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Ronnell Bryant had spent the past 23 years working in the military but has always harbored a fondness for the food and hospitality industry. With prior experience in franchising, and having already loved the <a href="https://lennysfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchisee-spotlight-ronnell-bryant-of-lennys-grill-subs-11972" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lennys Grill &amp; Subs</a> brand, he knew diving back into the industry was the route he wanted to take upon his retirement. He acquired an existing Lennys&nbsp;Grill &amp; Subs location in the Charlotte area, where he calls home, and has helped ingrain himself and the Lennys&nbsp;name back into the community.&nbsp;

Today, Bryant owns and operates the location alongside side his son, Ziggy, and have quickly developed a special connection to the community. The two are eager to further establish a larger Lennys presence across Charlotte moving forward.&nbsp;

Can you tell me a little bit about your background?&nbsp;

I was actually born in Brooklyn, New York, but grew up in Wilmington, North Carolina, and have called the region home ever since. For the past 23 years, I&#39;ve been in the military within the National Guard. I&#39;m just getting ready to finish up my military duties and retire from the service now, that way I can focus on our Lennys&nbsp;Grill &amp; Subs location.&nbsp;

My brother was in the Navy and I had always been interested in the military growing up. It was always something I aspired to be. So, my first tour was in the early &#39;90s. When I got out, I opened a franchise and ran that for 10 years, then after 9/11, I knew it was my duty to re-join the military and help any way I can, especially since I&#39;m originally from Brooklyn. I&#39;ve been in the military ever since.&nbsp;

How did you hear about Lennys Grill &amp; Subs and what motivated you to join the team? 

I wanted to do something after retiring from the military and I owned another franchise a long time ago and I just loved the simplicity of things, talking to people and serving them good food.&nbsp;

I had actually eaten at the Lennys location we currently own many times, since it was near where we were stationed -- we all loved it. It was a gathering place for all of us. I wanted one of these to own for myself one day and as it turned out, I got the exact same one.&nbsp;We actually took it over back in November of 2015, so it&#39;s been under our name for over a year now and since we&#39;ve increased sales significantly and we&#39;ve gotten a great response from the community.&nbsp;

What&#39;s helped make your location so successful early on?&nbsp;

Basically, we&#39;ve added discipline to the program. We hire locally and get involved in our community&nbsp;and it&#39;s helped establish more of a family feel to the restaurant. My son, Ziggy, is actually the general manager at the store and was only 19-years old when we bought it. He was handling day-to-day responsibilities while I continued my service.&nbsp;

It&#39;s been a great opportunity for us and we&#39;re just trying to build the brand locally and develop a bigger presence in the area.

Visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://atourfranchise.org/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchisee-spotlight-ronnell-bryant-of-lennys-grill-subs-11972" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">International Franchise Association&rsquo;s @OurFranchise website</a>&nbsp;for more stories of passionate local franchise owners, employees and their communities.

Franchisee Spotlight: Ronnell Bryant of Lennys Grill & Subs

1851 Franchise

After serving in the military for over two decades, Ronnell Bryant has turned his attention toward becoming Charlotte's newest Lennys Grill & Subs franchisee.

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