Fast-Tracked To Success

AMOL KOHLI used to wash dishes at Friendly’s as a teenager. Fifteen years later, he owns 16 restaurants—and he still draws on those early lessons to be an effective leader.

- Nina Zipkin

When Amol Kohli took his first job at a Friendly’s restaurant in Philadelphia, he was 15 and had one goal in mind: work his way up to manager, so he could beef up his college applications. He set out to become indispensable, learning every position in the restaurant. Need a server? Kohli was there. Down a dishwasher? Kohli filled in. Short a cook? He could do that, too. His bosses took notice, and he earned that manager position, working until he departed for college.

After graduation, he returned to the business he knew inside and out and became a franchisee. Now Kohli owns 12 Friendly’s locations in the Philadelphia area, as well as four Tilted Kilt pubs. As the 30-year-old navigates the business world, he’s learned how to connect with communities, motivate his team, and help employees find their own paths to success.

How has your history with Friendly’s influenced your approach as a franchisee?