The 25 Best Sandwich Franchises of 2019/2020 (Updated Rankings)

Revised and updated October 6, 2019.

According to IBISWorld, the sandwich and sub shop franchise market is on track to hit a mind-boggling $25 billion in revenue, and entrepreneurs who want to take a bite of it have a solid list here of the 25 best sandwich franchises, any one of which could turn out to be your dream franchise.

When John Montagu, England’s 4th Earl of Sandwich in the 1700s, became known for eating chunks of salted beef between two pieces of toasted bread, no one could foresee how sandwich franchises would eventually become one of the biggest business opportunities for people today.

The sandwich and sub shop segment is home to the largest restaurant chain in the world, Subway, with its 42,431 locations (McDonald’s has only 37,855). The sandwich and sub franchises make up a significant 12% of all quick-service restaurants. While burger joints still make up more at 30%, as do pizzerias at 15%, sandwich franchises are ahead of chicken at 8% and Mexican at 7%. What is it that keeps sandwich franchises flying high?

In part, they’ve done a better job at keeping up with consumer preferences for healthier options than other fast-food places. This has kept the sandwich franchise industry growing at a healthy clip while other fast-food segments have stagnated or even declined.

Growing chains such as Jimmy John’s, Jersey Mike’s Subs, and Firehouse Subs continue to battle one another to gain a larger foothold relative to Subway, but there are many others that are worthy of a closer look. From subs and hoagies to wraps and pitas and beyond, here are the top 25 sandwich franchises of 2020.

1. Subway

Subway is the undisputed king of sandwich chains in terms of number of locations, and yet it ranks a surprisingly distant third in terms of sales ($10.4 billion compared to McDonald’s at $38.5 billion and Starbucks at $19.7 billion). And it’s still a privately-held company.

Fred DeLuca started the company to fund his medical school education, but he ended up sticking with his very lucrative sub concept. In 2018, the chain saw revenues drop by almost half a billion dollars, and it closed more than 1,000 locations in the US. But it’s currently remodeling stores through its Fresh Forward design initiative, and those retrofitted locations are pulling in more traffic and higher gross sales.

Founded in 1965 and franchising since 1974, the number of locations declined recently to the current total of 42,431, none of which are company-owned and 17,246 of which are located outside the US.

2. Arby’s

Arby’s isn’t buying into the plant-based meat craze that is supposedly sweeping the nation. In fact, it poked fun at the idea by coming up with a meat-based vegetable creation it calls a marrot, which is turkey prepared in a way that it looks like a carrot.

Arby’s has experienced a resurgence in recent years under the leadership of CEO Rob Lynch and his highly successful “We have the meats” campaign. But Lynch recently left the company to become the new CEO of the Papa John’s pizza chain. Chief Marketing Officer Jim Taylor has been promoted to the Arby’s CEO position to keep the chain’s new-found momentum going.

Founded in 1964 and franchising since 1965, the number of locations was declining from 2010-2016, but has now been rising the last several years to the current total of 3,472, of which 1,132 are company-owned and 143 are located outside the US.

3. Jimmy John’s

Jimmy John’s has gotten a lot of media attention lately, and not all of it good. On the good side, the chain ran a sweepstakes contest in which the winner would receive a free house within five minutes of one of its restaurants, which delineates its delivery zone. On the not-so-good side is an old photograph of the chain’s founder Jimmy John Liautaud with an elephant he killed, along with photos of him with his other big-game kills. The photos and calls for boycotts periodically resurface and make the rounds on social media, but the chain keeps plugging away, and quite successfully at that.

The company has been around since the early 1980s and does things a bit differently – no oven-baked hot sandwiches and only one cheese (provolone). But JJ’s delivers, which is rare among sandwich chains, and does so freakishly fast. The chain’s quirky, irreverent ad messaging is a big hit with the college-age crowd.

Founded in 1983 and franchising since 1993, the number of locations has climbed over the last 10 years from 721 in 2008 to the current total of 2,793, of which 56 are company-owned and all are located in the US.

4. Jersey Mike’s Subs

Jersey Mike’s Subs is also receiving a lot of media attention, and for all the right reasons. After
weeding through the constant stream of stories about new locations opening all over the place, they’re also doing lots of great, creative promotions. These recently included its first-ever 14-week, 16-stop college tailgate mobile tour with free sub samples as well as a free regular sub offer for first-time orders through its newly-improved mobile app.

Any sub on the menu can be ordered Mike’s Way: onions, lettuce, tomatoes, spices (salt and oregano), and the Juice (a mixture of red wine vinegar and olive oil). The menu includes 28 hot and cold subs along with five signature wraps.

Founded in 1956 and franchising since 1987, the number of locations has grown steadily over the past 10 years from 367 in 2008 to the current total of 1,582, of which 82 are company-owned and all are located in the US.

5. Firehouse Subs

Firehouse Subs has become well known for its donations to local fire departments and other first responders all over the nation. A portion of every sale the chain makes goes to the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation to support first responders in the communities where the chain has a presence. The foundation has granted more than $44 million to provide equipment, training, and support to hometown heroes.

Founded by former firefighting brothers Robin and Chris Sorensen in Jacksonville, Florida, the chain’s restaurants feature a firefighting theme on the menu with hot and cold sub names such as Hook & Ladder and Engineer, as well as in-store décor featuring firefighting equipment, memorabilia, and artwork.

Founded in 1994 and franchising since 1995, the number of locations has increased rapidly over the past decade from 340 in 2008 to the current total of 1,155, of which 37 are company-owned and 22 are located outside the US.

6. Pita Pit

Pita Pit is taking its successful sandwich franchising techniques into the Canadian cannabis industry through a partnership with federally-licensed producer and distributor WeedMD to help
people open and operate their own retail cannabis stores. But the core business of selling pita sandwiches remains the primary focus of the chain founded by Nelson Lang and John Sotiriadis in Kingston, Ontario, back in the mid-1990s.

Their Lebanese-style pita sandwiches offer a healthier alternative relative to most fast food and are filled with fresh veggies, grilled meats, and zesty sauces. Many of the shops stay open late into the night/morning, which appeals to university students. With 20 pita fillings and 40 toppings to mix and match, millions of combinations are possible.

Founded in 1995 and franchising since 1997, the number of locations has increased over the past 10 years from 273 in 2008 to the current total of 605, of which 13 are company-owned and 382 are located outside the US.

7. Charleys Philly Steaks

Charleys Philly Steaks has found success through annual limited-time offers to keep its menu fresh and exciting for customers. Recent features have included the Prime Jalapeño Steak-Q (2019), the Zesty Baja Chicken Philly (2018), and the Triple Bacon Steak Philly (2017).

When founder Charley Shin took a wrong turn on the way to New York City and wound up in Philadelphia, he tasted his first Philly cheesesteak sandwich and knew he wanted to make the venerable sandwich his vocation, opening his first shop when he was only 22. The menu now includes four signature Philly-style steak subs, four chicken subs, four deli subs, three kinds of gourmet fries, and three salads.

Founded in 1986 and franchising since 1991, the number of locations has grown steadily over the past decade from 361 in 2008 to the current total of 595, of which 56 are company-owned and 78 are located outside the US.

8. Potbelly Sandwich Works

Potbelly Sandwich Works strives to be known as the go-to “neighborhood sandwich shop” in each community where it has a presence. The menu focuses on simple ingredients in its toasty warm sandwiches, salads, soups, fresh baked cookies, and hand-dipped milkshakes and smoothies.

The company got its start in the mid-1970s when Peter Hastings took over a Chicago space that was previously an antique shop. The décor of the first location used many items from the antique store, including a potbelly stove that gave the sandwich shop its name. Bryant Keil purchased the restaurant in 1997 and began expanding it into a chain. Potbelly’s does most of its business during lunch, and many locations also feature live music from local musicians.

Founded in 1977 and franchising since 2009, the number of locations has expanded in recent years from 377 in 2015 to the current total of 491, of which 435 are company-owned and 17 are located outside the US.

9. Which Wich Superior Sandwiches

Which Wich Superior Sandwiches is aimed squarely at a more Millennial hipster market than most sandwich chains. Its founder and CEO, Jeff Sinelli, is also called the Chief Vibe Officer. The Dallas-based chain also recently added crinkle-cut French Fries to its menu. When asked why, Sinelli responded with a question of his own: “Fry not?”

The company is a newcomer compared to most sandwich franchises, and has taken a novel approach with its ordering system. Customers use red Sharpies to mark pre-printed menus on sandwich bags, selecting from among 10 categories of sandwiches, then choosing the bread, cheese, spreads, and toppings. Patrons are encouraged to use the red markers to decorate their bags and hang them in a gallery area in the shop.

Founded in 2003 and franchising since 2004, the number of locations has expanded from 54 in 2008 to the current total of 467, of which only two are company-owned and 38 are located outside the US.

10. McAlister’s Deli

McAlister’s Deli recently underwent its biggest evolution to date, which is significant considering its humble beginnings in Oxford, Mississippi, back in the late 1980s with its first location in a renovated gas station. The new restaurant design features an overall smaller interior, but expanded patio seating for locations that want it, along with drive-up window for pickup orders.

It takes a southern-hospitality approach to its atmosphere, has seasonal menu items, is incredibly kid-friendly, and makes a big deal of its sweet tea with an annual Free Tea Day each summer. In fact, its famous sweet tea is its best-selling item and accounts for more than 10% of all the company’s sales. It can also now be ordered in 5-gallon and 15-gallon kegs for special events.

Founded in 1989 and franchising since 1994, the number of locations has risen in recent years from 307 in 2011 to the current total of 428, of which 28 are company-owned and all are located in the US.

11. Schlotzsky’s

Schlotzsky’s just upgraded its c-suite executive cred by naming Beto Guajardo, previously the SVP of Global Strategy for Starbucks, as the chain’s new President. He’s taking over from Kelly Roddy, who left to become CEO of Saladworks. The sandwich chain is in the midst of a big brand refresh, and Guajardo’s deep strategic expertise should prove valuable.

The refresh includes changing the name to Schlotzsky’s Austin Eatery, a nod to the place of its founding. The Original remains its most famous sandwich, but new additions will include making tacos and nachos to order. The menu also includes fresh-baked breads, artisan flatbreads, specialty pizzas, toasted wraps, freshly-tossed salads, gourmet soups, and more. Many locations also feature Cinnabon and Carvel ice cream products since the chain is owned by FOCUS Brands, an affiliate of Roark Capital Group, which owns a number of restaurant chains.

Founded in 1971 and franchising since 1976, the number of locations has changed little in recent years and currently stands at 372, of which 25 are company-owned and one is located outside the US.

12. Penn Station East Coast Subs

Penn Station East Coast Subs, like many restaurant franchises in a very tight labor market, is doing everything it can to attract and retain quality workers. It focuses on finding people who want to climb the company ladder from the beginning and has created what it calls the My Penn Path – a way for franchisees to show candidates that there is a clear path for them to advance if they join the company. Their recruiting process helps them identify standout hires who can be put on a fast-pace promotional track.

Company founder Jeff Osterfeld, after successfully operating a delicatessen, discovered the Philly cheesesteak concept and opened the first Penn Station in Cincinnati. His innovations back in the mid-1980s included “display cooking” where customers could see their food being prepared, fresh-cut French fries, and hand-squeezed lemonade. The menu includes four classic subs, three chicken subs, and three Italian subs that can be served hot or cold.

Founded in 1985 and franchising since 1987, the number of locations has expanded over the last 10 years from 188 in 2008 to the current total of 313, of which only one is company-owned and all are located in the US.

13. Togo’s

Togo’s recently undertook a major brand refresh including a revamped logo, a new slogan (“True to the Sandwich”), and a new menu item called the Pretzelrami – more than a quarter pound of pastrami on a toasted soft pretzel roll with two slices of white cheddar cheese, yellow mustard, and dill pickles. Its new marketing campaign to go with the brand refresh is “How Far Would You Go for a Togo?”

The core menu features 19 subs, six salads, four veggie sandwiches, and a selection of soups that changes daily. Any sub can be ordered without bread and served up as a salad with romaine lettuce or in a tortilla wrap.

Founded in 1971 and franchising since 1977, the number of locations has declined slightly in recent years from 251 in 2014 to the current total of 210, of which 6 are company-owned and all are located in the US.

14. Capriotti’s

Capriotti’s geared up for the latest football season by offering those who order catering (trays of
assorted sandwiches) online or through the company’s CAPAddicts Rewards App, access to special “score-worthy” deals throughout the season.

The chain distinguished itself from other sandwich shops early on with its in-store slow-roasting of whole, fresh, all-natural turkeys overnight to hand-pull fresh turkey meat each morning for sandwiches. The menu features 17 different subs, two sandwiches made with sliced bread, and six different salads.

Founded in 1976 and franchising since 1991, the number of locations currently stands at 98, of which 10 are company-owned and all are located in the US.

15. Erbert & Gerbert’s Sandwich Shops

Erbert & Gerbert’s Sandwich Shops recently launched a free mobile rewards app to give customers a robust rewards system that will send them exclusive promotions and offer free items. It’s just one point of a multi-layered branding overhaul that includes a new store prototype, new logo, new slogan (“Out of This World Sandwiches”), and a new radio and TV campaign called “Bold Between the Breads.”

Many of the subs on the menu have odd names such as Narmer, Bornk, Girf, Comet Morehouse, and Quatro because they are all characters from the stories the founder’s father used to tell his children when they were little. In addition to subs, the chain’s menu also features nine different soups for the soup-and-sandwich effect.

Founded in 1987 and franchising since 1992, the number of locations has expanded in recent years from 49 in 2011 to the current total of 97, of which five are company-owned and all are located in the US.

16. Cousins Subs

Cousins Subs CEO Christine Specht took the reins of the Wisconsin-based chain of sub shops, founded by her father and his cousin, in 2015. She leads the company based on four simple values of being grounded, optimistic, passionate, and purposeful. Speaking of being grounded, she keeps it real by regularly working a shift as a cashier to see first-hand what’s happening in her stores.

The menu features eight different grilled-to-order subs, six classic subs, five deli fresh subs, salads, sides, soups, two-footer party subs, and party boxes with 12 or 20 assorted subs.

Founded in 1972 and franchising since 1985, the number of locations has declined in recent years from 150 in 2010 to the current total of 96, of which 18 are company-owned and all are located in the US.

17. Lennys Grill and Subs

Lennys Grill and Subs was started by Len Moore, who had more than 25 years of experience in
all kinds of restaurants before he and his wife Sheila opened the first location in Memphis, Tennessee. They only wanted one location to help pay for their daughter’s college education, but the demand was so strong they soon opened five more. After opening 20 locations, franchising was the next logical step. The menu features Philly-style submarine sandwiches with 10 deli subs and 12 grilled subs.

Founded in 1998 and franchising since 2001, in spite of a major brand and store design overhaul, the number of locations has declined steadily over the past ten years from 170 in 2008 to the current total of 92, of which 11 are company-owned and all are located in the US.

18. PrimoHoagies

PrimoHoagies launched its Italian Hoagie potato chips in 2019, flavored to evoke the memory of its namesake sandwich beloved by many. The chips are available at all store locations as well as in some supermarkets and convenience stores in the greater Philadelphia area.

The first PrimoHoagies was opened on Ritner Street in south Philadelphia when it seemed like there was a hoagie shop on every corner. PrimoHoagies distinguished itself by focusing on the sandwich’s Italian origins, and the chain’s Italian Hoagie is its best-selling sandwich. But the chain has something for everyone with its 59 different hoagies.

Founded in 1992 and franchising since 2002, the number of locations currently stands at 88, only one of which is company-owned and all are located in the US.

19. Goodcents Deli Fresh Subs

Goodcents Deli Fresh Subs was the brainchild of serial entrepreneur Joseph Bisogno in the late 1980s, after having previously run a lemonade stand when he was six years old, purchasing an ice cream truck when he was 18, and a gas station later on as well. This is a chain of dine-in, drive-thru, carry-out, and delivery restaurants with a menu featuring 17 different submarine sandwiches, five pasta dishes, and three different giant soft-baked cookies.

Founded in 1989 and franchising since 1991, the number of locations has been slowly declining from 108 in 2009 to the current total of 78, of which two are company-owned and all of which are located in the US.

20. Tubby’s Sub Shop

Tubby’s Sub Shop has been around since the late 1960s when founder Richard Paganes opened the first location in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. The menu features 16 different grilled subs, five deli-style subs, five specialty subs, nine salads, monster party subs, and party sub platters.

In 2015, Tubby’s bought the failing Just Baked cupcake franchise and added the dessert offering to its menu in 2017. All new Tubby’s locations will be co-branded with Just Baked, and Tubby’s is considering expanding the number of standalone Just Baked stores, which had dwindled to just four franchised locations back in 2015 after attempting to expand too rapidly.

Founded in 1968 and franchising since 1978, the number of locations has been relatively steady in recent years and currently stands at 62, none of which are company-owned and all of which are located in the US.

21. Great Steak

Great Steak (formerly The Great Steak and Potato Company) has been serving up cheesesteak subs and potato dishes since the early 1980s when it was started in Dayton, Ohio by founder Nicola J. Lanni. This is a true meat-and-potatoes operation featuring four cheesesteaks, four chicken Philly subs, seven different grilled sandwiches, six kinds of French fries, five different baked potatoes, potato skins, and four breakfast sandwiches. Great Steak is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kahala Brands, which operates 18 different restaurant chains.

Founded in 1985 and franchising since 1986, the number of locations has declined over the past 10 years from 199 in 2008 to the current total of 58, of which none are company-owned and 13 are located outside the US.

22. Deli Delicious

Deli Delicious offers hungry customers a menu of made-to-order cold sandwiches, hot sandwiches, specialty sandwiches, salads, soups, and sides. In Fresno, California where it started, it won the People’s Choice Award for Best Sandwich shop for nine years in a row. The chain prides itself on friendly service, fresh produce, premium deli meats, and high-quality bread. Like many of the delis on this list, it offers catering as well as fundraising opportunities for schools, teams, clubs, and other groups.

Founded in Fresno, California in 1996 but franchising only since 2008, the number of locations has grown to the current total of 52, none of which are company-owned and all of which are located in the US.

23. Groucho’s Deli

Groucho’s Deli dates back to the early 1940s when Harold “Groucho” Miller came to Columbia, South Carolina with a handful of original recipes for potato salad, coleslaw, and various salad and sandwich dressings, most of which were thought up during his childhood in a Philadelphia orphanage. He also had a big personality, always joking, and he not only looked like Groucho Marx with his big moustache and cigar but he even sounded like Groucho Marx.

He innovated with Dipper Style Subs in the 1960s with his original sauces, like Formula 45 developed back in 1945. Dipper Subs are still on the menu today, along with a variety of other subs, sandwiches, folded pitas, 19 different signature salads, seven famous dressings, deli sandwiches, original recipe sandwiches, BLT Clubs, healthy options, soups, sides, and desserts.

Founded in 1941 but franchising only since 2001, the number of locations has marched slowly but steadily upwards to the current total of 34, only one of which is company-owned and all of which are located in the US.

24. CHēBA Hut

CHēBA Hut (pronounced cheeba) is one sandwich chain poised to take advantage of the growing legal cannabis culture. The pronunciation of the chain’s name approximates the Spanish Chiba, a slang term for highly potent Colombian marijuana. The core menu features 26 “toasted” subs that are all named for different kinds of marijuana. The company mascot is a bird named Flip who is always smoking a joint. The vibe is strongly anti-establishment and anti-corporate.

Founded by Scott Jennings in Tempe, Arizona in 1998 and franchising since 2002, there are now 27 locations, of which eight are company-owned and all are located in the US, and another six are listed on the company website as “coming soon.”

25. Tom and Chee

Tom and Chee is for everyone who loves the classic grilled cheese sandwich paired up with tomato soup. The company was started by friends Trew Quackenbush and Corey Ward along with their wives Jenn and Jenny in Cincinnati, Ohio. After a year in a tent, they were able to open a real store and people were willing to wait in line well over an hour for creative offerings such as the grilled cheese donut: A donut sliced like a bagel and grilled with your choice of cheese or many other interesting toppings.

Although the company received a boost by landing a $600,000 investment during season 4 of Shark Tank from Barbara Corcoran and Mark Cuban, it’s struggling to find its footing in spite of having a great concept. Founded in 2009 and franchising since 2012, the number of locations was as high as 35 in 2015, but the company website now only lists a grand total of 12 locations.

An Important Note About Our Methodology

The franchises on this list were ranked according to the number of units in the franchise system. If you are a prospective franchisee searching for franchise opportunities that meet or exceed certain performance benchmarks for sales, profits, and return on investment, please check out this list of America’s Most Lucrative Franchises.