Subway Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Global fast-food sandwich franchise known for its customizable submarine sandwiches, salads, and fresh ingredients.

Subway, an international fast-food giant headquartered in Milford, Connecticut, boasts an extensive menu that includes submarine sandwiches, wraps, salads, sides, and beverages.

Founded in 1965 by a 17-year-old Fred DeLuca with financial assistance from Peter Buck, the company initially launched as Pete's Super Submarines in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Subway began its franchising journey in 1974, and has since grown to be one of the most recognized names in the fast-food industry.

Subway is now recognized as the largest single-brand restaurant chain globally. For entrepreneurs and investors, owning a Subway franchise represents an opportunity to invest in a well-known sandwich franchise celebrated for its fresh, convenient, and affordable options.

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 (Low – High)
Initial Franchise Fee $15,000 – $15,000
Real Property $2,000 – $12,000
Leasehold Improvements $75,000 – $200,000
Equipment, Furniture and Décor $106,785 – $208,845
Optional Security System $2,450 – $3,550
Freight Charges $8,000 – $14,000
Outside Signage $2,000 – $8,000
Opening Inventory $4,400 – $6,050
Insurance $1,000 – $6,000
Supplies $500 – $1,300
Training Expenses $2,500 – $4,500
Legal and Accounting $1,000 – $3,500
Grand Opening Advertising $2,000 – $4,000
Miscellaneous Expenses $4,000 – $8,000
Additional Funds – three months $12,000 – $42,000
TOTAL (Traditional Location) $238,625 – $536,745
TOTAL (Non-Traditional Location) $199,135 – $403,745
Type of Expenditure Amount (Low – High)
Initial Franchise Fee $15,000 – $15,000
Real Property $2,000 – $12,000
Leasehold Improvements $75,000 – $200,000
Equipment, Furniture and Décor $106,785 – $208,845
Optional Security System $2,450 – $3,550
Freight Charges $8,000 – $14,000
Outside Signage $2,000 – $8,000
Opening Inventory $4,400 – $6,050
Insurance $1,000 – $6,000
Supplies $500 – $1,300
Training Expenses $2,500 – $4,500
Legal and Accounting $1,000 – $3,500
Grand Opening Advertising $2,000 – $4,000
Miscellaneous Expenses $4,000 – $8,000
Additional Funds – three months $12,000 – $42,000
TOTAL (Traditional Location) $238,625 – $536,745
TOTAL (Non-Traditional Location) $199,135 – $403,745

Franchise Disclosure Document

Competitors

Below are some of

Subway

key competitors in the

Sandwich

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
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Gross Profit
Upgrade
EBITDA
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19502

New
+
-5%
-5%

$15,000

$239,000

$404,000

n.a.

$0

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

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Number of units

Training 

Subway offers an extensive training program to ensure franchisees are fully prepared to run a Subway® restaurant effectively. This training is mandatory and must be completed before the franchisee's restaurant opens for business.

To maximize its impact, it is advised that the training be scheduled as close to the restaurant's opening as possible.

The program includes both online modules and in-person sessions. In-person training is delivered by FWH Trainers at regional training centers, supplemented by practical "on-the-job" training at an operational Subway® restaurant.

The classroom instruction spans approximately 15 hours, while the hands-on training involves around 60 hours at local restaurants. Additionally, there are two to three hours of homework each evening.

Territory Protection

Franchisees are not granted an exclusive territory. They may encounter competition from multiple sources, including other franchisees, franchisor-owned outlets, and other distribution channels or competitive brands managed by the franchisor.

The franchise rights provided are restricted to the specific franchised business location and any additional sites designated under an Additional Business Amendment to the Franchise Agreement.

If the franchisor permits operating a food truck as an extension of an existing Subway restaurant, the food truck can only operate at locations registered and approved by Subway.

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