

KEY FRANCHISE STATS
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$771,000
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.
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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.
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.

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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