Sandwich franchises focus on fast-casual and quick-service concepts offering customizable, high-throughput menus built around sandwiches, subs, and wraps.
These brands benefit from repeat customer demand, simplified operations, and strong unit-level scalability, making payback efficiency and system scale critical differentiators.
Below are the top 10 sandwich franchises based on overall performance and system strength.
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Sub sandwich franchise known for its freshly sliced meats and cheeses, served on freshly baked bread, providing a variety of flavorful and customizable sandwich options.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
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$1,285,000
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n.a.
What WE LIKE
Here's the rationale for our score
Jersey Mike’s operates a premium sub sandwich concept with strong brand recognition and industry-leading scale.
Its ranking is driven by dominant system size paired with reliable unit economics.
Firehouse Subs is a sandwich franchise that offers a variety of hearty, made-to-order subs and sandwiches, featuring high-quality meats and cheeses, providing a satisfying and flavorful dining experience.
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$933,000
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8.7%
What WE LIKE
Here's the rationale for our score
Firehouse Subs offers hot specialty subs with a differentiated public-safety brand identity.
Its ranking reflects scale stability and consistent performance.
Fast-casual sandwich shop franchise known for its speedy delivery and fresh, made-to-order sandwiches, providing a quick and satisfying meal option.
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$935,000
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n.a.
What WE LIKE
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Jimmy John’s focuses on fast delivery and streamlined sandwich preparation.
Its ranking benefits from scale but is moderated by slower growth.
Fast-casual sandwich franchise known for its grilled subs made with fresh ingredients and high-quality meats and cheeses, delivering a taste of the East Coast.
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$771,000
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12.5%
What WE LIKE
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Penn Station emphasizes grilled subs and fresh-cut fries in a fast-casual format.
Its ranking is supported by strong unit economics.
Deli-style restaurant franchise serving sandwiches, salads, and soups, offering a variety of flavorful options made with quality ingredients, providing a casual and inviting dining experience.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
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$1,792,000
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n.a.
What WE LIKE
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McAlister’s offers deli-style sandwiches and salads with dine-in appeal.
Its ranking reflects dependable economics and steady expansion.
Charleys Philly Steaks offers made-to-order Philly cheesesteaks, gourmet fries, and lemonades.
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$813,000
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n.a.
What WE LIKE
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Charleys Philly Steaks specializes in made-to-order cheesesteaks and grilled subs with a mall and inline footprint.
Its ranking is supported by solid system scale and consistent unit performance.
Sandwich shop franchise serving a variety of freshly made subs and sandwiches, known for its high-quality meats, cheeses, and bread.
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$512,000
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n.a.
What WE LIKE
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Port of Subs focuses on freshly sliced meats and neighborhood-oriented sandwich shops.
Its ranking reflects reliable unit economics balanced against moderate growth.
Arby's is a fast-food restaurant franchise known for its roast beef sandwiches and deli-style menu options, providing a quick and satisfying dining experience with a focus on high-quality ingredients and a variety of flavorful choices.
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$1,269,000
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n.a.
What WE LIKE
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Arby’s operates a nationally recognized quick-service sandwich concept with broad menu variety.
Its ranking benefits from scale but is tempered by higher capital requirements.
Cousins Subs offers made-to-order submarine sandwiches with a variety of toppings and fillings, providing a satisfying meal experience.
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$687,000
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8.1%
What WE LIKE
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Cousins Subs emphasizes fresh bread and deli-style subs with regional strength.
Its ranking is supported by decent payback efficiency but tempered by slower expansion.
Potbelly Sandwich Shop is a fast-casual restaurant franchise known for its toasted sandwiches, soups, and salads. It emphasizes a warm, neighborhood atmosphere and uses high-quality ingredients to deliver comfort food.
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$1,299,000
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n.a.
What WE LIKE
Here's the rationale for our score
Potbelly emphasizes toasted sandwiches and neighborhood café-style locations.
Its ranking reflects stable operations but lower relative efficiency.
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