Keeping a Legacy Brand Relevant
PHILADELPHIA (PRWEB) June 15, 2018 -- LEE’S® HOAGIE HOUSE REBRANDS FOR IT'S NEXT 60 YEARS
Lee’s® Hoagie House, the Pennsylvania-based chain that has defined Philadelphia’s traditional sandwiches, the hoagie, and the cheesesteak, for over 60 years, has relaunched its long-established regional brand with a streamlined in-store layout and national franchise offering.
IN-STORE REDESIGN
Among Lee’s® Hoagie House’s planned in-store upgrades are a new floorplan and a redesign of the Lee’s® Hoagie House retail space. Lee’s® Hoagie House contracted with Mark Metzgar, CEO of Cornerstone Consulting to manage the engineering and architectural redesign. “Our experience working with other successful franchises helped Lee’s® Hoagie House redefine their store concept to improve the customer experience, differentiate from the competition and better monetize their menu,” Metzgar adds. “We wanted the new layout and design to streamline operations at the same time showcasing the authentic Philadelphia legacy of the Lee’s® brand.
The new, industrial-meets-rustic look from offers distressed wood, exposed brick, overhead ductwork, cement floors, pendant lighting and large front facing windows. Bold graphics and easy-order digital displays add to the modern vibe. Each location will also honor its Philadelphia heritage with colorful murals and historic posters depicting classic Philly moments. The inviting design and thoughtful floorplan add ambiance and efficiency with a more streamlined throughput for customer ordering, fulfillment, and enjoyment.
TURNKEY SYSTEMS
Meeting the same quality standards nationwide necessitated new thinking on the part of the Lee’s operational team, as well. To guarantee the consistent quality of Lee’s® Hoagie House signature fresh made bread, LHH Franchise Group partnered with Liscio's Bakery of New Jersey. Franchisees can now maintain the taste and integrity of Lee’s Hoagie House’s distinctive sandwich bread, by finishing it fresh on site from par-baked rolls and loaves.
INCREASED EMPHASIS ON NATIONAL FRANCHISES
Lee’s Hoagie House has teamed with franchise industry expert, Gary Occhiogrosso, the founder of Franchise Growth Solutions, LLC, to expand the turnkey Lee’s® Hoagie House fast casual QSR (quick service restaurant) business model from 17 locations in 2018 to 25 locations by 2020. Lee’s® Hoagie House franchises are currently available in PA, NJ, NY, DE, and along the East Coast.
Mr. Occhiogrosso has over 30 years’ experience in franchise development and sales and was integral to the success of nationally recognized brands including Ranch *1, Desert Moon Fresh Mexican Grille, SkinnyPizza, Acai Express and those found under the multi-brand franchisor, TRUFOODS, LLC.
Lee’s® Hoagie House also requires its franchisees to attend Hoagie University, an intensive internal training program on opening and operating a successful franchise business. During the three-week course, franchisees learn about store operations, recruitment and development of staff, customer service best practices, marketing and sales techniques, and basic administrative oversight. Following the training, franchisees receive weekly coaching and support.
A PHILADELPHIA FAVORITE
A staple in generations of Philadelphian’s diets, Lee’s® Hoagie House offers a complete menu of 6, 9 and 18 inch custom made hoagies (a regional term for a hero, grinder or submarine sandwich), Philly and chicken cheesesteaks, hot sandwiches, wraps, salads, as well as chicken wings and chicken fingers.
The Lee’s® Hoagie House concept was created in 1953 by Lee Seitchek, expanded locally in 1977, franchised regionally in 2014, and will expand their franchise effort nationally in 2018. By enlarging the franchise footprint, consumers across the country will able to get the same quality, consistency, and service of the original Lee’s Hoagie House at any franchised location in the U.S. The fast-casual restaurant concept is currently in 17 locations across 4 states.
Once hourly employees at Lee’s, today, LHH Franchise Group co-founders, Allan Lewin and John Connell, are committed to leveraging Lee’s® Hoagie House from a beloved regional brand into a nationally recognized brand. “In order to take the franchising of Lee’s® Hoagie House national, we have created a strong business plan for the franchises to follow.” Says Lewin. “In 2018, the Lee’s ® Hoagie House franchise holder will have the strength of a long-time, proven concept and also benefit from new operational upgrades, a redesigned store layout, and consultative advice from one of the country’s top franchising experts.”
ABOUT LEE’S® HOAGIE HOUSE
Lee’s Hoagie House was founded in 1953 by Lee Seitchek with a menu based around the “Official Sandwich of Philadelphia”, the hoagie served on fresh-baked bread. Today, Lee’s® Hoagie House offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, and wings, including the original Philly Cheesesteak. Lee’s began expanding regionally in the late 1970’s and franchising in 2014, based on the popularity of its concept. Lee’s® Hoagie House currently has 17 owned and operated locations in Philadelphia, New Jersey, North Carolina and South Carolina. A national franchise plan was put in place in 2018.
According to CEO Allan Lewin, “Although the flavor profile of Lee’s® Hoagie House’s is synonymous with the Philadelphia region, through our franchise efforts, consumers across the country can now enjoy an authentic ‘taste of Philly,’ and experience the pride of place that Lee’s hoagies and cheesesteaks invoke.
ABOUT FRANCHISE GROWTH SOLUTIONS, LLC
Franchise Growth Solutions, LLC is a strategic planning, franchise development and sales organization offering franchise sales, brand concept and development, strategic planning, real estate and architectural development, vendor management, lead generation, and advertising, marketing, and PR including social media. Franchise Growth Solutions’ proven "Coach, Mentor & Grow®" system puts both franchisors and potential franchisees on the fast track to growth. Membership in Franchise Growth Solutions’ client portfolio is by recommendation only.
CONTACT: Gary Occhiogrosso
Franchise Growth Solutions
917.991.2465
info(at)frangrow(dot)com
Gary Occhiogrosso, Franchise Growth Solutrions, LLC., http://www.frangrow.com, +1 917 991 2465, [email protected]
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