Pickleman's Gourmet Cafe vs Jon Smith Subs Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Pickleman's Gourmet Cafe vs Jon Smith Subs including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Pickleman's Gourmet Cafe Franchise
Jon Smith Subs Franchise
Investment $338,050 - $610,000$309,500 - $887,760
Franchise Fee N/A$39,500
Royalty Fee 6%6%
Advertising Fee 2%3%
Year Founded 20051988
Year Franchised 20082007
Term Of Agreement -20 years
Term Of Agreement -20 years
Renewal Fee -$1K


Business Experience Requirements
 
Pickleman's Gourmet Cafe Franchise
Jon Smith Subs Franchise
Experience --

Financing Options
 
Pickleman's Gourmet Cafe Franchise
Jon Smith Subs Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees -/--/Yes
Start-up Costs -/--/Yes
Equipment -/--/Yes
Inventory -/--/Yes
Receivables -/--/Yes
Payroll -/--/Yes

Training & Support
 
Pickleman's Gourmet Cafe Franchise
Jon Smith Subs Franchise
Training Training is about 6 weeks long at a Pickleman's Corporate Location. Pickleman’s does not charge for the initial training program for you and 1 designated manager. You are responsible for wages, travel, and living expenses for the duration of training. On-The-Job Training: 80 hours Classroom Training: 80 hours Additional Training: At existing store
Support -Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
Marketing -Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
Operations - Absentee Ownership Allowed Number of Employees Required to Run: 15 - 20

Expansion Plans
 
Pickleman's Gourmet Cafe Franchise
Jon Smith Subs Franchise
US Expansion YesYes
Canada Expansion -No
International Expansion NoYes

Company Overviews

About Pickleman's Gourmet Cafe

After working in the franchise and restaurant industry for 16 years Doug Stritzel, founder and owner of Pickleman’s, began his quest to realize his longtime dream of building a distinct new dining concept.
In October 2005 Doug opened the first Pickleman’s in Columbia, MO. In January 2008 the second Pickleman’s was opened. Today, Pickleman’s has 22 locations and counting, three in Columbia, MO, two in Springfield, MO, six in St Louis, MO, one in Lincoln, NE, one in Lawrence, KS, four in Kansas City, two in Omaha, NE, and one in Norman, OK.

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Pickleman’s focuses above all on using the highest quality product and creating profound and unique flavor profiles people love. Offering a wide array of all natural products with the freshest ingredients gives our Toasted Sandwiches, Pizzas, Soups, Salads and Desserts a quality that sets us apart. Our Delivery and Catering services allow us to serve large groups, cater events, and provide you with our superior service at your door.
Doug has plans to expand the Pickleman’s franchise and share his passion for high quality food with the world. His goal is to establish and continue to develop his own brand and someday be successful enough to spend lots of time with two wonderful children, Jack and Audrey.

At Pickleman's, we are committed to helping aspiring entrepreneurs make their dreams a reality. We believe that franchising benefits our company, entrepreneurs like you, and our customers. Combining our proven business model with your drive and ambition can produce an excellent experience for our customers, which in turn leads to more business and greater profits for everyone involved.

The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Pickleman’s Gourmet Cafe is from $338,050 to $610,000. This includes the $30,415 to $31,400 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliates. If you want to obtain area development rights pursuant to an Area Development Agreement, you will pay a Development Fee of ½ of the Initial Franchise Fee for each proposed Unit when you sign the Area Development Agreement.


About Jon Smith Subs

Sometimes it seems that everyone sells the “highest quality food at the lowest price.” But saying it doesn’t make it so. I, Jon Smith, am totally committed to providing the best quality food and service for my customers. Look at our food, look at our stores, look at our employees and see our commitment. At Jon Smith Subs, quality is our only deal.
The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Jon Smith Subs Restaurant is from $309,500 to $615,790. These amounts include $134,500 to $213,790 that you must pay to the franchisor and its affiliates.
The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Jon Smith Subs Restaurant as a developer under the Multi-Unit Development Agreement is from $370,500 to $887,760 for five restaurants. These amounts include $194,500 to $677,290 that you must pay to the franchisor and its affiliates.
Veteran Incentives  10% off franchise fee