An inspiring story of grit, perseverance, and vision, Amol Kohli’s journey from a high school waiter in Philadelphia to the owner of an entire US restaurant group is the kind of tale that gives hope to dreamers everywhere. CNBC recently spoke with Kohli about his remarkable path, highlighting how determination, learning on the job, and strategic thinking helped him rise through the ranks.

Starting With Pocket Money: Kohli’s Early Days at Friendly’s and the Lessons Learned

Kohli, 37, began working at a Friendly’s outlet in Philadelphia in 2003 as a restless high school student looking for pocket money. Earning about $5 an hour, he took on multiple roles, from cooking and dishwashing to bussing tables and scooping ice cream. While many teenagers see such jobs as temporary, Kohli saw it as an opportunity to learn the inner workings of the business.

Even while studying finance and marketing at Drexel University, he continued working at Friendly’s during the summers. “I started supporting a couple of franchisees and just began learning what happens after the money makes its way into the register. I learned about insurance, payroll, food costs and all these other things,” he told CNBC Make It.

Choosing Passion Over Paycheck: Why Kohli Took the Road Less Travelled

After graduating with honours in 2011, Kohli could have taken a conventional finance career, but he chose to stay in the restaurant industry. He became a regional manager at Friendly’s, and a few years later, he invested in a closing franchise location using his savings, credit, and support from business partners. That step marked the beginning of his franchising career.

Over the next decade, Kohli expanded his franchise portfolio to 31 Friendly’s locations, building experience, credibility, and a vision for the brand’s potential.

Owning the Brand: How Legacy Brands International Acquired Friendly’s and Its Sister Chains

On 22 July, Kohli’s investment group, Legacy Brands International, acquired Friendly’s, Brix Holdings, and six other restaurant chains. The acquisition brought the struggling brand, which had shrunk from 800 locations to just over 100, under his leadership. Brix Holdings founder John Antioco called Kohli “the ideal candidate for ownership,” citing his long track record with the company.

The deal also includes brands such as Clean Juice, Orange Leaf, Red Mango, Smoothie Factory + Kitchen, Souper Salad, and Humble Donut Co., giving Kohli control of more than 250 outlets across the US.

Reviving a Struggling Brand and Reimagining Career Paths in Food Service

Kohli admits that the road ahead is not without challenges. Friendly’s, which filed for bankruptcy in 2020, needs modernisation and new franchisees to thrive in a competitive market. Yet Kohli sees opportunity where others might see obstacles. He wants to redefine food service roles as long-term career paths, citing examples from his executive team, many of whom began as dishwashers and cooks.

“Some of the people on my executive team now were dishwashers and cooks,” he said, underscoring that his journey is proof that dedication and vision can transform lives.

From $5-an-hour waiter to owner of a multi-brand restaurant empire, Amol Kohli’s story is a masterclass in ambition, strategy, and the power of starting at the very bottom to reach the top.

Inputs from agencies