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.
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.
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:
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.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
All you need to know about this franchise
?
?
?
?
$771,000
?
12.5%
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
Below are some of
Penn Station East Coast Subs
key competitors in the
Sandwich
sector.
321
$25,000
$474,000
$765,000
n.a.
$771,000
$xxx,xxx
76.5%
n.a.
12.5%
n.a.
Jason’s Deli
Over $500K
73
$35,000
$1,720,000
$2,529,000
n.a.
$0
$xxx,xxx
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
Ike's
$100K - $200K
6
$80,000
$141,000
$614,000
n.a.
$475,000
$xxx,xxx
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
Blimpie is a sandwich shop franchise known as “America’s Sub Shop,” offering handcrafted subs, salads, and wraps in traditional and express formats, supported by established brand recognition and operational guidance.
?
?
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.
?
?
Sourdough & Co is a fast-casual restaurant franchise known for its gourmet sandwiches, soups, and salads served on freshly baked sourdough bread in a warm, inviting setting.
?
?
I Heart Mac and Cheese is a fast-casual restaurant franchise specializing in customizable mac and cheese bowls, grilled cheese sandwiches, and comfort food.
?
?
South Philly Steaks and Fries is a casual dining franchise that serves classic Philly cheesesteaks, hearty sandwiches, and crispy fries with a focus on bold and satisfying flavors.
?
?
Roly Poly serves a variety of rolled sandwiches and wraps, offering fresh and flavorful meal options in a convenient format.
?
?
.png)
