Lenny’s Subs, a veteran sandwich franchise based in Memphis, Tennessee, is planning ambitious development across its home state of Tennessee to further spread the Lenny’s Subs experience across the South. The brand is gearing up for significant growth in the next few years, planning to open five new locations in 2015, 18 in 2016, and 25 in 2017.

“We want to own the state of Tennessee, and there is plenty of room for growth in Nashville,” says Bob Ritter, vice president of franchise and market development for Lenny’s Subs. “It’s a growing area, and the potential for new unit growth is outstanding.”

Lenny’s Subs currently has nearly 40 locations throughout Tennessee, three of which are located in the Nashville market.

“We’re looking to add an additional 20 locations across Tennessee over the next five years,” Ritter adds. “It is important for us to focus our development efforts in Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville while also expanding to smaller markets in the state.”

President and COO Jason Vaughn is excited about the expansion plans and to unveil a new design for the next generation of Lenny’s shops, featuring a new color palette and modern details like corrugated metal finishes, faux wood floors, as well as a new menuboard.

“We have created an environment that extends beyond lunch, and our new look really elevates our brand, taking us to the next level,” he says. “The updated interior will not only resonate more with our consumer, but will also attract franchise candidates looking for a great business opportunity.”

For potential franchisees looking for a lucrative investment opportunity, the Lenny’s Subs franchise ranges from $141,000 to $366,000, depending on the real estate chosen for the shop. Additionally, franchisees that qualify to obtain the right to operate additional Lenny’s Subs may open subsequent stores based on a reduced franchise fee. Average sales for the 2014 calendar year of the brand’s top 50 percent of reporting franchised shops open before January 1, 2013 were $729,895.94.