Lightbridge Academy Signs 100th Franchise Agreement with Successful Multi-Unit Franchisee

Pankaj Savaliya and Mit Desai, a successful multi-unit franchisee duo, have officially signed the franchise agreement for Lightbridge Academy's 100th location. The location will be owned and operated in the New York Metro area.

Savaliya graduated college with a degree in engineering before moving from India to America in 2001. He started working at a Dunkin Donuts and realized the business potential in the brand, working his way up to become an owner in 2007. He now owns six Dunkin Donuts locations and one Subway restaurant.

Desai moved from India to America in 2005, where he received a degree from Rutgers Business School before entering corporate America. The partners first met through a mutual friend and launched a residential real estate company together. They were looking for the right opportunity and were familiar with Lightbridge Academy for different reasons.

Savaliya's 3-year-old son has been attending Lightbridge Academy for a year and a half, and Desai's aunt works at Lightbridge Academy, further exposing the brand to the duo. After completing their due diligence, they decided to join the Lightbridge Academy system.

• "The food and beverage businesses that I own are 24-7 operations, and I was looking for a concept that provided a work—life balance," Savaliya said. "Lightbridge Academy is the perfect business that will allow me to have that balance. We are very happy and confident with the corporate team and the support they give franchisees. They are very down to earth and we trust them."

The business partners were attracted to Lightbridge Academy for a variety of reasons, including the brand's core values and Circle of Care philosophy. The philosophy enables parents, children, staff, as well as the community and franchisees to create a trusted place for children to thrive.

• "My aunt works at Lightbridge Academy, and she always talks about the great culture, values, and philosophy," said Desai. "For me personally, when we met with the corporate team at Discovery Day, we were very happy to see that they don’t just talk about their culture, core values and Circle of Care philosophy. They actually live and implement it on a daily basis. They are really making an impact on people’s lives."

Savaliya and Desai are currently looking for real estate in the New York Metro area with the support of the corporate team. They're even gearing up to sign on for another location.

• "We’re always excited to bring on enthusiastic franchisees," said Mark Mele, the Senior Vice President of Franchise Development at Lightbridge Academy. "Although it isn’t necessary to have franchise experience, we think the transition into early education child care will be natural for Pankaj, as a successful multi-unit franchise owner who understands the benefits of following a proven system and franchise model."

To operate a successful Lightbridge Academy, franchisees have to care about making a difference in their communities.