Franchisee Success: Lenny’s Sub Shop

Sometimes, work lunches pay off in a big way. For Chris Alford, it was how he was introduced to Lenny’s Sub Shop and subsequently started his journey as a Lenny’s franchisee.

“We had catering in the office one day and it was Lenny’s Sub Shop, and I thought, ‘Wow, that was a really great sandwich,’” said Alford.

After that pleasant first impression, Alford took his children to a local Lenny’s for another test drive. The franchise concept really resonated with him and his family. He was tired of working in corporate America and didn’t have any direction with franchising until Lenny’s.

As Alford said, “the shoe fit.” That next Monday morning, Alford called Lenny’s and started the process of becoming a franchisee. Now, Alford is the owner of the Lenny’s Sub Shop in San Antonio.

“It’s the greatest independence and the responsibility I have ever known,” said Alford.

Alford takes his responsibility as a business owner seriously, and it shows in his franchise. While he enjoys the autonomy of being a franchise owner, he is also aware of the accountability it comes with.

“I’m responsible for the daily operation of my business and for the 13 to 15 employees I have and for their livelihood and their contribution to their family’s livelihood,” said Alford.

While that helps motivate Alford to run his business to his fullest efforts and ability, he’s also found ways to make sure his franchise is a success with the help of his team.

“Trust, but verify everything,” said Alford. “You can’t do it all yourself and at some point you have to put people in trustworthy positions. You have to have the right people who can do it and who you can count on.”

For his location to run smoothly from the time it opens to the time it closes, Alford invests a great deal of trust in his team. Alford says that you have to trust that it will get done, delegate the duty and then verify that it gets done.

Right now, Alford is in growth mode with his Lenny’s location. In the future he would like to open more locations. It’s passion that keeps Alford going.

“Running one’s own business is great, but you have to have a passion for it,” said Alford. “Is my passion tired? I don’t know. But I have a passion for good. You need to have passion for what you do, whatever it is.”