Johnny s Lunch progress in franchises announced

9/20/2008

A Toledo company attempting to build a franchising empire of hot-dog restaurants announced progress this week in its long-range development plans to broaden its concept nationally.

Johnny s Lunch has seven stores operating in Michigan, New York, and Toledo, including a store on Sylvania Avenue near Talmadge Road. CEO Tony Calamunci said the chain has received commitments for an additional 1,300 stores nationally over the next 15 years.

When Mr. Calamunci and his partner and brother, A. John Calamunci, opened their first store in Toledo in 2007, they predicted they would have 30 to 40 restaurants by the end of 2008, and as many as 500 by 2012.