Farmer Boys vs Jon Smith Subs Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Farmer Boys Franchise
Jon Smith Subs Franchise
Investment $1,042,500 - $2,486,500$309,500 - $887,760
Franchise Fee $45,000$39,500
Royalty Fee 5%6%
Advertising Fee 3%3%
Year Founded 19811988
Year Franchised 19972007
Term Of Agreement 20 years20 years
Term Of Agreement 20 years20 years
Renewal Fee -$1K


Business Experience Requirements

 
Farmer Boys Franchise
Jon Smith Subs Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • -

    Financing Options

     
    Farmer Boys Franchise
    Jon Smith Subs 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

     
    Farmer Boys Franchise
    Jon Smith Subs Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 480 hours Classroom Training: 60 hours On-The-Job Training: 80 hours Classroom Training: 80 hours Additional Training: At existing store
    Support Purchasing Co-ops Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform 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 Regional Advertising Social media SEO Loyalty program/app Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
    Operations 20% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 30

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    Absentee Ownership Allowed Number of Employees Required to Run: 15 - 20

    Expansion Plans

     
    Farmer Boys Franchise
    Jon Smith Subs Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion NoYes

    Company Overviews

    About Farmer Boys

    During the 1970s, brothers Makis and Chris Havadjias worked in restaurants to earn money for college. They helped the owners of one of those restaurants rebuild the establishment, and later bought it. With the experience they gained at that first restaurant, the brothers bought a poorly performing restaurant in Perris, California, that they built into Farmer Boys. With the help of their three other brothers, the Havadjias expanded Farmer Boys throughout Riverside and San Bernardino counties in Southern California. Each location serves hamburgers, sandwiches, salads and a full breakfast menu. The company began franchising in 1998.

    #128 in Franchise 500 for 2021. Not ranked in 2020.

    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