If you are looking for a franchise system that sells sandwiches, there are many options to choose from. With such a variety of options, there is something for everyone.
In this article, we’ll talk about 20 of the best sandwich franchises to open up shop. So which one is right for you? Read on to find out!
What are Sub Sandwich Franchises?
These franchises are some of the most popular fast food chains in the restaurant industry worldwide. They offer a variety of sandwiches including submarine sandwiches, grilled sandwiches, wraps and salads.
Most franchises have a similar business model that offers customers a choice of meat, cheese and toppings mounted on a fresh bread or roll.
Why should you consider a sandwich franchise?
The sandwich chain is a good way to get into the food business. Here are five reasons why you should consider starting your own sandwich franchise in 2022:
- Proven concept. Sandwich shops are a proven business model with a long history of success, and there are many well-known and popular chains to choose from.
- Usually very profitable. Franchise sandwich shops tend to be very profitable, with some chains generating millions of dollars in annual revenue.
- Be your own boss. As a franchise owner, you’ll be in charge of your own business and have the independence to make the decisions that are best for you and your customers.
- Brand recognition and marketing support. When you open a franchise, you benefit from the brand recognition and marketing support of the parent company.
- Relatively easy to operate. Making submarine sandwiches is not rocket science, and most franchisors offer comprehensive training programs.
Best sandwich franchises
Do you want to offer cold sandwiches, hot sandwiches or specialty sandwiches? Will you offer side dishes like potato salad?
Whatever you want to offer, you’re sure to find the right opportunity in our list below:
1. Firefighters Subs
If you’re looking for a tasty and affordable franchise, Firehouse Subs, which began franchising in 1995, is a great choice. They offer delicious take-out-style sandwiches with a unique twist: all their meats and cheeses are steamed before being placed on freshly baked bread.
With an initial single-unit Firehouse subs franchise fee of just $20,000 and an average total cost of $412,731, it’s a relatively affordable option. Also, you’ll need liquid cash of at least $100,000 to qualify. Other fees include a 6% royalty fee on sales and an advertising fee of 3-5% of sales.
2. Pit of Pita
Opening this franchise can be a very lucrative decision. It’s the home of Lebanese-style pita sandwiches and was franchised in 1995.
The initial franchise fee is $24,000 to $30,000 depending on the location and size of the restaurant. The estimated total initial investment is $353,154 – $574,486. Net worth requirements are $100,000 and liquid assets of at least $75,000.
3. Jimmy John’s
Third on our list of franchise opportunities is Jimmy John’s, which was started by Jimmy John Liautaud in 1983. He was 19 years old at the time and borrowed $20,000 from his father to start the company.
You can start a franchise that has no royalty fees (for a limited time) and an advertising fee of only 4.5%. Your investment will range from $316,100 to $558,600, and you’ll need a net worth of at least $1 million.
4. Blimpie
With an initial investment of between $232,770 and $524,325, you can become a Blimpie franchisee. The company has been in business since 1964 and has over 200 franchise units. A minimum liquid capital of $125,000 is required.
5. Charleys Philly Cheesesteak
If you want to open a Charley’s Grilled Subs franchise, keep in mind that the initial investment will range from $251,637 to $1,002,700. The company requires an initial franchise fee of $24,500 for the first unit and $15,000 for each additional unit. There is also a 6% royalty fee on gross sales.
6. Penn Station East Coast Subs
To open a Penn Station East Coast Subs franchise, you must have a net worth of at least $500,000 and liquid assets of at least $300,000.
The initial franchise fee is $25,000 per restaurant and royalties are 2% to 8% of sales (depending on sales volume). There is also a 2% national advertising fee and local marketing cooperation fees that vary by market.
7. Sandwiches from Togo
Opening a Togo Sandwiches franchise will require an initial investment of between $231,500 and $476,500. This includes the franchise fee of $30,000. You will also be responsible for a 3% marketing fund contribution and a 5% royalty fee based on gross sales.
8. Miami Grill (formerly Miami Subs Grill)
Opening a Miami Grill franchise is a great way to get into the restaurant business. The initial franchise fee is $45,000 and the initial investment is between $310,000 and $685,000.
You’ll need a solid credit history, a net worth of at least $700,000 and $250,000 in liquid assets to qualify.
9. Which Which
Which Wich is a sandwich chain that was founded in Dallas, Texas in 2003. Guests write their orders on sandwich bags with printed menus.
To start a franchise with Which Wich, you must have $150,000 in liquid assets and a total net worth of $250,000. The total cost per unit varies based on the size and reach of different markets and locations.
Royalty fees are 6% of gross sales, and there is also a national “Brand Development Fund” fee of 3% of gross sales.
10. McAlister’s Deli
Want to open a McAlister’s Deli franchise? Get ready for a tasty investment. McAlister’s average net sales for fiscal year 2021 were $1,865,861.
You will need a minimum liquid capital of $425,000 and a minimum net worth of $1,000,000. The estimated initial investment for a franchised McAlister’s Deli ranges from $821,000 to $1,308,850.
Other top national restaurant franchise options for sandwiches
Let’s continue our list by looking at one of the top sandwich franchises around:
11. Metro
Opening a subway isn’t too complicated, but it does require an initial investment. The good news is that the total investment required to open a Subway franchise is not too high, starting at just $116,000.
The franchise fee isn’t bad at $15,000 either. As for other fees, you should pay 8% of your weekly sales in royalties to Subway, as well as 4.5% of your sales in advertising fees.
12. Goodcents Deli Fresh Subs
Joseph Bisogno started Goodcents in the late 1980s. He’s a serial entrepreneur who had a lemonade stand at six and an ice cream truck at 18. To open your own store, you’ll need a credit score of 680 or higher, a net worth of $200,000, and at least $100,000 in liquid capital. The total investment is between $333,550 and $499,700.
13. Jersey Mike’s Subs
Jersey Mike’s Subs is a great choice for anyone looking to open a well-known franchise. The initial franchise fee is $18,500 and the total investment ranges from $144,668 to $786,233. The company has a great reputation and strong brand recognition.
14. Steak Escape
Steak Escape has a franchise fee of just $25,000, with an initial investment of $223,000 to $660,000.
You’ll need a minimum of $200,000 in liquid assets and an overall net worth of $400,000. Their royalty fee is 6% of gross sales and marketing fees are 0.5% to 3%.
15. Potbelly Sandwich Shop
Potbelly is in about 90 cities across the country. To open a Potbelly franchise, you’ll need a passion for good food, people skills, and about $565,000 or more, including a $40,000 franchise fee.
16. Capriotti’s
Capriotti’s is an award-winning store that has won a Top 50 Franchise award. Opening a Capriotti’s will only set you back about $40,000 in franchise fees.
However, you should be prepared to invest between $417,100 and $748,500 in the entire process.
17. PrimoHoagies
You will need a minimum net worth of $425,000 to qualify for a PrimoHoagies franchise. The initial investment range is $215,500 to $554,500.
The franchise fee is $15,000 to $40,000. PrimoHoagies has a 6% gift fee and a 2% advertising fee.
18. Sandwich shops of Erbert & Gerbert
Opening an Erbert & Gerbert’s Sandwich Shops franchise starts with a total investment of $194,820 – $393,270.
To qualify, you’ll need $80,000 in liquid assets and a net worth of at least $300,000.
19. Cousins Subs
Cousins Subs offers franchises for an investment ranging from $292,200 to $797,500, which includes a $25,000 franchise fee. You will also have to pay 6% in royalty.
20. Schlotzsky
Schlotzsky’s is a sandwich chain with more than 300 locations and average net sales of $1.1 million. The estimated initial investment for Schlotzsky ranges from $522,570 to $1,635,380.
The minimum net worth required is $1 million with a minimum of $300,000 in liquid capital.
How to choose the best chain to set up sub-franchises?
There are many great franchises in the sandwich industry, but how do you choose the right one for you?
Here are four things to consider to help you choose one of the best sandwich franchises:
History of the franchise
How long has the franchise been in business? What is your track record of success? These are important factors to consider when choosing a franchise.
The franchise business model
Is franchising a good fit for your goals and skills? Do you have the resources to succeed? Be sure to do your research and understand the franchise business model before making a decision.
Franchise location
Where is the franchise located? Consider the demographics of the area and whether there is potential for growth. Also, be sure to tour the location and meet with the franchise owner to get a feel for the community.
Franchise support
Does the franchisor offer ongoing support? What kind of training and development opportunities are available? These are important factors to consider when choosing a franchise.
What is the largest sandwich franchise?
Subway is the largest, with about $11 billion in annual sales, 43,600 stores in 100 countries and 410,000 employees. Each franchise unit generates about $422,000 annually, on average.
How much does it cost to open a subsandwich franchise?
The cost of opening a sub-franchise depends on the franchisor and the location. Some franchisors require up to $2.1 million, including a franchise fee. Each franchise has its own start-up and running costs, royalty fees, advertising fees, etc. So, do your research before making a decision.
Is it profitable to have a sandwich shop?
Yes, having one can be profitable. However, this will depend on a number of factors, including the franchisor, location and your own business acumen. Your marketing and management skills will also play a role in your success.
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