Jersey Mike's Submarines & Salads vs Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Jersey Mike's Submarines & Salads vs Potbelly Sandwich Shop including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Jersey Mike's Submarines & Salads Franchise
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
Investment $169,001 - $804,085$534,950 - $874,000
Franchise Fee $18,500$40,000
Royalty Fee 6.5%6%
Advertising Fee 5%Up to 4%
Year Founded 19561977
Year Franchised 19872009
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Jersey Mike's Submarines & Salads Franchise
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
Experience
  • Restaurant experience
  • Potbelly is looking for "Potbelly People" to become franchisees. That means people that love working with a team, have solid business experience (not necessarily in restaurants), the financial qualifications, possess personal motivation and have been successful. Our franchise owner/operator model is a two person team. Whether a family partnership or a business partnership we are looking for an operating team that wants to be owners of the neighborhood sandwich shop within their community.

    Financing Options

     
    Jersey Mike's Submarines & Salads Franchise
    Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/Yes-/Yes
    Start-up Costs No/Yes-/Yes
    Equipment No/Yes-/Yes
    Inventory No/No-/Yes
    Receivables No/No-/Yes
    Payroll No/No-/Yes

    Training & Support

     
    Jersey Mike's Submarines & Salads Franchise
    Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 360 hours Classroom Training: 40 hours

    All new franchisees participate in a 10-12 week training program. This consists of real life experience in one of our company-owned training shops. In addition, we will train your key holding employees for 6 weeks at one of our company-owned training shops. Once completed, franchisees receive regular updates to their training along with our company-owned stores, including regular on site reviews. On-The-Job Training: 355 hours Classroom Training: 80 hours

    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluationsPurchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertisingAd Templates Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
    Operations 35% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 10 - 15

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (85% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    -

    Expansion Plans

     
    Jersey Mike's Submarines & Salads Franchise
    Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
    US Expansion -Yes
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion YesYes

    Company Overviews

    About Jersey Mike's Submarines & Salads

    The first Jersey Mike's Super Sub was created in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, on the Jersey Shore in 1956. Peter Cancro started working in the submarine sandwich business when he was 14 years old. At the age of 17, before state law allowed him to operate a slicing machine, Cancro bought the original Jersey Mike's location. Since it started franchising in 1987, Jersey Mike's has grown to more than 150 franchises.

    Jersey Mike's is one of the biggest and most affordable fast food restaurants and the mobile app delivers the same exciting experience, minus the wait.
    You can quickly browse through all the favorite items on the menu or search by categories including subs, sandwiches, wraps, beverages and desserts, and more.
    Can't find a decent place to stop at on your road trip? Use the app to find the nearest Jersey Mike's and enjoy your favorite meal in no time.
    Get the regular subs and sandwiches or customize them the way you want to.

    Our concept is simple. We provide our customers with the freshest, highest quality sub sandwiches available, prepared right in front of them and served with energy and enthusiasm. Our culture of giving and making a difference in the lives of our customers creates an important bond in the communities we serve. Our business model, which offers a balanced lifestyle, allows our owners the wherewithal to support important causes in their community and the flexibility to have a family life outside the restaurant. Discover how Jersey Mike’s can make a difference in your life.

    "Entrepreneur


    #8 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #7 in Franchise 500 for 2021.





    About Potbelly Sandwich Shop

    From its humble beginnings as a small antique store on Chicago's North Side, Potbelly has grown from one to more than 200 shops serving neighborhoods in 12 states. Potbelly's unique experience is defined by its combination of toasty warm sandwiches, hand-dipped shakes, tasty made-to-order salads, live local music, as well as friendly and lively people. Potbelly has built a passionate, loyal following of fans that spread the word about the fun, energetic atmosphere and great food.

    #131 in Franchise 500 for 2020.