1851

While John Doyle didn&rsquo;t plan on getting into the franchising world straight out of college, fate had a different idea in mind. After receiving an MBA from Xavier University, Doyle began looking for his next big move. One day, his childhood friend and <a href="https://www.penn-station.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=john-doyle-one-of-penn-stations-original-franchisees-has-remained-loyal-to-the-brand-for-over-30-years-2710540" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">Penn Station</a> owner Jeff Osterfeld gave him a call to ask for a little help at his fledgling restaurant in Cincinnati.&nbsp;

&ldquo;The original idea was just to help out for a week after Jeff&rsquo;s manager quit,&rdquo; Doyle said. &ldquo;In fact, I was still in the middle of interviewing for jobs when he called. I thought it was going to be temporary, but after two weeks Jeff asked if I&rsquo;d be interested in buying the business. We worked out a deal and I haven&rsquo;t looked back since. I currently own nine Penn Station locations in the greater Cincinnati area.&rdquo;&nbsp;

Founded by Osterfeld in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1985, <a href="http://1851franchise.com/pennstation" style="text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">Penn Station</a> serves a variety of grilled and cold deli sandwiches and wraps made to order with high-quality name brand ingredients on freshly baked bread. The menu also includes fresh-cut fries, hand-squeezed lemonade made throughout the day and chocolate chunk cookies baked in-house. The brand is not only known for its craveable menu, but for industry-leading <a href="https://1851franchise.com/pennstation/how-franchisee-longevity-makes-penn-station-a-brand-to-invest-in-2709071" style="text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">franchisee longevity</a>.

Doyle truly started on the ground floor, joining Penn Station as one of the three original franchisees in April 1988, along with Osterfeld&rsquo;s brother and a neighbor. The close-knit group provided Doyle with a trusted and loyal network of like-minded individuals in his hometown.

&ldquo;The company became such a good fit because we were already so close,&rdquo; said Doyle. &ldquo;Right off the bat, we were all on the same page.&rdquo;

Of course, in the beginning, learning opportunities abounded. Still, Doyle claimed that the youthful drive of the three novices allowed them to endure and keep them enthusiastic. Quitting simply wasn&rsquo;t an option. Even though the company couldn&rsquo;t afford to advertise much in the early days, the brand gained a devoted following around Cincinnati through pure word of mouth. Luckily, as the business picked up and the number of locations grew, Penn Station became a household name in the Cincinnati area and beyond.&nbsp;

&ldquo;It&rsquo;s been so incredible watching the company grow over the past 30 years,&rdquo; Doyle said. &ldquo;I remember sitting around the dining room table with Jeff and the two other franchisees signing the agreement. I never imagined the company would be where it is today.&rdquo;

&ldquo;We are committed to providing loyal franchisees like John Doyle the tools that are necessary for success,&rdquo; said Penn Station President Craig Dunaway. &ldquo;John has taken those tools, expanded them to fit his own unique circumstances, and this, in part, has lead to what is now an extraordinarily successful concept that has grown to over 310 restaurants throughout 15 states.&nbsp; John is a great ambassador for the brand. He was selected as the 2019 Franchisee of the Year for Penn Station, and this honor was truly earned.&quot;&nbsp;

After 30 years in the area, Doyle and Penn Station has become an essential part of the community. Whether it be through donating to community fundraisers or sponsoring hundreds of baseball games, Doyle has found a way to contribute in any way he can.&nbsp;

&ldquo;Cincinnati is one of the main markets that participates in Penn Station&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.penn-station.com/athlete.php?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=john-doyle-one-of-penn-stations-original-franchisees-has-remained-loyal-to-the-brand-for-over-30-years-2710540" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">Athlete of the Year</a> Program,&rdquo; said Doyle. &ldquo;We&rsquo;ve had some great success finding local high school athletes to highlight each month. At the end of each year, we choose one athlete and donate $10,000 toward their tuition.&rdquo;

Doyle is still open to the idea of future franchise expansion. Approaching double-digit franchise ownership, Doyle opened his ninth Penn Station location in Monroe, Ohio just this past May.&nbsp;

&ldquo;I feel very lucky to have been involved with such a successful and quality company since the very beginning,&rdquo; said Doyle. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s a good sign that, after all of this time, I am still excited about what the future holds.

John Doyle, One of Penn Station’s Original Franchisees, has Remained Loyal to the Brand for Over 30 Years

1851 Franchise

After three decades with the East Coast sub franchise, John Doyle shows no signs of slowing down. 


This brand page has been paid for by 1851. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

john-doyle-one-of-penn-stations-original-franchisees-has-remained-loyal-to-the-brand-for-over-30-years

Onigilly Japanese Kitchen

Unlocking the Potential: How Much Can You Earn as an Onigilly Franchisee?

unlocking-the-potential-how-much-can-you-earn-as-an-onigilly-franchisee

Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions

DeWitts Ignite New Chapter for Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions in Reno 

Grease, Grit, and Growth: DeWitts Ignite New Chapter for Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions in Reno, Nevada

grease-grit-and-growth-dewitts-ignite-new-chapter-for-filta-environmental-kitchen-solutions-in-reno-nevada

Layne's Chicken Fingers

Layne's Chicken Fingers-50 Unit-Wendy's-Franchisee-June-2025

Why This 50 Unit Wendy’s Franchisee Is Betting on Layne’s for His Next Big Move

wendys-franchisee-expands-with-laynes-chicken-fingers-texas

CapitalSpring

CapitalSpring’s Jim Balis Talks Growth, ROI and the Future of Fast Casual on “Rock My Restaurant”

capitalsprings-jim-balis-talks-growth-roi-and-the-future-of-fast-casual-on-rock-my-restaurant

Children's Lighthouse

Children’s Lighthouse Ramps Up Growth in First Half of 2025 With Strategic Expansions, Franchise Signings, and New Headquarters

childrens-lighthouse-ramps-up-growth-in-first-half-of-2025-with-strategic-expansions-franchise-signings-and-new-headquarters

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

What June’s Jobs Report Means for the Franchise Industry

what-junes-jobs-report-means-for-the-franchise-industry

Drone Delivery Takes Flight in QSR: The Future of Franchise Operations?

drone-delivery-takes-flight-in-qsr-the-future-of-franchise-operations

Chick-fil-A Tops Customer Satisfaction Rankings for 11th Year as Challenger Brands Gain Ground

chick-fil-a-tops-customer-satisfaction-rankings-for-11th-year-as-challenger-brands-gain-ground

Technomic Releases Annual Ranking of the Top 15 Fast-Food Chains in the U.S.

technomic-releases-annual-ranking-of-the-top-15-fast-food-chains-in-the-us

Rising Jobless Claims Could Signal Challenges — and Opportunities — for Franchising

rising-jobless-claims-affect-franchising

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise Built on Heart and Community

paris-baguette-franchise-rockaway-new-jersey-vishal-junjea

How This Franchise Consultant Turned a Love for Dogs Into a Business with Dog Training Elite

How This Franchise Consultant Turned a Lifelong Love for Dogs Into a Growing Business with Dog Training Elite

how-this-franchise-consultant-turned-a-lifelong-love-for-dogs-into-a-growing-business-with-dog-training-elite

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Ricki Oberoi and Layne's Chicken Fingers logo

Multi-Unit Wendy’s Operator Signs 12-Unit Deal With Layne’s Chicken Fingers

ricki-oberoi-laynes-chicken-fingers-growth

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photos of Danielle Rosemond & Usman Khan & TruBlue logo

Family Members of Local Physicians Bring TruBlue Franchise to North Central Nassau, Long Island: A Health Care-Inspired Approach to Aging in Place

family-brings-trublue-franchise-to-north-central-nassau

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How To Create a Strong Incentive

how-to-build-strong-incentives-to-attract-prospective-franchisees

Top 25 Franchise Marketing Leaders: Kelsey McManemin — Vice President of Marketing, HTeaO

top-25-franchise-marketing-leaders-kelsey-mcmanemin-vice-president-of-marketing-hteao

John Doyle, One of Penn Station’s Original Franchisees, has Remained Loyal to the Brand for Over 30 Years

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS