Multi-Unit Franchisee Magazine Issue III, 2011 | Page 30

By John Carroll

The Big Applebee
“My biggest role is being a cheerleader”

Z

ane Tankel doesn’t think of
himself as a bleeding heart. He’s
been repeatedly recognized for
his ability to build a hefty bottom
line. But he also isn’t afraid to show how
much he cares about the thousands of
people who work in his 35 Applebee’s
locations scattered around the Big Apple
and its suburbs.
Over the past 15 years, Tankel’s franchisee group, Apple-Metro, has created
one of the most generous bonus systems
in franchising. GMs and kitchen managers in his organization are given a car
after they’ve put in 18 months. They also
get a cell phone and free service. There
are bonuses for top players, even free
movie tickets for the hourly employees
who get special recognition for guest
services. More than 100 managers and
wives or significant others qualify for the
company’s regular cruises to Bermuda.
And no day would be complete unless
he stopped by a few of his restaurants in
his never-ending pursuit of employees
who deserve some face-to-face praise.
“My biggest role is being a cheerName: Zane Tankel
Title: Chairman and CEO
Company: Apple-Metro
No. of units: 35 Applebee’s
Age: 68
Family: Wife and two daughters
Years in current position: 15
Years in franchising: 15

28

Multi-Unit Franchisee Is s ue III, 2011