September 5th, 1989 marked the beginning of the Lenny's story. On that day, Lenny Chu began working in a small, undistinguished sandwich shop on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. From the moment Lenny began working he endeavored to make the shop into something extraordinary. Within 6 months Lenny and his brother, Brian, had bought the store and transformed it into what became Lenny's at 84th Street & Columbus Avenue. Lenny's quickly became known for its fresh specialty sandwiches and gracious service. Shortly thereafter Lenny and Brian opened a second Lenny's at 74th Street & Columbus Avenue, and the rest is history!
At Lenny's our focus is on sandwiches - What we believe to be the best sandwich in Manhattan.
What makes ours the best? The concept of a customer being able to watch a sandwich being prepared: A combination of the fresh appeal of an old-fashioned Italian deli, where the finest meats are sliced to order, with the modern precision of a Japanese sushi bar as the final product is assembled before your eyes.
At Lenny's, every sandwich is made fresh to order. Never pre-sliced or pre-packaged. Our specialty sandwiches range from our famous "Jimmy T" (#5) to the "Thanksgiving Special" (H1), to "Lenny's Combo" (#1).
If you've ever had a Lenny's specialty sandwich, you have tasted the difference and chances are you've been back for more.
If you have yet to enjoy the Lenny's experience, then you have something very special to look forward to.
One Penn Plaza
suite 4421
New York, NY 10119
T: 212.244.8866
F: 212.244.8814
When and where was Lenny’s established?
September 5th, 1989 on Columbus Avenue in the heart of NYC’s Upper West Side.
Who is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer?
Sei Hoon Lenny Chu
What is the company mission?
To exceed our guest’s expectations every day, every meal.
Who is the typical Lenny’s customer?
The Lenny’s demographic is truly a broad spectrum from every walk of NYC life. The appeal of Lenny’s stretches from students & teachers to local construction crews to moms with strollers to the NYPD & NYFD to the corporate titans of Midtown and Wall Street to A-list celebrities. People from all walks of life choose to be part of Lenny’s extended family because it is simply the very best product available. The Lenny’s brand represents high quality and gracious service at a fair price and that philosophy appeals to everyone.
Why is Lenny’s so popular?
Lenny’s popularity stems from the philosophy of providing our loyal clientele with a dining experience that exceeds their expectations every time. Lenny’s product and service are based on three philosophical pillars that the Chu brothers have spent the better part of the last 15 years developing. These three pillars are:
1.) Provide our guests with a valuable product that exceeds their expectations every time.
2.) Provide our guests with a remarkable experience through outstanding, friendly service.
3.) Work as a team to achieve the common goal of making the best sandwich in NYC.
What is the essence of a Lenny’s craving?
A craving is defined as a consuming desire; a yearning. A Lenny’s craving, as defined by many of our customers, is the fact that every time they enjoy a Lenny’s meal they cannot wait until they do it again. This desire is why we oftentimes see a customer every day of the week, whether it be for a quick coffee and bagel on the way to work or a lunch delivered to their desk or a fresh, healthy, home made dinner after their workout.
Where are Lenny’s current locations?
Locations include:
84th Street & Columbus Avenue
74th Street & Columbus Avenue
77th Street & Second Avenue
68th Street & First Avenue
54th Street & Second Avenue
48th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues
43rd Street & Ninth Avenue
23rd Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues
9th Street & Sixth Avenue
108 John Street
30 Rockefeller
33rd Street & 7th Avenue
Will Lenny’s be developed into a franchise?
Lenny’s is currently working with industry leading franchise consultant, iFranchise Group, to develop and begin marketing the Lenny’s franchise in Summer 07. The target is 80-100 franchises located in Seoul, South Korea and the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Regions by 2011.
What is the outlook for the growth of Lenny’s?
The company has a strategic goal of 17-20 company owned stores in Manhattan by 2011. Lenny’s is in the midst of an expansion that sees it add a new store every 6 months. The demand for fast, casual food is a far reaching market force that the Lenny’s brand is poised to fill both domestically and overseas.