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.

Training

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:

1. Initial Training Program: Conducted by experienced staff, including Matt Kennedy and other professionals, the initial program includes classroom and on-the-job training. It covers topics such as company history, franchisee responsibilities, pre-opening tasks, and operational procedures, and takes place in La Mesa, California or at Certified Training Stores.
2. Certified Training Stores: These are designated franchise locations that meet specific criteria to host on-the-job training. Training at these stores supplements the classroom instruction and provides real-world operational experience.
3. Ongoing and Remedial Training: Franchisees, Operating Principals, and other designated staff may be required to attend additional courses, webinars, or regional meetings. These programs may be offered by Submarina or third-party providers and are aimed at skill reinforcement and system updates.
4. Pre-Opening Consultation and Opening Assistance: Submarina provides remote and, if necessary, on-site consultation on store build-out, staffing, and inventory control. If on-site support is required, franchisees must cover associated travel and service fees.
5. Franchise Meetings and Continuing Education: Franchisees are encouraged to attend franchise-wide meetings and may be required to participate in ongoing education programs. These sessions may involve travel and registration costs, which the franchisee is responsible for covering.

Territory Protection

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.