Friendly's Operator Acquires BRIX Holdings Portfolio

A Friendly's franchisee now owns the company that franchises Friendly's. Legacy Brands International, an investment group led by multi-unit operator Amol Kohli, acquired BRIX Holdings and its portfolio of more than 250 locations across seven brands. The deal moves a working operator into the franchisor's chair.

An Operator Buying the Platform

Kohli has run Friendly's restaurants since 2009 and operates more than 30 locations on the East Coast. Buying the parent gives him control of Friendly's, Clean Juice, Orange Leaf, Red Mango, Smoothie Factory plus Kitchen, Souper Salad, and Humble Donut Co. An operator who has lived the franchisee economics now sets development and support strategy for all of them.

Why the Existing Owners Stayed In

BRIX's prior ownership, including majority member JAMCO, rolled into Legacy Brands International as investors rather than exiting. CEO Sherif Mityas and the leadership team stayed, and the company remains headquartered in Dallas. Continuity at the top reduces the disruption franchisees usually fear when a platform changes hands.

What Franchisees Across the Portfolio Should Expect

Kohli signaled a focus on expanding Friendly's south into Georgia, the Carolinas, and Texas, plus continued growth across the other brands and appetite for more acquisitions. With eight new franchise agreements already signed in 2025, the platform is in growth mode. Franchisees should expect development pressure and, ideally, support decisions shaped by someone who has run the units.