Penn Station East Coast Subs

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Penn Station East Coast Subs

Penn Station East Coast Subs Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

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.

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

Franchisees

?

321
+
1%
1%
Franchise fee

?

$25,000
Investment

?

$474,000 - $765,000
Revenue (AUV)

?

Undisclosed

$771,000

+
-1.8%
-1.8%

Launched in 1985 in Cincinnati, Ohio, Penn Station East Coast Subs has built its reputation on delivering flavorful grilled and cold sandwiches, hand-cut fries, and freshly squeezed lemonade. The fast-casual brand has expanded to more than 300 locations in 15 states, offering a menu that features premium ingredients such as USDA Choice Steak and hearth-baked bread.

One of Penn Station’s standout features is its open kitchen layout, allowing guests to see their meals made right in front of them. This approach enhances the customer experience by combining transparency with a focus on freshness and quality.

Having entered the franchising space in 1987, Penn Station has experienced consistent growth and earned spots in top franchise rankings, such as Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500—recognition that reflects its dedication to high standards and guest satisfaction.

Initial investment

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.

Type of Expenditure Amount
Site Development Fee for Single-Unit Franchisees $3,500
Territory Fee for Multi-Unit Franchisees Minimum of $7,000
Initial Franchise Fee $25,000
Real Property Not Specified
Store Construction $262,000 to $381,000
Equipment $149,000 to $235,000
Opening Inventory $5,000 to $15,000
Telephone Deposit $25 to $150
Insurance (per year) $596 to $7,362
Lease Security Deposit $840 to $12,000
Utility Deposit $25 to $1,500
Additional Funds for First 3 Months $10,000 to $20,928
Site Advertising for Opening $0 to $10,000
Design Fees for Construction $15,000 to $20,000
Legal Fees; Organizational Costs $316 to $11,500
Pre-Opening Interest Cost $0 to $11,000
Travel, Room and Board for Training $2,391 to $9,500
Permits/Licenses $100 to $1,500
TOTAL $473,793 to $764,940
Type of Expenditure Amount
Site Development Fee for Single-Unit Franchisees $3,500
Territory Fee for Multi-Unit Franchisees Minimum of $7,000
Initial Franchise Fee $25,000
Real Property Not Specified
Store Construction $262,000 to $381,000
Equipment $149,000 to $235,000
Opening Inventory $5,000 to $15,000
Telephone Deposit $25 to $150
Insurance (per year) $596 to $7,362
Lease Security Deposit $840 to $12,000
Utility Deposit $25 to $1,500
Additional Funds for First 3 Months $10,000 to $20,928
Site Advertising for Opening $0 to $10,000
Design Fees for Construction $15,000 to $20,000
Legal Fees; Organizational Costs $316 to $11,500
Pre-Opening Interest Cost $0 to $11,000
Travel, Room and Board for Training $2,391 to $9,500
Permits/Licenses $100 to $1,500
TOTAL $473,793 to $764,940

Franchise Disclosure Document

Create an account to access and download this FDD. For more information, see our plans here.

Number of units

Training

Penn Station provides a structured training program to ensure franchisees are well-prepared to operate their restaurants effectively. The Franchisor offers the following types of training:

  1. Initial Training Program
    Franchisees must successfully complete an initial training program provided by the Franchisor. This program includes both classroom and on-the-job training and is designed to prepare franchisees in all facets of the business, including operations, management, and customer service.
  2. On-site Opening Assistance
    The Franchisor sends representatives to the new Penn Station restaurant to provide on-site training and assistance during the opening period. This helps ensure that the franchisee and their staff properly implement operational procedures and standards from day one.
  3. Training for Additional Personnel
    The Franchisor also offers training for the franchisee's employees, especially key management staff. This is usually held at an approved location and is aimed at maintaining consistency and quality across the franchise network.

Territory Protection

Penn Station grants franchisees a one-mile "Restricted Territory" around their restaurant, within which no other Penn Station franchise or company-owned location will be established—unless the franchisee defaults or the agreement ends.

However, franchisees are not given exclusive rights to expand in the surrounding area and have no rights of first refusal. Penn Station may also develop other non-cheesesteak concepts in the same territory without offering rights to existing franchisees.

Competitors

Below are some of

Penn Station East Coast Subs

key competitors in the

Sandwich

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
Sign up
Gross Profit
Sign up
EBITDA
Sign up

321

New
+
1%
1%

$25,000

$474,000

$765,000

n.a.

$771,000

$xxx,xxx

76.5%

xx%

n.a.

12.5%

xx%

n.a.

Competitors

Frank & Furter's

Frank & Furter's is a quick-service hot dog franchise offering loaded gourmet dogs, burgers, and bar snacks, serving casual diners and late-night guests, and known for playful toppings, relaxed bar settings, and a fun, family-friendly vibe.

Franchisees

?

3
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$351,000 - $875,000

Abu Omar Halal

Abu Omar Halal is a Mediterranean street-food franchise offering shawarma, falafel, and grilled halal dishes, serving quick-service guests across food trucks and restaurants, and known for generous portions, bold Middle Eastern flavors, and late-night service in busy urban markets.

Franchisees

?

0
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$335,000 - $634,000

Extreme Pita

Extreme Pita is a fast-casual restaurant franchise offering pita wraps, salads, and Mediterranean-inspired meals, serving health-conscious guests and busy families, and known for customizable pitas, fresh ingredients, and lighter alternatives to traditional fast food, including catering.

Franchisees

?

1
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$192,000 - $513,000

Sub-Ology

Sub-Ology is a sandwich-and-fast-casual franchise offering premium subs, wraps, salads and soups made with Boar’s Head meats and locally baked bread, serving lunch and dinner diners, and known for gourmet ingredients and community-oriented atmosphere.

Franchisees

?

0
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$285,000 - $443,000

Miller's Famous Sandwiches

Miller’s Famous Sandwiches is a fast-casual franchise offering toasted sandwiches, soups, salads and coffee, serving lunch crowds and grab-and-go customers, and known for iconic brand history, streamlined operations and community-friendly service.

Franchisees

?

0
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$336,000 - $691,000

D'Angelo Grilled Sandwiches

D'Angelo Grilled Sandwiches is a fast-casual sandwich franchise offering grilled subs, soups, salads and coffee, serving lunch and dinner crowds, and known for flame-roasted flavour, fresh ingredients and community-based franchise experience.

Franchisees

?

22
+
-12%
-12%
Investment

?

$411,000 - $737,000

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