a fast-casual brand that still feels authentic. Guests appreciate the brand’s transparency—everything from sliced-to-order meats and cheeses to fresh hot-off-the-grill menu favorites. This commitment to craft has positioned Lenny’s as a recognizable name in the fast-casual sandwich category and a reliable investment opportunity for franchisees seeking predictable performance and long-term stability. For investors who want a brand with staying power, operational simplicity, and high consumer recall, Lenny’s Grill & Subs offers a standout opportunity.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Lenny’s Grill & Subs is built for entrepreneurs who want a strong, scalable franchise model backed by consistent consumer demand. The sandwich category continues to show resilience across economic cycles, and Lenny’s benefits from high lunch and dinner traffic, appealing to families, professionals, and local communities.
Key investment advantages include:
• Established brand trust: More than 20+ years of brand recognition and loyal guests.
• Operational simplicity: Streamlined kitchen systems with low menu complexity and strong throughput.
• High-frequency customer base: Office workers, students, families, and catering clients drive recurring revenue.
• Attractive unit economics: Reasonable build-out costs, competitive food costs, and multiple revenue channels.
• Strong franchisor support: Mature systems, standardized procedures, strong marketing assets, and ongoing training.
• Catering growth potential: A built-in opportunity for franchisees to add a profitable revenue stream beyond in-store sales.
Background
Established Year: 1998
Founders: Len and Sheila Moore
Current Active Franchise Units: 90+ locations across the United States
Industry Category: Fast-Casual / Sub Sandwich / Quick Service
Lenny’s Grill & Subs began in Memphis, Tennessee, with one simple idea—serve authentic, hearty sandwiches made with premium ingredients in a friendly neighborhood setting. What started as a small, family-driven operation quickly gained momentum as customers embraced the brand’s generous portion sizes and made-to-order approach. By the early 2000s, founders Len and Sheila Moore recognized the scalability of their model and began franchising.
Over the years, Lenny’s has continued to maintain its warm, community-oriented culture while expanding into multiple regions across the Southeast and beyond. The brand’s ownership remains committed to its founding principles: quality ingredients, exceptional service, and consistency across every unit. Today, Lenny’s Grill & Subs has a solid footprint, a recognizable name in the sub-sandwich market, and strong franchisor leadership steering ongoing innovation, menu development, and franchise expansion.
Support Training
Lenny’s Grill & Subs prides itself on offering one of the more comprehensive franchise support programs in the fast-casual category. Franchisees receive:
Pre-Launch Support
• Site selection assistance: Demographic analysis, traffic studies, and real estate guidance.
• Store design & construction support: Floor plans, equipment lists, layout recommendations, and vendor coordination.
• Financing guidance: Access to approved lenders and support in understanding cost breakdowns.
• Initial training: Classroom and hands-on training covering operations, food safety, HR, leadership, and cost management.
Operational Support
• Standard operating procedures: Complete manuals covering daily operations, prep systems, quality control, and safety.
• On-site opening support: Corporate trainers help ensure a smooth launch and team readiness.
• Cost control systems: Food cost analysis, labor management assistance, and P&L review tools.
Marketing Support
• National brand marketing: Seasonal campaigns, digital marketing assets, and brand-wide promotions.
• Local marketing toolkit: Templates for social media, grand openings, print marketing, and community partnerships.
• Catering marketing support: Strategies for building local catering relationships with offices, schools, and organizations.
Ongoing Support
• Field support visits
• Continuous training opportunities
• Operational updates
• Menu innovation
• Technology & POS system support
Ideal Candidate
Lenny’s Grill & Subs looks for franchise partners who combine business acumen with a genuine passion for hospitality. The ideal franchisee is:
• People-oriented: Enjoys building customer relationships and leading a motivated team.
• Operationally focused: Comfortable with day-to-day management, inventory, staffing, and customer interactions.
• Financially prepared: Able to meet investment requirements and sustain working capital during ramp-up.
• Community-driven: Ready to engage with local organizations, schools, businesses, and community events.
• Growth-minded: Interested in developing multi-unit opportunities and expanding within their region.
Previous foodservice experience is an advantage but not mandatory; strong leadership, organizational skills, and a commitment to brand standards are more important. Candidates with backgrounds in retail, hospitality, management, or entrepreneurship typically perform exceptionally well in this system.
Financial Detail
| Financial Item | Amount / Requirement |
|---|---|
| Total Investment | $330,000 – $500,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 – $30,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of Gross Sales |
| National Marketing Fund | ≈ 2% of Gross Sales |
| Local Marketing (Opening) | $10,000 – $15,000 |
| Liquid Capital Required | $100,000+ |
| Net Worth Required | $300,000+ |
| Working Capital | $20,000 – $40,000 |
| Build-Out & Infrastructure | $250,000 – $400,000 |
| Break-Even Timeline | 12–24 Months |