The Best 20 Sandwich Franchises of 2025 in the USA
If you’re considering getting into the sandwich industry, buying a franchise can be a great option. Yet, which franchise should you choose? There are a number of sandwich franchises you can choose from, each with their own pros and cons.
In this article we are giving you our top 12 picks of the best sandwich franchises in the US.
For each we’re giving you the key financials: the average initial investment cost and Average Unit Volume (AUV). Also, if you want to dig deeper, you’ll find the links to our complete review for each franchise below.
The Best Sandwich Franchises of the USA
| Franchise | Offering Franchises Since | Locations* | Initial Investment | Revenue (AUV) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subway | 1974 | 20,576 | $190,000 – $522,000 | $493,000 |
| Jimmy John’s | 1993 | 2,604 | $361,000 – $674,000 | $978,000 |
| Arby’s | 1965 | 2,316 | $645,000 – $2,451,000 | $1,263,000 |
| Jersey Mike’s | 1987 | 2,226 | $214,000 – $1,353,000 | $1,113,000 |
| Firehouse Subs | 1995 | 1,170 | $343,000 – $1,344,000 | $943,000 |
| Charleys Philly Steaks | 1991 | 613 | $200,000 – $907,000 | $845,000 |
| McAlister’s Deli | 1994 | 506 | $1,054,000 – $2,489,000 | $1,859,000 |
| Penn Station East Coast Subs | 1987 | 318 | $367,000 – $820,000 | $785,000 |
| Which Wich | 2004 | 247 | $254,000 – $822,000 | $401,000 |
| Quiznos | 2008 | 165 | $458,000 – $1,432,000 | $664,000 |
| Togo’s | 1977 | 154 | $337,000 – $595,000 | $685,000 |
| Capriotti’s | 1991 | 128 | $109,000 – $749,000 | $948,000 |
| Port of Subs | 1985 | 114 | $311,000 – $528,000 | $509,000 |
| PrimoHoagies | 2002 | 93 | $351,000 – $760,000 | $883,000 |
| Jason’s Deli | 1983 | 83 | $3,435,000 – $5,069,000 | $2,690,000 |
| Paris Baguette | 1988 | 82 | $653,000 – $1,751,000 | $2,532,000 |
| Newk’s Eatery | 2005 | 73 | $1,014,000 – $1,337,000 | $2,224,000 |
| Nathan’s Famous | 1988 | 72 | $82,000 – $1,235,000 | $725,000 |
| Erbert & Gerbert’s | 1992 | 65 | $40,000 – $460,000 | $625,000 |
| Goodcents Deli Fresh Subs | 1991 | 65 | $333,000 – $509,000 | $760,000 |
The most profitable franchises to own in 2025
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Subway
Franchising Since: 1974
Franchised Units: 20,576
Initial Investment: $190,000 to $522,000
Franchise Fee: $15,000
Royalty Fee: 8.00%
Subway is a popular fast-food franchise known for its fresh, made-to-order sandwiches and salads. It was founded in 1965 by Fred DeLuca and Dr. Peter Buck in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The company is currently headquartered in Milford, Connecticut.
Subway began franchising in 1974 and has since grown to become one of the largest franchisors in the world. As of 2021, there are over 40,000 Subway restaurants in over 100 countries, of which more than 20,000 are franchised-owned in the US.
Jimmy John’s
Franchising Since: 1993
Franchised Units: 2,604
Initial Investment: $361,000 to $674,000
Franchise Fee: $35,000
Royalty Fee: 6.00%
Jimmy Johns is a fast-growing American gourmet sandwich franchise that serves made-to-order sandwiches, freshly baked bread, and other food and beverage products. Its founder, Jimmy John Liautaud, started the chain store in 1983 with his first store in Charleston, Illinois.
At first, Jimmy wanted to start a hot dog restaurant but later abandoned it as it was very costly. He partnered with his dad, sharing profits equally, but he later bought his dad out and became the sole owner of the business. And by 1993, he had established over 10 stores in the US.
In 1994, Jimmy Johns’ franchising journey began with its first franchise in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. And by 2001, it had reached 100 stores.
Today, Jimmy Johns has over 2,700 stores in 43 states in the US, and that number is still growing. Jimmy John SPV LLC and its parent company, Inspire Brands, headquartered in Champaign, Illinois own the Jimmy Johns franchise.
Arby’s
Franchising Since: 1965
Franchised Units: 2,316
Initial Investment: $645,000 to $2,451,000
Franchise Fee: $37,500
Royalty Fee: 4% to 6.2%
Arby’s is a leading American fast-food sandwich franchise with over 3,400 stores in the US.
The chain was founded in 1964 by the Raffel brothers, Forrest and Leroy, and its first restaurant was in Boardman, Ohio.
It originally served roast beef sandwiches, potato chips, and soft drinks. In addition, it offers a deli-style Market Fresh line of sandwiches, Greek gyros, curly fries, and Jamocha shakes.
Arby’s franchising journey began in 1965 with the opening of its first franchise in Akron, Ohio.
Headquartered in Sandy Springs, Georgia, the Arby’s franchise is one of the fastest-growing sandwich chain restaurants in the US. It is operated by Arby’s franchisor, LLC, which has 2 parent companies, Inspire Brands and Arby’s Restaurant Group Inc.
Jersey Mike’s
Franchising Since: 1987
Franchised Units: 2,226
Initial Investment: $214,000 to $1,353,000
Franchise Fee: $18,500
Royalty Fee: 6.50%
Headquartered in Manasquan, New Jersey, Jersey Mike’s Subs is an American multinational submarine sandwich franchise.
The chain offers made-to-order submarine sandwiches in which meat and cheese is sliced as required. Toppings include shredded lettuce, sliced onions, oregano, tomatoes, salts & spices, and mixture of olive oil and red wine vinegar.
According Jersey Mike’s website, there are 2,401 stores operating in the US and a total of 2,403 stores operating worldwide. Another 260 locations will be opened soon.
The most profitable franchises to own in 2025
We have compiled the list of the top 400 franchises across 9 industries. Download the report below.
Firehouse Subs
Franchising Since: 1995
Franchised Units: 1,170
Initial Investment: $343,000 to $1,344,000
Franchise Fee: $20,000
Royalty Fee: 6.00%
Firehouse Subs is a leading fast-casual food chain restaurant with over 1,200 stores in the USA, Puerto Rico, and Canada.
The chain was founded in 1994 in Jacksonville, Florida, by firefighter brothers Chris and Robin Sorensen.
It serves hot specialty subs, salads, and other seasonal items. The subs are made with meats and cheeses and served on toasted sub rolls “Fully Involved” with vegetables and condiments.
Firehouse Subs began franchising in 1995 and is owned by Restaurant Brands International (RBI).
Charleys Philly Steaks
Franchising Since: 1991
Franchised Units: 613
Initial Investment: $200,000 to $907,000
Franchise Fee: $24,500
Royalty Fee: 6.00%
Charleys Philly Steaks, formerly Charley’s Grilled Subs and Charley’s Steaks, is an American restaurant chain headquartered in Columbus, Ohio.
The brand’s story began in 1985, at Ohio State University, as a simple 450-square-foot restaurant satisfying the college students’ appetite for made-to-order cheesesteaks, lemonade, and gourmet fries.
Charley Shin founded the restaurant chain after tasting the Philly cheesesteak for the first time and falling in love with it.
The chain is famous for its tasty cheesesteaks, soft drinks, fruit lemonades, and French fries. In addition, select stores serve frozen shakes, fried appetizers, and boneless wings.
Charley Philly Steaks began its franchising operations in 1991, long before it became a subsidiary of Gosh Enterprises, another Shin-owned company. Currently, the chain has 700 locations spread across 46 US states and in 17 other countries around the world.
McAlister’s Deli
Franchising Since: 1994
Franchised Units: 506
Initial Investment: $1,054,000 to $2,489,000
Franchise Fee: $35,500
Royalty Fee: 5.00%
McAlister’s Deli is an American chain of fast food restaurants owned by the Focus Brands Group, along with Jamba’s, Cinnabon, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Auntie Anne’s, Carvel, and Schlotzky’s.
The chain was founded in Oxford, Mississippi, in 1989 by Dr. Don Newcomb. It started as Checkers before later changing to McAlister’s.
Its menu includes deli sandwiches, baked potatoes, soup, salads, desserts, catering items, and the famous sweet McAlister’s tea.
McAlister’s Deli began franchising in 1994 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Today, the chain has over 500 stores in 28 US states and is still growing.
Penn Station East Coast Subs
Franchising Since: 1987
Franchised Units: 318
Initial Investment: $367,000 to $820,000
Franchise Fee: $25,000
Royalty Fee: 2% to 8%
Penn Station East Coast Subs is a fast-casual restaurant chain, founded in 1985 by Jeff Osterfeld in Cincinnati, Ohio.
The chain is known for its fresh-grilled, made-to-order sub sandwiches, including its signature Philly Cheesesteak, as well as fresh-cut fries and hand-squeezed lemonade.
Franchising since 1987, Penn Station has grown to over 318 locations across the U.S. The brand emphasizes quality, customer service, and freshly prepared meals, with a focus on grilled-to-order subs.
Which Wich
Franchising Since: 2004
Franchised Units: 247
Initial Investment: $254,000 to $822,000
Franchise Fee: $30,000
Royalty Fee: 6.00%
Which Wich is an American fast-casual restaurant and sandwich franchise with over 400 stores in 36 US states and around the globe.
It was founded by restaurant entrepreneur Jeff Sinelli in 2003 in Downtown Dallas, Texas, where it is headquartered. Which Wich began franchising in 2005 and is owned by Sinelli Concepts Int’l. Inc.
The brand offers sandwiches, salads, cheese, chips, milkshakes, cookies, spreads, and vegetables.
Quiznos
Franchising Since: 2008
Franchised Units: 165
Initial Investment: $458,000 to $1,432,000
Franchise Fee: $5,000
Royalty Fee: 5.00%
Quiznos is a fast-casual restaurant chain that specializes in toasted sub sandwiches. Founded in 1981 in Denver, Colorado, by Jimmy Lambatos, Quiznos became well-known for its unique approach to subs by offering toasted sandwiches, which set it apart from other competitors. The menu includes a variety of hot and cold subs, soups, salads, and wraps.
Franchising since 2008, Quiznos has grown across the U.S. and internationally, with a focus on fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Its signature items, such as the Classic Italian and Baja Chicken, continue to attract customers who seek a warm, freshly toasted sub experience.
With a legacy of innovation in the sub industry, Quiznos remains committed to providing high-quality food and strong support to its franchisees, ensuring its continued success in the fast-casual market.
The most profitable franchises to own in 2025
We have compiled the list of the top 400 franchises across 9 industries. Download the report below.
Togo’s
Franchising Since: 1977
Franchised Units: 154
Initial Investment: $337,000 to $595,000
Franchise Fee: $30,000
Royalty Fee: 5.00%
Togo’s is a chain of fast-casual restaurants that specializes in sandwiches headquartered in San Jose, California. Its menu also features a variety of wraps, salads, soups, kids’ meals and more.
It was founded in 1971 when a student of San Jose University purchased a small sandwich shack near the university and started selling big, made-to-order sandwiches stuffed with fresh ingredients. The shop was small and had “Sandwiches To Go” as the sign out front, with To Go being on the second line. It soon became a favorite, opening a second location in Oregon the same year.
What began as a sandwich shack where only four people could dine at a time has grown into a recognizable fast casual franchise in the sandwich industry, earning the title “West Coast Original“.
Togo’s began franchising in 1977 and had opened 184 locations in the US, with 178 franchises and 6 company-owned units as of 2020.
Capriotti’s
Franchising Since: 1991
Franchised Units: 128
Initial Investment: $109,000 to $749,000
Franchise Fee: $40,000
Royalty Fee: 6% to 7%
Capriotti’s (also known as Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop) is an American fast-casual dining restaurant chain headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The chain was founded in 1976 by siblings Lois and Alan Margolet in Wilmington, Delaware. It is named after the founders’ grandfather, Philip Capriotti.
Capriotti’s franchising journey began in 1991. Currently, it has more than 175 restaurants in the US, mostly in Nevada, of which 128 are franchised.
Port of Subs
Franchising Since: 1985
Franchised Units: 114
Initial Investment: $311,000 to $528,000
Franchise Fee: $25,000
Royalty Fee: 6.00%
Port of Subs is a sandwich chain known for its freshly sliced deli meats and cheeses, offering a personalized sandwich experience for its customers.
Founded in 1972 in Sparks, Nevada, by John Larsen, the brand has become a regional favorite for its emphasis on freshness and quality ingredients. The menu features a variety of cold and hot subs, salads, and party trays.
Port of Subs began franchising in 1985 and has since expanded to over 114 locations across the western United States.
The brand is recognized for its commitment to customer service and the ability to customize each sandwich to the customer’s preference.
PrimoHoagies
Franchising Since: 2002
Franchised Units: 93
Initial Investment: $351,000 to $760,000
Franchise Fee: $15,000
Royalty Fee: 6.00%
PrimoHoagies is a fast-casual restaurant chain that specializes in authentic Italian-style hoagies. ]
Founded in 1992 in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by Richard Neigre, PrimoHoagies has built a reputation for its high-quality ingredients, including premium meats, cheeses, and freshly baked bread.
The menu features a wide range of hoagies, including signature sandwiches like the Italian and Turkey & Cheese, along with a selection of salads and sides.
PrimoHoagies began franchising in 2002 and has expanded to over 93 locations, primarily on the East Coast.
Jason’s Deli
Franchising Since: 1983
Franchised Units: 83
Initial Investment: $3,435,000 to $5,069,000
Franchise Fee: $35,000
Royalty Fee: 4.00%
Jason’s Deli is a fast-casual restaurant chain known for its healthy and diverse menu offerings, including sandwiches, soups, salads, and pasta.
Founded in 1976 in Beaumont, Texas, by Joe Tortorice Jr., the brand has grown in popularity due to its commitment to quality ingredients and catering to a wide variety of dietary needs, including organic and gluten-free options.
Franchising since 1983, Jason’s Deli now operates over 83 locations across the United States.
Paris Baguette
Franchising Since: 1988
Franchised Units: 82
Initial Investment: $653,000 to $1,751,000
Franchise Fee: $50,000
Royalty Fee: 5.00%
Paris Baguette is a bakery café chain offering a blend of French-inspired pastries, breads, cakes, sandwiches, and coffee.
Founded in 1988 by the South Korean company SPC Group, the brand has gained a global presence, known for its fresh, high-quality baked goods and elegant presentation.
The menu includes a wide variety of pastries, salads, sandwiches, and beverages, catering to customers looking for both sweet and savory options.
Paris Baguette began franchising in 2015 and has grown to over 82 locations in the U.S., with a strong presence internationally.
Newk’s Eatery
Franchising Since: 2005
Franchised Units: 73
Initial Investment: $1,014,000 to $1,337,000
Franchise Fee: $40,000
Royalty Fee: 5.00%
Newk’s Eatery is a fast-casual restaurant chain known for its fresh, made-from-scratch meals, including sandwiches, salads, pizzas, and soups.
Founded in 2004 in Oxford, Mississippi, by the founders of McAlister’s Deli, Newk’s Eatery has gained a reputation for its focus on quality ingredients and bold flavors. The menu features signature items like the Newk’s Q sandwich and handcrafted pizzas, along with an extensive catering menu.
Franchising since 2005, Newk’s Eatery has grown to over 73 locations across the U.S.
Nathan’s Famous
Franchising Since: 1988
Franchised Units: 72
Initial Investment: $82,000 to $1,235,000
Franchise Fee: $30,000
Royalty Fee: 5.50%
Nathan’s Famous is an iconic American fast-food chain known for its hot dogs and a wide variety of classic American dishes like burgers, fries, and chicken sandwiches.
Founded in 1916 by Nathan Handwerker in Coney Island, New York, the brand became famous for its original hot dog recipe and the annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. The menu has since expanded to include a variety of American fast-food staples.
Nathan’s Famous began franchising in 1988 and now operates over 72 locations across the United States and internationally.
Erbert & Gerbert’s
Franchising Since: 1988
Franchised Units: 72
Initial Investment: $82,000 to $1,235,000
Franchise Fee: $30,000
Royalty Fee: 5.50%
Erbert & Gerbert’s is a sandwich restaurant franchise headquartered in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. It offers submarine sandwiches, wraps, salads and soups with signature flavor profiles.
Erbert & Gerbert’s was founded in 1988 by Kevin Schippers and his wife Beth in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Kevin named his shop, Erbert & Gerbert’s, after a series of bedtime stories, “The Adventures of Erbert & Gerbert Herbert” that his father told them when they were children.
The chain has recorded great growth, opening more locations and in 2021 it announced double-digit growth through a refocused menu, new branding and shop design, store expansion and additional operational and technical leadership.
Erbert & Gerbert’s franchising journey began in 1992 and currently has 75 locations in total, with 72 being franchised in the US.
Goodcents Deli Fresh Subs
Franchising Since: 1991
Franchised Units: 65
Initial Investment: $333,000 to $509,000
Franchise Fee: $30,000
Royalty Fee: 6.00%
Goodcents Deli Fresh Subs is a fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in fresh, made-to-order subs and sandwiches.
Founded in 1989 in Lenexa, Kansas, by the Goodcents family, the brand is known for its commitment to quality ingredients, offering a variety of deli meats, cheeses, and fresh vegetables. The menu features signature subs, salads, and pasta, along with freshly baked bread that is sliced in-house daily.
Goodcents began franchising in 1991 and has since expanded to over 65 locations primarily in the Midwest and beyond.
The most profitable franchises to own in 2025
We have compiled the list of the top 400 franchises across 9 industries. Download the report below.
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