Founded in 1973 by Erik Johnson in Scotts Valley, California, Erik’s DeliCafé began as a small 600-square-foot delicatessen and bakery. Headquartered in Santa Cruz, California, the brand has expanded throughout Northern California and neighboring regions. The franchisor, Erik’s DeliCafé Franchises, Inc., was established in 1986 to support the company’s growth through franchising.
Erik’s DeliCafé is a quick-service café concept known for its “Sandwiches with Character®,” hearty soups based on family recipes, and fresh salads served in a warm, community-oriented environment.
The menu focuses on fresh, high-quality ingredients, featuring premium meats, cheeses, signature breads, and house-made soups. This commitment to quality has positioned Erik’s DeliCafé as a trusted alternative to traditional fast-casual sandwich chains.
What sets Erik’s DeliCafé apart is its blend of tradition and innovation. With over five decades of experience, the brand combines its family heritage and customer loyalty with a strong focus on franchisee support.
Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Erik's Delicafe provides a comprehensive training program as part of its franchise offering. The training services offered by the franchisor are as follows:
Erik’s Delicafe does not provide exclusive territory protection to its franchisees. While a Designated Area is typically assigned, defined by geographic markers such as radius or boundaries, the franchisor reserves the right to open additional outlets within that area under certain conditions.
These may include airports, office parks, or developments that support multiple locations, and the franchisee might face direct competition from other Erik’s locations or franchised units.
Even within the Designated Area, if market conditions change—such as an increase in commercial development or foot traffic—the franchisor may redefine the territory to add another DeliCafe.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
All you need to know about this franchise
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Below are some of
Erik's Delicafe
key competitors in the
Sandwich
sector.
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Earl of Sandwich
$200K - $500K
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$25,000
$315,000
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Ike's
$100K - $200K
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