Latest news with #LegacyBrandsInternational
Forbes
4 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
From Franchisee To Chairman: Friendly's Operator Acquires Brix Holdings
NEW JERSEY, UNITED STATES - 2007/05/19: Friendly's Ice Cream store exterior. (Photo by John ... More Greim/LightRocket via Getty Images) A shift is happening in the franchise world. Amol Kohli, who got his start as a teenager bussing tables at Friendly's, now owns one of the most recognizable franchise holding companies in the restaurant industry. Through his firm, Legacy Brands International, Kohli has acquired Brix Holdings. The Dallas-based company manages over 250 restaurant locations, including familiar brands such as Red Mango, Orange Leaf, Clean Juice, and Smoothie Factory and Kitchen. This is not just another acquisition. It marks a transition in how leadership shows up in franchising. Kohli brings something different. He has not come from the private equity world or a Wall Street office. His perspective comes from working in the business, not just owning it. A Practical Approach to Executive Leadership Kohli knows what it means to sweep floors, run a shift, and manage a team on a busy Saturday night. That hands-on experience has shaped his leadership style. Today, as Chairman of Legacy Brands International, he brings those insights to the table as the company looks toward the future. Brix Holdings will continue operating from its Dallas headquarters. Sherif Mityas, a seasoned executive, remains in his role as CEO, providing continuity during the transition of ownership. Former owner JAMCO Interests still maintains a financial interest, suggesting long-term confidence in the new leadership. Veteran franchising leader John Antioco praised Kohli for his operator-first mindset and vision for scaling brands while maintaining a focus on the franchisee. Kohli did not inherit his place at the top. He earned it. At fifteen, he worked the floor at a Friendly's in New Jersey. Over time, he gained a thorough understanding of the operations. He served customers, learned how to read a profit and loss report, and figured out how to keep staff motivated. He eventually became a franchise owner. Today, he operates more than thirty Friendly's restaurants across the eastern United States. That journey, built step by step, gives him a deep understanding of what franchisees face every day. This year, Friendly's turns ninety. While many legacy brands fade with age, Friendly's is gaining traction once again. According to reports from Brix Holdings, customer interest is growing. In the first quarter of 2025, the company signed eight new franchise agreements. Additional deals are underway, and several new locations are already being built. Kohli has his sights set on growth markets like Georgia, Texas, and the Carolinas. These regions have strong demographics and rising interest in fast-casual dining. He plans to support franchisees more effectively, increase brand awareness, and create value through strategic expansion. Kohli's story is not an isolated one. Across the restaurant sector, more franchisees are moving from operators to brand owners. They are no longer just running units. They are stepping into leadership roles that once belonged to investors and executives with little field experience. This shift brings operational knowledge into strategic planning. It creates leadership teams that understand both vision and execution. Kohli is part of that movement. His decisions are informed by years of working closely with employees and guests. The focus now is on building a strong foundation for growth. Kohli plans to invest in support systems that help franchisees thrive. That includes better training, more responsive infrastructure, and clear brand direction. While Friendly's remains a centerpiece of the portfolio, Kohli is also exploring ways to develop and acquire additional concepts that align with the company's core values. The acquisition marks the beginning of a new chapter for Brix Holdings. With experienced leadership and capital to invest, the company is positioned to grow responsibly and effectively. Kohli's path from server to owner reflects something rare in business. It proves that deep involvement, hard work, and patience can lead to leadership at the highest level. His journey is not typical, but it is becoming more common as franchisees take greater ownership of the systems they helped build.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Legacy Brands International buys Brix Holding Company
Legacy Brands International, an investment group led by Amol Kohli, has acquired US-based multi-brand franchiser, the Brix Holding Company. Financial details of the deal have not been divulged by the companies. The acquisition includes the purchase of restaurant brands such as Friendly's, Clean Juice, Orange Leaf, Red Mango and and Humble Donut Co. Brix will continue to operate from its Dallas headquarters, with Sherif Mityas remaining in his role as CEO alongside the current leadership team. Kohli will assume the position of chairman of the board for Brix while overseeing his Friendly's franchises. Kohli is expected to direct Brix's efforts towards both organic and inorganic growth strategies for its portfolio of health-oriented brands, as well as explore opportunities for further acquisitions. Kohli's franchise experience, which began with Friendly's in 2009, includes the management of more than 30 locations on the East Coast. He plans to expand the Friendly's brand into targeted regions such as Georgia, the Carolinas and Texas. Kohli stated: 'Friendly's has been a part of my life since I was 15. I started as a breakfast table waiter, which evolved into owning, managing, developing and overseeing several locations over the last 16 years. 'This was only made possible due to the everlasting support of my family, loyal team, partners and faith. I have been able to create something special for all to enjoy. 'I plan to take that to the next level in this new chapter of BRIX Holdings' ownership to grow the size, scale and infrastructure for all our franchise networks and systems.' In the first half of 2025, BRIX brands have opened several new locations, with more in construction and planned. The company reported positive same-store sales in 2024 and is maintaining growth momentum as it enters the second half of 2025.. Eight new franchise agreements have been secured in 2025, with additional agreements under review. BRIX CEO Sherif Mityas stated: 'I'm confident in our partnership as we continue to grow the BRIX family of brands with a team who believes in the company, our strategy and our path forward to support existing and new franchisees across our portfolio.' "Legacy Brands International buys Brix Holding Company" was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
