Submarina California Subs was created in 1977 in the San Diego region by founders Ron Vickers and Les Warfield, starting out as a neighborhood sandwich shop known for its fresh breads and quality ingredients. The first location opened in Poway, a suburban community outside San Diego, and the concept gradually expanded into a recognizable regional chain.
Today, the business remains privately owned and operates from its headquarters in San Diego, which serves as the hub for management, operations, and franchise support.
The brand entered franchising in 2017, launching its first franchise location based on the founders’ original store model and paving the way for broader growth beyond company-operated units.
Submarina specializes in submarine sandwiches and features a menu that includes both hot and cold deli subs, along with salads and soups, all made with premium meats, cheeses, fresh produce, and breads baked on-site or delivered fresh daily.
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.
The Submarina franchise offers a comprehensive training program designed to prepare franchisees and key personnel for successful store operations. The training includes classroom instruction, on-the-job training, and optional supplemental learning opportunities. Below are the major components of the franchisor’s training offerings:
The Submarina franchise does not offer territory protection to its franchisees. Franchisees are required to operate from a franchisor-approved location, but they are not granted any exclusive rights to a specific geographic area.
This means they may face competition from other Submarina outlets, company-owned stores, or even other brands controlled by the franchisor—even if located nearby. Moreover, Submarina explicitly retains the right to open new franchises or company-owned locations in any area, including close proximity to an existing franchisee’s store.
The franchisor also reserves the authority to license the brand in captive markets such as airports or stadiums and to distribute branded products through alternative channels like grocery stores or retail outlets. This open-market approach reinforces that franchisees do not have any guaranteed market exclusivity.
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Below are some of
Submarina California Subs
key competitors in the
Sandwich
sector.
10
$15,000
$183,000
$370,000
n.a.
$0
$xxx,xxx
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n.a.
Earl of Sandwich
$200K - $500K
24
$25,000
$315,000
$664,000
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.
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Submarina California Subs is a submarine-sandwich franchise offering crafted subs with fresh, quality ingredients, serving take-out and delivery customers, and known for California-style flavor, strong franchise support, and award-winning menu.
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Crepe Delicious is a café franchise offering sweet and savory crepes, waffles, smoothies, and coffee, serving breakfast and lunch customers, and known for fresh ingredients, customizable menu, and café experience in retail venues.
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