Milio’s Sandwiches is a Midwest-based sandwich shop franchise known for serving fresh, oven-baked bread and fast, friendly counter service. The brand focuses on handcrafted subs, wraps, soups, salads, and cookies, along with catering options designed for group events and office lunches.

The franchise began in 1989 under the name Big Mike’s Super Subs on West Johnson Street near the University of Wisconsin-Madison. It later rebranded as Milio’s Sandwiches. The company is now headquartered in Fitchburg, Wisconsin, just outside Madison, and remains committed to its regional heritage and values.

Milio’s began franchising in 2020, expanding its footprint across Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa. The system currently includes a mix of franchise and corporate-owned locations.

What sets Milio’s apart is its commitment to quality and community. The brand’s promise to bake bread every four hours emphasizes freshness, while its “Baking a Difference” program supports local nonprofits.

Training

Milio’s provides a comprehensive training program designed to prepare franchisees for the successful operation of their restaurant. Here are the primary training components offered by the franchisor:

1. Initial Training Attendance
   Milio’s requires the franchisee and one additional person to attend the initial training program. This training includes instruction on various aspects of operating the restaurant and typically lasts about four weeks. Franchisees are responsible for all related expenses, including transportation, lodging, meals, and any wages for attendees.
2. In-Restaurant Observation
   Before becoming a franchisee, Milio’s may request that candidates work in a restaurant as a non-employee. This observation period is meant to provide practical, hands-on experience in a real operating environment. The costs associated with this requirement are included in the overall training expense estimate.
3. Expense Considerations
   The cost of attending the training program depends on the distance traveled and the type of accommodations chosen. Milio’s includes these projected expenses in its estimated initial investment to help franchisees plan their startup budget accordingly.

Territory Protection

Milio’s does not offer exclusive territory protection to its franchisees. While each franchisee operates a specific restaurant location approved by the franchisor, there is no contractual commitment that prevents the franchisor from opening additional restaurants nearby or assigning locations to other franchisees. This means franchisees might face competition from other Milio’s outlets in close proximity.

The franchisor retains full control over marketing and advertising allocations, which may or may not be directed to a specific franchisee’s area. Marketing funds are pooled and used at the discretion of Milio’s for national, regional, or local campaigns without guaranteeing area-specific investments.