Doherty Enterprises, Inc. was established in 1985 and is the 12th largest franchisee in the United States, operating six restaurant concepts including: Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar, Panera Bread, Chevys Fresh Mex, Carino’s Italian Grill, and their own concept, The Shannon Rose Irish Pub.
But it didn’t start there.
In 1985 Edward Doherty stepped out on his own with a vision – to be the best food service company in the Tri-state area. He acquired 19 Roy Roger restaurants from Marriot Corporation becoming Roy Roger’s largest franchisee. From 1985 through 1990, Doherty Enterprises grew to own 28 Roy Rogers and 6 T.J. Cinnamons Bakeries.
In 1991, Edward Doherty chose to reposition the company to continue its growth. It is in this year that the company obtained the rights to develop Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar restaurants in northern and central New Jersey. Doherty Enterprises’ first Applebee’s was opened in Piscataway, NJ in 1993. In 1998, they purchased six existing Applebee’s on Long Island with the rights for further development. In total Doherty Enterprises operates 60 Applebee’s in New Jersey and Long Island.
In 1999, Doherty Enterprises opened its first Chevys Fresh Mex restaurant. They currently own and operate three Chevys in New Jersey.
In 2001, Doherty Enterprises entered into a development plan with Panera Bread Bakery-Café within Long Island. They also gained the territory to develop Staten Island, Brooklyn and Queens. Currently Doherty Enterprises owns and operates 25 bakery-cafes.
