Multi-Unit Franchisee Magazine Issue III, 2014

2014 MVP AWARDS BY DEBBIE SELINSKY Big Operator, Bigger Heart T Family, philanthropy, diversity, and drive ony Lutfi, who immigrated to the United States from Lebanon, is one of the most successful QSR franchisees in the country, rapidly growing his five food brands to market domination and record revenues. Lutfi, who first ventured into franchise ownership in the early 1990s as a franchisee of Arby’s and Long John Silver’s in Northern California, now owns a whopping 130-plus restaurants in California, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, and Missouri. No one-trick pony, in 2011 he began diversifying his portfolio beyond food, and just 3 years later operates a total of 29 Sears retail stores: 17 Sears Home Appliance Showrooms, 3 Sears Appliance & Hardware stores, and 9 Sears Outlet stores. His MarLu Investment Group was able to accomplish such rapid growth across brands because, he says, “We keep the same focus on culture that has kept us in business and away from trouble.” Lutfi’s culture promotes teamwork and cross-funcNAME: Tony Lutfi TITLE: CEO, President, MarLu Investment Group, Elk Grove, Calif. NO. OF UNITS: Arby’s, 53; Church’s Chicken, 47; Jack in the Box, 21; Little Caesars, 5 (plus 12 more this quarter); Sizzler, 5; Sears Home Appliance Showroom, 17; Sears Outlet 9; Sears Appliance & Hardware, 3 (and managing 13 Sears locations for another franchisee) AGE: 54 FAMILY: Married for 30 years to Anna; 3 children, Metri, Stephen, and Ramsey; twin grandchildren, Beckham and Mya YEARS IN FRANCHISING: 21 YEARS IN CURRENT POSITION: 21 MULTI-UNIT FRANCHISEE IS S U E III, 2014 43

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