From Waiter to Owner: Amol Kohli’s Inspiring Journey with Friendly’s

Introduction

Amol Kohli’s story is a remarkable tale of resilience and ambition. Starting as a teenage waiter at Friendly’s, he has now become the owner of the entire Friendly’s chain along with six other restaurant brands. His journey highlights the immense potential for growth in the restaurant industry and serves as motivation for aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide.

🚨 An Indian-origin guy, Amol Kohli, who once worked as a waiter at a US restaurant Friendly’s, has now bought the entire company. pic.twitter.com/DKbPWxYPh3

— Indian Tech & Infra (@IndianTechGuide) October 6, 2025

Early Beginnings at Friendly’s

In 2003, a 15-year-old Amol Kohli began working at Friendly’s in Philadelphia, earning $5 an hour. His roles included cooking, dishwashing, bussing tables, and serving ice cream. These early experiences gave him a strong foundation in restaurant operations.

While studying finance and marketing at Drexel University, Kohli continued working summers at Friendly’s, often five to six days a week. He learned about insurance, payroll, and food costs, preparing him for a career beyond entry-level positions. Graduating with honors in 2011, he chose a regional manager role at Friendly’s over a traditional finance job.

Transition to Franchise Ownership

Kohli’s first franchise opportunity came when he acquired a struggling Friendly’s location. Using a combination of personal savings, credit, and support from friends, he invested approximately $250,000. From this start, he expanded to over 30 locations over 16 years.

Challenges and Strategic Acquisition

Friendly’s once boasted over 800 locations in the mid-1990s but faced financial hardships in recent years, culminating in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2020. In 2021, Dallas-based Brix Holdings acquired Friendly’s for under $2 million.

Seeing opportunity amid adversity, Kohli founded Legacy Brands International in May 2025 and acquired Brix Holdings by July 22, 2025. This deal brought Friendly’s and six other brands—Clean Juice, Orange Leaf, Red Mango, Smoothie Factory + Kitchen, Souper Salad, and Humble Donut Co.—under his leadership, totaling over 250 restaurant locations.

Kohli now serves as Chairman of the Board at Brix Holdings, with plans to revitalize and expand the brands.

Vision for Growth and Modernization

At 37, Kohli faces the challenge of rejuvenating Friendly’s, currently operating around 100 locations. His strategy includes:

• Modernizing technology with mobile apps
• Innovating menus to meet customer preferences
• Updating restaurant interiors and layouts
• Expanding to new markets like Georgia, the Carolinas, and Texas

He emphasizes attracting new franchisees, proving that the restaurant industry allows for upward mobility from entry-level roles to executive positions.

Indian-Origin Entrepreneur as a Global Symbol

Kohli’s journey exemplifies the American Dream, illustrating how strategic vision, hard work, and resilience can transform humble beginnings into a multi-brand empire. His story resonates globally, inspiring aspiring entrepreneurs and restaurant professionals alike.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Who is Amol Kohli?
Amol Kohli is an Indian-American entrepreneur who rose from being a waiter at Friendly’s to owning the entire chain and six other restaurant brands.

Q2: What brands does Kohli now own?
He owns Friendly’s, Clean Juice, Orange Leaf, Red Mango, Smoothie Factory + Kitchen, Souper Salad, and Humble Donut Co.

Q3: How did Kohli acquire Friendly’s?
Through his company, Legacy Brands International, Kohli acquired Brix Holdings, the parent company of Friendly’s, in July 2025.

Q4: What is Kohli’s vision for Friendly’s?
His plans include modernizing technology, menu innovations, restaurant expansions, and attracting new franchisees to grow the business.

Conclusion

Amol Kohli’s journey is more than a success story; it is a testament to perseverance, strategy, and vision. From humble beginnings as a teenage waiter to owning a national restaurant empire, Kohli exemplifies how dedication and hard work can create significant opportunities. His acquisition of Friendly’s not only revitalizes an iconic brand but also inspires a new generation of entrepreneurs to see the restaurant industry as a viable path to long-term success. For aspiring business owners and industry professionals, Kohli’s story underscores a profound truth: with persistence, learning, and the right opportunities, even the most modest beginnings can lead to extraordinary achievements.