In 1985 Edward Doherty stepped out on his own with a vision – “To Be The BEST Food Service Company in The Communities We Serve.” He acquired 19 Roy Rogers restaurants from Marriott Corporation becoming Roy Rogers’ largest franchisee.
Doherty Enterprises, grew to own 28 Roy Rogers restaurants and 6 T.J. Cinnamons Bakeries
Edward Doherty chooses 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, we purchased six existing Applebee’s on Long Island with the rights for further development.
In 2001, Doherty Enterprises entered into a development plan with Panera Bread Bakery-Cafe on Long Island. They also gained the territory to develop Staten Island, Brooklyn and Queens. The first Long Island, NY Panera Bread Bakery-Cafe opened in Carle Place in 2002.
Doherty Applebee’s named Applebee’s “Franchisee of the Year” in 2001 again in 2002 and 2011.
Doherty receives Applebee’s “Heart of Applebee’s Award” in 2005. This award is in recognition of a company that models best people practices in their workplace and makes a difference in the lives of their employees and their communities. And again in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2023
Doherty Applebee’s named Applebee’s “Neighbor of the Year” in 2006 as well as 2008, 2014, 2016, 2019. 2021, 2024. This award, which is the highest honor an Applebee’s Franchise can earn, recognizes the organization that demonstrates the greatest commitment to serving its neighbors and communities through a variety of outreach methods throughout the year.
2007 was a big year for Doherty Enterprises when they opened up their first independent concept in Clifton, New Jersey – The Shannon Rose Irish Pub.
The WOW A Friend Foundation is funded entirely by voluntary employee contributions. These contributions provide emergency funds to associates and their immediate families when they are burdened by an event outside their control, leaving them in need of financial assistance. With employee contributions averaging $1.00 per paycheck, it is affordable to participate! As of December 2024 we have helped 4100 employees, raised over 6mm and gave out over 5.5M
Franchise Times ranked Doherty Enterprises, Inc. the 14th largest franchisee in the United States. Ranked 12th in 2011 and In 2025, ranked 23rd in top 200 largest franchise owners.
Ed Doherty received the 2010 New Jersey Restaurant Association’s Gold Plate Award in recognition of his outstanding service and achievement in the food service industry.
WOW A Friend Matching Begins. WOW A Friend matching check presentation with Ed & Joan Doherty & WOW A Friend Committee Members.
Doherty opened its first Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas in Clifton, NJ. Another original Brand.
Our Panera group was recognized as Featured Operator of Year / Featured Franchisee of the Year! This award is the top honor for a Panera Bread Franchisee. We received the award because of the success that our Panera group has attained over the last 10 years and our commitment to WOWing our guests, our communities, and our people.
Ed Doherty receives Multi Unit Franchise Magazine’s MVP award
Crain’s Business names Doherty 70th largest privately held business in the NY Metro area.
This time recognized by the New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJB&IA) Good Neighbor Award.
Doherty acquired 35 Applebee’s locations in Florida and 3 in Georgia. Doherty sold these Applebee’s locations in 2024.
Wine Spectator recognized the extensive wine lists offered by Spuntino. And again in 2013-2025.
In November 2013, our first Panera Bread Drive Thru opens in Plainview, NY.
These awards reflect the combined opinions of more than 5 million restaurant reviews submitted by verified OpenTable diners for more than 20,000 restaurants in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
The Restaurateur of the Year Award has been presented to the most successful and deserving restaurateurs in New Jersey since 1980 and is the highest distinction bestowed upon a restaurant owner.
Doherty Enterprises became the 53rd largest privately held business in NY Metro Area by Crain’s Business. As of 2024 ranked 67th.
The extensive wine lists were recognized by the leading wine magazine in 2014 and again in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024.
Opened our first Sola Salon in December of 2018 in Staten Island. Currently we have 15 locations.
Celebrated 20 years operating Panera Brand! We opened our first Panera in 2002 in Carle Place, NY. We currently operate locations in Long Island, Staten Island, Brooklyn & Queens.
Celebrating 30 Years operating the Applebee’s brand! We currently operate locations in NJ, Long Island, NYC & Westchester.
Honored to win the “Show the Love” award out of all 725+ Sola Salon locations for our commitment to our people & our communities!
At the start of the year, Doherty purchased 23 Applebee’s in the 5 boroughs of NYC and Westchester
In 2024, Doherty expanded its portfolio with the addition of 19 Wendy’s restaurants across Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan. This growth marked our seventh restaurant concept and reinforced our commitment to serving guests throughout the communities we call home.
Doherty continues to expand the business by obtaining rights to develop JINYA Ramen Bar in NJ, NY, CT & PA. The first JINYA Ramen Bar opened in Totowa, NJ in 2024.
Doherty is ranked 27th Largest Restaurant Franchisee in the US by Restaurant Finance Monitor, ranked 26th in NJ’s Top 250 Privately Held Companies & ranks 5th largest family-owned business in NJ by NJBIZ, ranked 67th largest privately held company in NY Metro area by Crains, and ranked 23rd in Top 200 largest franchise owners by Franchise Times.