“With $5 billion in annual revenue from more than 3,000 franchises of Applebee’s, Taco Bell, Panera, Arby's, Pizza Hut, Wendy’s and now Planet Fitness in 44 states as well as Australia and New Zealand…”
“Back in 2001 Flynn had a deal on the line to acquire 62 additional Applebee’s locations for $162 million (including $114 million in debt) and he brought on Goldman Sachs, which invested $40 million.”
“...he started his own restaurant franchising when he purchased eight locations of Applebee’s in 1999 for $14 million (borrowing $12.8 million) after cold-calling the owner.”
