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A transformative acquisition is reshaping the future of multi-brand franchising. Friendly’s franchisee Amol Kohli has taken bold steps from franchise operator to industry visionary by acquiring Brix Holdings, the parent company behind more than 250 restaurants including Red Mango, Clean Juice, and Orange Leaf. With ambitious growth plans and a franchisee-first mindset, Kohli is redefining what leadership in franchising looks like. Discover how a teenager who once served pancakes at Friendly’s is now reimagining the future of American dining.
FRANCHISEE TO CEO: HOW A FRIENDLY’S OPERATOR TOOK OVER BRIX HOLDINGS AND 250 RESTAURANTS
By FMM Contributor
A remarkable new chapter is unfolding in the casual dining sector. Legacy Brands International, an investment platform led by Friendly’s franchisee Amol Kohli, has finalized the acquisition of Brix Holdings. The Dallas based parent company oversees a diverse portfolio of more than 250 restaurants, including Friendly’s, Clean Juice, Orange Leaf, Red Mango, Smoothie Factory and Kitchen, Souper Salad, and Humble Donut Co.
Why It Matters
Industry veteran John Antioco described Kohli as the ideal successor to lead Brix. He praised Kohli’s experience in multi brand franchising and growth strategy. Following the transaction, the Dallas headquarters will remain operational. Sherif Mityas will continue as Chief Executive Officer, and Kohli will take on the role of Chairman of the Board. JAMCO Interests, Brix’s former parent company, will retain a financial stake in the newly formed Legacy Brands International.
Kohli’s Story: From Teen to Titan
Kohli’s journey began when he was a 15-year-old waiter at Friendly’s. Over the course of sixteen years, he rose through the ranks and became a multi-unit franchisee. Today, he operates more than thirty Friendly’s restaurants across the East Coast. He credits the Friendly’s system for shaping his professional development. Looking ahead, he intends to grow the Friendly’s brand and the broader Brix portfolio in emerging markets such as Georgia, the Carolinas, and Texas.
Market Momentum and Expansion Plans
This year marks the 90th anniversary of Friendly’s, a brand that is regaining momentum with consumers. Brix Holdings reported positive same store sales across its entire portfolio in 2024. In the first quarter of 2025, eight new franchise agreements were signed. Additional development deals are currently in progress. Several new locations are already under construction and are expected to open later this year.
Franchisee Led Acquisitions on the Rise
This acquisition reflects a growing trend across the restaurant industry. Franchisees are increasingly transitioning from operators to owners of parent companies. Kohli’s move mirrors other transactions in which experienced operators acquire the brands they once helped build from the ground up.
Looking Forward
Now that the acquisition is complete, Kohli plans to guide Brix Holdings through a phase of rapid and sustainable growth. His vision includes supporting franchisees through better infrastructure, launching new initiatives, and acquiring brands that align with Brix’s values. Expanding Friendly’s into high potential markets remains one of his top goals. With a steady executive team in place and new capital behind it, Brix is poised to strengthen its presence in the dining industry. It is also redefining what modern multi brand franchising can become in the years ahead.
Sources
- PR Newswire – Friendly’s Franchisee Acquires Parent Company BRIX Holdings
- Nation’s Restaurant News – Friendly’s parent company Brix Holdings acquired by franchisee
- CoStar News – Friendly’s restaurant chain gets another new owner, but it’s a familiar face
- Restaurant Dive – Brix Holdings acquired by Friendly’s franchisee
- NJBIZ – South Jersey entrepreneur acquires Friendly’s parent company
- Dallas Innovates – Expansion Ahead: Dallas’ BRIX Holdings Acquired by a Leading Friendly’s Franchisee
- Restaurant News Resource – Friendly’s Franchisee Expands with BRIX Holdings Acquisition
This article was researched, outlined and edited with the support of A.I.