Archive · 3 Oct 2025
From Waiter to Owner: Kohli's Path to Restaurant Empire
Amol Kohli, who started working as a waiter making $5 an hour, now owns a huge restaurant business.
He began working at Friendly's as a teenager, and learned the business inside and out.
He continued working there while he studied at university, eventually becoming a manager.
Kohli invested in a Friendly's location and then expanded his ownership, eventually acquiring the entire chain.
He also purchased Brix Holdings, the parent company of several restaurant brands.
He now owns over 250 restaurants, and aims to improve the brand and make it a great career for everyone.
Amol Kohli began working as a waiter in 2003 making $5 an hour.
He worked his way up through the ranks, learning all aspects of the restaurant business.
Kohli invested in and then owned multiple Friendly's locations, eventually owning 31 locations.
In May 2023, he formed Legacy Brands International to acquire Brix Holdings.
Kohli currently owns over 250 restaurant locations.
- Who
- Amol Kohli
- What
- Acquired Friendly's and Brix Holdings to become the owner of the brands and over 250 restaurant locations.
- When
- Acquisition announced in July 2023.
- Where
- United States.
- Why
- To modernize Friendly’s and show that the food service industry can be a legitimate career.
- Name
- Amol Kohli
- Former Job
- Waiter at Friendly's
- Starting Wage
- $5/hour
- Current Role
- Owner of Legacy Brands International
- Brands Owned
- Friendly's, Clean Juice, Red Mango
- Restaurant Locations
- Over 250
- Acquisition Year
- 2023