
Quiznos is a fast-casual restaurant franchise known for its signature toasted submarine sandwiches. It was founded in 1981 in Denver, Colorado by chef Jimmy Lambatos.
The company is currently headquartered in Denver and operates under Quiz Holdings, LLC. Since its founding, Quiznos has grown into a globally recognized brand within the sandwich industry.
The company began franchising in 1983, and by the early 2000s had expanded rapidly under the leadership of Rick and Richard Schaden, who acquired the brand in 1991.
At its peak, Quiznos operated thousands of locations worldwide, becoming one of the largest sub sandwich chains in the United States. In response to changing market dynamics, the brand underwent restructuring and introduced more efficient restaurant models focused on adaptability and reduced startup costs.
Quiznos sells a wide range of toasted subs, sandwiches, soups, salads, and sides. It stands out for its unique toasting process, which enhances flavor and texture, a concept that was later adopted by competitors.
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.
Quiznos provides a structured training program to ensure that franchisees and their designated operators are adequately prepared to manage a Quiznos Restaurant. The training programs focus on operational procedures, product standards, and compliance with the franchise system. Here is a breakdown of the training offerings:
Quiznos does not provide its franchisees with an exclusive or protected territory under the standard Franchise Agreement. Franchisees may face competition from other Quiznos restaurants, which could be franchised or company-owned, within close proximity to their location.
Additionally, the franchisor retains the right to sell products through various other channels, including e-commerce and alternative distribution platforms, without offering compensation to the franchisee.
Although a “Protected Area” may be defined in Exhibit A of the Franchise Agreement, this area is limited in scope and does not prevent Quiznos or its affiliates from pursuing numerous competitive business activities.
Below are some of
Quiznos
key competitors in the
Sandwich
sector.

165
$5,000
$458,000
$1,432,000
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.

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.

Erik's DeliCafe is a sandwich and soup franchise offering handcrafted sandwiches, slow-simmered soups, salads, and bakery items, serving lunch crowds and families, and known for wholesome ingredients, comforting recipes, and neighborhood hospitality.
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Lennys Grill & Subs is a fast-casual franchise offering grilled sandwiches, subs, salads, and soups, serving lunch and dinner crowds, and known for freshly prepared items, quality ingredients, and strong local presence.
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Cheesy Street Grill is a fast-casual franchise offering grilled cheese sandwiches, comfort foods, and quick-service menu options, serving lunch and dinner diners, and known for inventive cheese creations, approachable pricing, and brand personality.
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Deli Delicious is a quick-service sandwich franchise serving premium, freshly prepared sandwiches and sides, emphasizing quality ingredients, efficient service, and strong local market appeal.
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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.
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