Owner of Local Applebee's Restaurants Honored

Ed Doherty, whose company owns 61 Applebee’s restaurants, including two in the Sachem community, was honored with the 2011 “Franchisee of the Year” award this week.

According to Applebee’s, the award honors outstanding leadership, commitment and passion for the brand. Doherty Enterprises, Inc. is now a three-time recipient of this distinction.

“This franchisee is a testament to how strong an organizational culture can be when the top priority for its leader is developing a strong, vibrant brand culture,” said Applebee’s President Mike Archer. “His team lives its culture, breathes its culture and believes its culture.”

Doherty has raised more than $1.2 million for charities and community organizations, ranging on causes from a 9/11 Memorial Bike Run to the American Cancer Society, and the U.S. Marine Corps “Toys for Tots,” according to the company.

Doherty’s group owns 24 Applebee’s restaurants on Long Island, including the locations in Farmingville and Lake Grove.