Amol Kohli Biography, Age, Family, Career, Controversy, Net Worth and More

Who is Amol Kohli?

Amol Kohli is an Indian-origin hospitality entrepreneur and the founder of Legacy Brands International, widely known for his remarkable journey from being a teenage waiter at Friendly’s Restaurant to becoming the owner of the entire Friendly’s chain in the United States. His inspiring rise is considered a rare “full-circle success story” in the global hospitality industry.

Amol’s career highlights the power of hard work, learning from the ground level, and building strong business instincts through real-world experience rather than shortcuts. Over the years, he expanded from operating single restaurant franchises to acquiring multi-brand portfolios across America. His story represents resilience, smart risk-taking, and the ability to turn an everyday job into a life-changing opportunity.

Amol Kohli Early Life

Amol Kohli was born in India and later moved to the United States with his family. His upbringing was grounded in traditional values of discipline, work ethics, and respect for hard-earned success.

Like many immigrant families, his parents encouraged him to focus on academics, but Amol also developed a deep sense of responsibility early on. To support himself and gain experience, he began working part-time jobs as a teenager.

At the age of 15, he joined Friendly’s Restaurant as a part-time employee. His initial tasks included waiting tables, clearing dishes, maintaining cleanliness, and assisting customers. His salary at that time was about $5 per hour, which was modest, but this job became a turning point in his life.

Amol Kohli Education

Amol graduated from high school in the United States and later joined Drexel University, where he pursued a double major in Finance and Marketing.

During his college years, while most students enjoyed vacation time, Amol continued working at Friendly’s during summers and weekends. This hands-on exposure gave him invaluable insight into:

• Customer service
• Inventory and food cost management
• Staff coordination
• Operational efficiency

His education gave him strategic thinking skills, while his restaurant job taught him practical business management, a combination that later played a crucial role in his entrepreneurial journey.

Amol Kohli Family

Amol Kohli keeps his family life private.

He maintains a professional-public image focused on business achievements rather than personal publicity.

Amol Kohli Career

Early Career at Friendly’s

After completing his graduation in 2011, Amol was expected to pursue a corporate job. However, he chose to remain in the restaurant industry, starting as a Regional Manager at Friendly’s. Over time, he became deeply familiar with the brand’s operations at every level.

First Restaurant Ownership

Amol’s entrepreneurial journey began when one of Friendly’s outlets was about to shut down due to financial issues. Instead of letting it close, he took a bold risk — investing around $250,000 (including personal savings and loans) to take over the restaurant as a franchise owner.

This decision marked the beginning of his transformation from employee to business owner.

Expansion and Business Growth

Over the next few years, Amol successfully improved management efficiency, customer experience, and profitability. He expanded his operations to multiple Friendly’s franchise locations.

His leadership was based on:

• Understanding frontline challenges
• Respecting staff roles
• Controlling operational costs
• Building loyal community customers

Founding Legacy Brands International

With growing experience, Amol founded Legacy Brands International, a hospitality group focused on acquiring and growing restaurant chains.

Buying Friendly’s Restaurant Chain

In 2025, Amol achieved what many call a “Dream Come True Moment”. He acquired the parent company of Friendly’s, becoming the owner of the entire chain that once employed him as a teenage waiter.

This acquisition included multiple restaurant brands across the United States under one corporate umbrella.

Amol Kohli Personal Life

Amol prefers a modest and private personal life. He believes in:

• Consistency
• Learning by doing
• Respecting every job, big or small

His philosophy:
“In hospitality, you can start from washing dishes and rise to CEO — nothing is impossible.”

Controversy

There are no major controversies associated with Amol Kohli. He is known for his professional conduct and positive business leadership.

Amol Kohli Social Media

Amol Kohli Net Worth

Amol Kohli Physical Appearance

Interesting Facts About Amol Kohli

1. He started working at Friendly’s at the age of 15 earning $5/hour.
2. He learned restaurant operations from the ground level instead of business books.
3. His first franchise purchase was a restaurant about to shut down.
4. He invested his savings + loan instead of outside funding.
5. He turned a simple job into a multi-million-dollar business empire.
6. His company now controls multiple food brands in the US.
7. His story has been featured in major business publications globally.
8. He inspires young entrepreneurs to start small and grow big.

FAQs

Q1. Who is Amol Kohli?
Amol Kohli is an Indian-origin entrepreneur who owns the Friendly’s restaurant chain.

Q2. What is Amol Kohli known for?
He is known for rising from a waiter to the owner of the entire Friendly’s brand.

Q3. Where did Amol Kohli study?
He studied Finance and Marketing at Drexel University in the United States.

Q4. Which company does he own?
He owns Legacy Brands International.

Q5. What was his first job?
His first job was as a waiter at Friendly’s.

Q6. Is Amol Kohli married?
His personal life is private and not publicly disclosed.

Q7. How did he buy Friendly’s?
Through strategic business expansion and acquisition of the brand’s parent company.

Q8. What is his estimated net worth?
His estimated net worth is between $10–$50 million.

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