Port of Subs Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Sandwich shop franchise serving a variety of freshly made subs and sandwiches, known for its high-quality meats, cheeses, and bread.

Port of Subs is a beloved American chain specializing in submarine sandwiches, with its origins in Reno, Nevada. From its humble beginnings, it has expanded to become a culinary favorite, particularly in the Western United States.

The story of Port of Subs started in 1972 when John Larsen launched his first "Sub Shop" in Sparks, Nevada. The concept quickly gained traction, leading to a rebranding in 1975 to distinguish it from competitors, and it was then christened as Port of Subs.

Today, Port of Subs is celebrated for its delicious subs, wraps, salads, desserts, and an assortment of beverages, offering a delightful dining experience for its patrons.

In 1985, Port of Subs ventured into franchising, capitalizing on its success from the previous years. 

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
Initial Franchise Fee $25,000
Real Estate and Construction Support Fee $5,000
Site Review $0 – $1,500
Training Fee & Expenses $7,500 – $9,000
Architectural, Engineer, and Legal Counsel $12,500 to $24,000
Construction Management $12,500 to $17,500
Real Estate, Leasehold Improvements, and Construction Costs $183,895 to $475,000
Signage, Graphics, & Interior Décor Items $6,500 to $18,375
Furnishings, Fixtures, and Standard Equipment $96,000 to $160,000
POS and Technology Systems, including Initial Setup $26,500 to $38,500
Insurance $2,000 to $6,000
Initial Inventory & Smallwares $10,000 to $25,000
Grand Opening Marketing $15,000 to $17,500
Licenses, Fees, and Deposits $2,500 to $12,000
Additional Funds – Initial 3 Months $15,000 to $25,000
TOTAL $419,895 to $856,875
Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $25,000
Real Estate and Construction Support Fee $5,000
Site Review $0 – $1,500
Training Fee & Expenses $7,500 – $9,000
Architectural, Engineer, and Legal Counsel $12,500 to $24,000
Construction Management $12,500 to $17,500
Real Estate, Leasehold Improvements, and Construction Costs $183,895 to $475,000
Signage, Graphics, & Interior Décor Items $6,500 to $18,375
Furnishings, Fixtures, and Standard Equipment $96,000 to $160,000
POS and Technology Systems, including Initial Setup $26,500 to $38,500
Insurance $2,000 to $6,000
Initial Inventory & Smallwares $10,000 to $25,000
Grand Opening Marketing $15,000 to $17,500
Licenses, Fees, and Deposits $2,500 to $12,000
Additional Funds – Initial 3 Months $15,000 to $25,000
TOTAL $419,895 to $856,875

Franchise Disclosure Document

Number of units

Training 

Training Program: Port of Subs delivers a blended learning training program, incorporating online, classroom, and on-site training at an approved training restaurant.

Attendance Requirements: At least three individuals must attend and successfully complete the initial training program. This includes the franchisee’s Operating Principal, a full-time General Manager, and one additional employee approved by Port of Subs.

Training Content: The program covers sales techniques, product orientation, accounting procedures, food preparation, and operations management.

Location and Duration: Training is conducted at designated Port of Subs locations, which may include their headquarters. The program features pre-training videos and workbooks, classroom sessions, and hands-on training.

Territory Protection

Franchisees are not provided with an exclusive territory. They may encounter competition from other franchisees, company-owned outlets, or other distribution channels and competitive brands controlled by the franchisor.

However, franchisees are assigned a designated location for operating their Port of Subs restaurant. The boundaries and size of this "Designated Area" are determined based on several factors.

The franchisor and its affiliates retain the right to establish and operate additional outlets within the franchisee's Designated Area. These outlets may be permanent, temporary, or seasonal.

Competitors

Below are some of

Port of Subs

key competitors in the

Sandwich

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
Upgrade
Gross Profit
Upgrade
EBITDA
Upgrade

119

New
+
2%
2%

$25,000

$420,000

$857,000

n.a.

$512,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

Competitors

Blimpie

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.

Franchisees

?

97
+
-15%
-15%
Investment

?

$90,000 - $589,000

Potbelly Sandwich

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.

Franchisees

?

95
+
111%
111%
Investment

?

$654,000 - $1,274,000

Sourdough & Co

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.

Franchisees

?

78
+
2500%
2500%
Investment

?

$286,000 - $569,000

I Heart Mac and Cheese

I Heart Mac and Cheese is a fast-casual restaurant franchise specializing in customizable mac and cheese bowls, grilled cheese sandwiches, and comfort food.

Franchisees

?

33
+
267%
267%
Investment

?

$330,000 - $809,000

South Philly Steaks and Fries

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.

Franchisees

?

1
+
0%
0%
Investment

?

$321,000 - $607,000

Roly Poly

Roly Poly serves a variety of rolled sandwiches and wraps, offering fresh and flavorful meal options in a convenient format.

Franchisees

?

25
+
-22%
-22%
Investment

?

$107,000 - $227,000