HARRISON N.Y. Zane Tankel, the chief executive and founder of Apple-Metro Inc., one of Applebee's largest franchisees, was named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year for the Metro New York region.
Tankel, whose company operates 25 Applebee's, two Chevy's Fresh Mex Restaurants and Zanaro's Italian Restaurant, was selected as a finalist from more than 40 nominees. The award is presented to entrepreneurs for innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.
Tankel said he was "honored to just be a finalist for this incredible award, alongside some of the biggest movers and shakers in New York."
Tankel's Applebee's outlet in Times Square is the casual-dining chain's highest-grossing location in the country, generating some $12 million in sales annually. Apple-Metro operates restaurants in New York City's five boroughs as well as in Westchester and Rockland counties.
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