Written By JR Robinson

Every great city has its hometown heroes. For the Bartlett suburb of Memphis, one local treasure has been bringing joy to the community and beyond for over two decades—Lenny’s Grill & Subs. As October 22nd approaches, marking Lenny’s Day Celebration, we take a deep dive into the remarkable journey of this homegrown sandwich shop that won the hearts of thousands and has become a leading franchise in the fast-casual dining world.

The Humble Beginnings: Bartlett’s Own Sub Shop

Nestled just north of Memphis, Bartlett, Tennessee, is a community rooted in family values and Southern hospitality. In 1998, Len and Shelia Moore saw an opportunity: there was a need for a place where locals could gather for quality food and genuine connection. That vision became Lenny’s Sub Shop. The first location, at 7424 Stage Road, opened its doors with a simple promise: serve great food and treat every guest like family.

Unlike faceless franchises, Lenny’s felt instantly at home in Bartlett. The Moores were hands-on, greeting customers by name and working the front counter. Their commitment to quality—freshly sliced meats, hand-crafted sandwiches, daily-baked bread—set a new standard for what a neighborhood sub shop could be. Locals responded enthusiastically, and word spread quickly: if you wanted an authentic, hearty sandwich, Lenny’s was the place to go.​

A Recipe for Success: Quality Ingredients & Community Focus

From its inception, Lenny’s set itself apart through uncompromising quality and service. The menu was simple but full of intentional choices—classic Philly cheesesteaks, mile-high deli sandwiches, and fresh salads. Ingredients were never frozen or pre-packaged. Bread was baked daily, meats and cheeses sliced to order, and veggies crisp and colorful.

But it was about more than just food. The Moores believed in giving back—sponsoring youth teams, supporting schools, and partnering with local nonprofits. Lenny’s was often the site of post-game celebrations, community fundraisers, and lunch breaks for busy families and workers. The brand’s DNA was woven together with that of its community.

This commitment translated directly to growth. Guests became regulars; regulars became ambassadors. From birthday parties to first dates, countless stories began inside Lenny’s cozy dining rooms. Their “Best Way” philosophy wasn’t just about how to order a sub—it was a way of life. Treat guests right, serve them well, and never skimp on quality—that was the Lenny’s promise.​

Explosive Growth: Franchising & Spreading the Memphis Spirit

By 2001—just three years after opening—Lenny’s began franchising. The demand was evident: everyone wanted a Lenny’s in their neighborhood. Franchising allowed the Moores to share their vision, not dilute it. Prospective owners had to buy into the culture, the commitment, and the hands-on approach that made the original location so beloved.

Lenny’s expansion didn’t happen overnight. Franchisees trained for five weeks in Memphis, learning the art of sandwich-making, business management, and, crucially, the “Lenny’s Way” of hospitality and local involvement. The company’s leadership fostered a culture where franchise success was paramount—if franchisees thrived, so did the Lenny’s brand.

Under the stewardship of its current CEO, Charley Shin, Lenny’s has continued to innovate—rolling out new store designs, technology, and menu innovations to stay ahead in the competitive quick-serve market. Today, Lenny’s boasts over 100 locations across the Southeast and beyond, but each one remains grounded in the original ethos born in Bartlett: never compromise on quality and always put people first.​

Bartlett Roots Remain Strong

In all its expansion, Lenny’s hasn’t forgotten its roots. The original store in Bartlett remains a flagship—a living tribute to the community that launched a national brand. Many Bartlett locals remember the early days: the Moores behind the counter, neighborhood kids grabbing after-school snacks, first dates over cheesesteaks. That personal touch is still felt, as the Bartlett location is still owned and operated by dedicated locals, including an award-winning manager and family partners ensuring the “original taste” persists.​

Giving Back: Community Celebration and Impact

Lenny’s commitment to its community is celebrated yearly with Lenny’s Day. This isn’t just an anniversary. It’s an occasion to say thank you—with special deals, fan-favorite menu returns, and rewards for loyal members. Events often include supporting local causes, hosting special offers for seniors and first responders, and spotlighting the community groups that helped the brand grow strong.​

On Lenny’s Day, guests can enjoy a $2.99 deal on their beloved 7.5” subs, ensuring everyone gets a taste of the celebration. There’s even a “Member-Only Hour” granting rewards members early access, making customers feel recognized and valued. For Baby Boomers and long-time fans, dedicated promotions ensure their loyalty is honored, including free combos and in-store special experiences.

Adaptation & Innovation: Staying Relevant in a Changing Market

Surviving—and thriving—in the fast-casual segment requires adaptability. Lenny’s has evolved with consumer preferences, offering online and app-based ordering, efficient delivery, and community-specific promotions tailored for today’s market. New menu items, such as bold limited-time subs and shakes, keep the regulars interested and attract new fans.​

Yet at its heart, the “Lenny’s Experience” is about human connection. Even as locations multiply and innovations roll out, every team member is trained to know their guests, serve with a smile, and uphold the same standards set back in 1998.

More Than Subs: Lenny’s Cultural Impact

For many in Bartlett (and indeed, Memphis and the Southeast), Lenny’s is woven into the story of their lives. It’s the backdrop to milestones: graduations, small business lunches, reunions, and neighborhood celebrations. The shop has contributed economically—providing jobs to local youth and adults, mentoring franchisees, and supporting area suppliers and farmers.

Lenny’s story mirrors that of Memphis—a city built on resilience, pride, and a little bit of magic. In representing Bartlett nationwide, Lenny’s carries the torch for local flavor and community values into every location.

A Spirit of Service: Leadership & Franchise Culture

Lenny’s isn’t just about selling sandwiches. It’s about cultivating leaders and entrepreneurs. The brand invests deeply in franchisee training, mentorship, and ongoing support, ensuring that each owner not only succeeds financially but also becomes a pillar in their own community. The leadership team frequently highlights success stories from the field, reinforcing the theme: when one Lenny’s rises, they all rise.

Franchisees are encouraged to be hands-on, learn every job, and take an active role in their store and their town. That commitment builds teams with an authentic sense of purpose and belonging. Even as Lenny’s grows, its structure allows owners to be nimble and responsive, maintaining that personal connection which is often lost in larger chains.​

Celebration Time: Lenny’s Day 2025 – Honoring Heritage, Inspiring Future

As October 22nd draws near, excitement builds for another memorable Lenny’s Day. This celebration is a testament both to where Lenny’s came from and the bright future that lies ahead. The festivities honor customers, franchisees, team members, and the community partners that have fueled Lenny’s success every step of the way.

There’s something special about returning to your “neighborhood sub shop”—it’s comfort food, nostalgia, and a reminder of simpler times. Whether you’re a Bartlett native or a new fan finding Lenny’s for the first time, this celebration is for you.

The managers, staff, and corporate team extend a heartfelt thanks to every customer who has visited, every local partner who has collaborated, and every franchisee taking the Lenny’s way across the country. This national brand remains, at heart, Bartlett’s gift to the world—a place built on quality, hospitality, and community.

The Legacy Continues

From its modest start in a Bartlett strip mall to a franchise network personifying Southern hospitality, Lenny’s Grill & Subs stands as a beacon of what makes local businesses so vital. It is proof that when you invest in your community, never waver on quality, and keep people at the center, you create more than a business—you build a legacy.

As Lenny’s Day 2025 approaches, let’s raise a sub to the Moores, to Bartlett, to every employee who’s donned a Lenny’s cap, and, most importantly, to everyone who’s found comfort and connection inside its doors. Here’s to many more years of great food, stronger communities, and wonderful memories—served up the Lenny’s way.​