The Steak Escape vs Zero's Subs Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of The Steak Escape vs Zero's Subs including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
The Steak Escape Franchise
Zero's Subs Franchise
Investment $190,200 - $1,300,000$150,000 - $250,000
Franchise Fee $25,000$15,000
Royalty Fee 6%6%
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 19821967
Year Franchised 19831996
Term Of Agreement 20 years15 years
Term Of Agreement 20 years15 years
Renewal Fee -10% of current franchise fee


Business Experience Requirements

 
The Steak Escape Franchise
Zero's Subs Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience

  • Industry experience
  • General business experience

  • Financing Options

     
    The Steak Escape Franchise
    Zero's Subs Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/NoNo/Yes
    Start-up Costs No/NoNo/Yes
    Equipment No/NoNo/Yes
    Inventory No/NoNo/Yes
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support

     
    The Steak Escape Franchise
    Zero's Subs Franchise
    Training --
    Support Newsletter, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluationsNewsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluations
    Marketing -Ad slicks, National media
    Operations International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 20 - 25

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (75% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 10

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (70% of current franchisees are owner/operators)


    Expansion Plans

     
    The Steak Escape Franchise
    Zero's Subs Franchise
    US Expansion --
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesYes

    Company Overviews

    About The Steak Escape

    The Steak Escape was established in Columbus, Ohio, in 1982 by Ken Smith and Mark Turner. One year later, Escape Enterprise Ltd. was formed, and Steak Escape started franchising mall sites, as well as locations in college campuses, airports and sports arenas. The privately held company specializes in genuine Philadelphia cheesesteaks and operates in more than 30 states as well as overseas.

    About Zero's Subs

    In 1967, Gene Schmidt started ZERO'S SUBS. Zero’s Subs is one of the largest regional sandwich franchises in the U.S. with more than 30 restaurants nationally. Since its inception in Virginia Beach in 1967, Zero’s Subs has created a proven fast, casual concept which offers high-quality foods, such as hot oven-baked subs, hearth-baked bread, Hormel meats, buffalo chicken wings, innovative health-conscious salads, wraps and pizza - all under one roof.