A remarkable story of local ambition turning into national influence is unfolding right here in South Jersey. Amol Kohli, a Voorhees Township native whose journey with Friendly’s began as a high school waiter, has now orchestrated a monumental acquisition: his investment group, Legacy Brands International (LBI), has purchased Brix Holdings, the parent company behind the iconic Friendly’s casual dining chain. This move isn’t just a corporate transaction; it’s a testament to dedication, strategic vision, and a deep understanding of the restaurant industry.
The deal, announced on July 22, 2025, sees LBI not only taking the reins of Friendly’s but also acquiring Brix Holdings’ diverse portfolio of fast-casual, health-focused concepts. This impressive roster includes popular brands like Clean Juice, Orange Leaf, Red Mango, Smoothie Factory + Kitchen, Souper Salad, and Humble Donut Co. While the financial details of this significant acquisition remain undisclosed, it marks a pivotal moment for these brands and places a South Jersey entrepreneur at the helm of a substantial national restaurant conglomerate.
This acquisition is particularly noteworthy for Friendly’s, a brand that has faced its share of challenges in recent years. After reaching a peak of around 850 locations in the mid-1990s, changing consumer preferences and financial struggles led to two Chapter 11 bankruptcy filings and a significant reduction in its footprint to fewer than 100 locations. Brix Holdings had acquired Friendly’s just four years prior, following its second bankruptcy, in a deal reportedly valued at approximately $2 million. Now, under Kohli’s leadership, Friendly’s is poised for a robust comeback, propelled by menu innovations, restaurant modernizations, and savvy social media engagement.
Amol Kohli’s connection to Friendly’s is deeply personal. He began working at a local Friendly’s restaurant in 2009 at the age of 15. This early experience ignited a passion for the restaurant business that would shape his career trajectory. After graduating from Drexel University, he strategically transitioned into a Friendly’s franchisee, steadily expanding his ownership to over 30 locations across the East Coast. Notably, he currently operates five of the 13 remaining Friendly’s sites in New Jersey, including those in Sicklerville, Blackwood, Cinnaminson, Deptford, and Glassboro – a true testament to his commitment to the brand.
Under the new ownership structure, Kohli will continue to manage his existing Friendly’s franchises while stepping into the critical new role of Chairman of the Board for Brix Holdings. This dual role positions him to leverage his hands-on operational experience with his strategic vision for the entire portfolio.
Brix Holdings, which currently operates 250 restaurants across its various brands, has ambitious plans for accelerated development. A key focus will be on expanding the Friendly’s brand into new markets, particularly in the Southeast U.S., including Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas. This strategic expansion signals a revitalized energy for the beloved chain, bringing its nostalgic appeal and family-friendly offerings to new communities.
In a statement, Kohli shared his enthusiasm for this new chapter: “Friendly’s has been a part of my life since I was 15. I started as a breakfast table waiter, which evolved into owning, managing, developing, and overseeing several locations over the last 16 years. This was only made possible due to the everlasting support of my family, loyal team, partners, and faith. I have been able to create something special for all to enjoy. I plan to take that to the next level in this new chapter of Brix Holdings’ ownership to grow the size, scale and infrastructure for all our franchise networks and systems.”
John Antico, founder and managing member of Jamco Interests LLC, Brix’s principal owner, lauded Kohli as “the ideal candidate for ownership of Brix Holdings.” Antico highlighted Kohli’s “long history of success and dedication to Friendly’s,” emphasizing his “broad experience in the restaurant industry and in-depth understanding of multi-brand franchising systems and development,” which are expected to “contribute greatly to the continued growth of the Brix brands and its franchisees.” Jamco will continue its involvement with Brix, serving as investors in Legacy Brands International, signaling continued confidence in the new leadership.
Current Brix CEO Sherif Mityas will retain his position, continuing to oversee the existing leadership team based in Dallas headquarters. Mityas, a former TGI Fridays executive who joined Brix in 2021, expressed confidence in the new partnership, noting, “I’m confident in our partnership as we continue to grow the Brix family of brands with a team who believes in the company, our strategy and our path forward to support existing and new franchisees across our portfolio.”
The first half of 2025 has already shown promising momentum for Brix. The company has reported positive same-store systemwide sales comparisons in 2024 and is building on this growth, with several new locations already under construction or in development, and eight new franchise agreements awarded this year alone. This strong performance sets a solid foundation for Kohli’s ambitious plans for expansion and innovation.
This acquisition by a homegrown South Jersey talent represents a significant win for the region’s entrepreneurial spirit and a hopeful new chapter for several well-known restaurant brands. As Friendly’s and its sister brands embark on this exciting new phase of growth, New Jersey can proudly watch one of its own lead the charge in the national business landscape.
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