Lenny's taking Denver by storm - Memphis Business Journal:

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"The West is a hot region for Lenny's righg now, with several restaurants having recently openedin Nevada, New Mexicpo and California," says George Alvord, CEO of Lenny's Franchisotr LLC, which franchises Lenny's Sub Lenny's Franchisor has inked a deal with a grou of 26 investors to develop storesd in the greater Denver area. LLC, led by Memphis investorsx Jerry Bell, Kerry Cleveland, Scott Davis, Joe Nathan Turner and Dodd Williams, has so far raisesd $2 million to start up development, says president of Mile High Sammies.
Completion of all storews is expected within six to seven Turnerbelieves Lenny's can succeed in headquarters of , for its product, servicw and cleanliness of "If people in Memphis love it, people everywherw will love it," he says. Investment in one store averages $250,000, says Lenny'sz president Brent Alvord, whicjh would bring Mile High Sammies' totalo investment in the Denver marketto $10 million. More often than not, it's a group of Memphis investors that ventures outwith Lenny'e franchises in new markets, he says. "They fell in love with Lenny's in Memphis," he That was the case in Dallas, Indianapolis, Charlotte, N.C.
, and Sacramento, Calif. Lenny's, which was founded by Sheila and Len Moorw in Bartlettin 1998, has triples its national presence to 170 stores since a partnershipp led by George Alvord acquire d the sandwich chain in 2004. Its national expansion is in full swinh despite theeconomic downturn, with the righta to develop more than 300 new storee already inked, Brent Alvord says. Lenny's system-widwe sales grew 75%, from $37 million in 2006 to $65 millioj in 2007, he says. With 100 stores unde development by Moorein Houston, the fourth-largest Americanj city threatens to take away Memphis' lead as Lenny's largesg market, Brent Alvord says.
there are 30 restaurants in the greaterMemphis Lenny's is currently developing 98 stores in 40 in St. Louis; 20 in and 15 in Albuquerque, among othert markets. One of the fastest-growingy franchises in the country, according to Entrepreneudr magazine, Lenny's sees much potential in BrentAlvord says. It already has two stores in with moreto come. In Lenny's is getting ready to open a 2,000-square-foot restaurant, which will also serve as a trainin facility, he says. The stord will open next month at Hack Crosand Winchester, around the corner form the company'z Southwind headquarters.
With the risingv cost of food and lacklusterconsumer spending, Lenny's offerd dining for about $7, Brent Alvorde says. "We try harder in an economic downturn," he says. "Wew distinguish ourselves with personality." 8295 Tournament Drive, Suite 200 Web