Jimmy John’s Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Jimmy John’s, a top sandwich franchise, was founded in 1983 by a 19-year-old in Charleston, Illinois. The goal was simple: offer freshly made sandwiches with high-quality ingredients.
The brand started franchising in 1994, opening doors for entrepreneurs to join its rapid growth. Today, Jimmy John’s is one of the fastest-growing franchises in the U.S.
Known for simplicity and speed, Jimmy John’s menu features a straightforward selection of sandwiches with minimal ingredients. Its fast, efficient delivery system ensures fresh, quick service, distinguishing it in the competitive fast-food market.
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Jimmy John’s Franchise Initial Investment
It costs on average between $361,000 – $674,0000 to start a Jimmy John’s franchised restaurant.
This includes costs for construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating expenses. The exact amount depends on various factors, including the type of restaurant you choose, the location, and whether the franchisee chooses to lease or purchase the property.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $35,000 |
| Real Estate/Rent (1 month) | $2,500 – $8,000 |
| Security Deposit | $2,500 – $8,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $115,000 – $310,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures, Signage, and Equipment | $115,000 – $166,000 |
| Architect | $9,500 – $17,000 |
| Office Equipment | $2,200 |
| Utility Deposits | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Opening Inventory and Supplies | $6,000 |
| Grand Opening Event | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| Training Expenses (out-of-pocket) | $6,000 – $15,000 |
| Insurance | $11,500 – $15,000 |
| Miscellaneous Expenses | $2,000 – $10,000 |
| Additional Funds – 3 months | $50,000 – $75,000 |
| TOTAL ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT | $361,200 – $674,200 |
Jimmy John’s Franchise Average Revenue (AUV)
A Jimmy John’s franchised restaurant makes on average $978,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.
Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:
This compares to $838,000 yearly revenue for similar restaurant sandwich franchises. Below are 10 Jimmy John’s competitors as a comparison:
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We have compiled the list of the top 400 franchises across 9 industries. Download the report below.
Jimmy John’s Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Jimmy John’s locations are there?
As of the latest data, Jimmy John’s operates 2,687 locations across the United States. This includes a mix of franchise-owned and company-owned outlets, with Illinois being home to the most stores, representing about 11% of all locations.
What is the total investment required to open a Jimmy John’s franchise?
The total investment required to open a Jimmy John’s franchise ranges from $361,000 to $674,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Jimmy John’s franchise?
For a Jimmy John’s franchise, ongoing fees include a royalty fee of 6% of gross sales. This fee supports the brand’s ongoing operations and maintenance of its high standards across all locations. In addition to the royalty fee, franchisees must also pay a brand fund fee of 2% of gross sales, which contributes to national and regional advertising efforts to promote the brand and attract customers.
These fees are standard for maintaining the franchise system’s quality and visibility, providing franchisees with consistent marketing support and operational guidance.
What are the financial requirements to become a Jimmy John’s franchisee?
Jimmy John’s franchisees are required to pay a 6% royalty fee on gross sales. Additionally, there is a 4.5% marketing fee and a brand fund fee of 2% of gross sales on gross sales, which includes contributions toward national and local advertising efforts to promote the brand and attract customers.
How much can a Jimmy John’s franchise owner expect to earn?
The average gross sales for a Jimmy John’s franchise are approximately $0.98 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $0.98 million yearly revenue can result in $147,000 EBITDA annually.
Who owns Jimmy John’s?
Jimmy John’s is owned by Inspire Brands, a major restaurant holding company that acquired the sandwich chain in 2019. Inspire Brands also owns other well-known restaurant chains like Arby’s, Sonic, and Buffalo Wild Wings. The acquisition marked a significant shift for Jimmy John’s, which was previously owned in part by founder Jimmy John Liautaud and Roark Capital Group.
Disclaimer
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