Buffalo Wild Wings vs Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwich Shops Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Buffalo Wild Wings vs Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwich Shops including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Buffalo Wild Wings Franchise
Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwich Shops Franchise
Investment $2,695,100 - $4,244,300$313,600 - $556,100
Franchise Fee $25,000$35,000
Royalty Fee 5%6%
Advertising Fee 3.25%4.5%
Year Founded 19821983
Year Franchised 19911993
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Renewal Fee $5K$2.5K


Business Experience Requirements

 
Buffalo Wild Wings Franchise
Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwich Shops Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Track record of success

  • General business experience

  • Financing Options

     
    Buffalo Wild Wings Franchise
    Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwich Shops 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

     
    Buffalo Wild Wings Franchise
    Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwich Shops Franchise
    Training --
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesNewsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluations
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertisingCo-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertising
    Operations Franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 50% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 40 - 60

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (80% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    -

    Expansion Plans

     
    Buffalo Wild Wings Franchise
    Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwich Shops Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesNo

    Company Overviews

    About Buffalo Wild Wings

    Buffalo Wild Wings got its start in 1981 after Jim Disbrow and Scott Lowery moved from Buffalo, New York, to Kent, Ohio. Unable to find authentic Buffalo-style chicken wings in their new town, they decided to open up their own restaurant. Originally called Buffalo Wild Wings & Weck (see Kummelweck) from which the abbreviation BW3 was created, the restaurant became a franchise with over 350 locations across most states of the U.S. The company later changed its name to Buffalo Wild Wings and is no longer uses the short name BW3. The restaurant's theme is a sports bar / restaurant, and each location features multiple large screen televisions that are viewable from all seats. All locations also have game consoles devoted to NTN Trivia. Buffalo Wild Wings is best-known for its buffalo wings with 12 signature sauces. They also have a full menu featuring salads, appetizers, burgers, and specialty items.

    United States Franchising

    We require that our U.S. franchise candidates have a minimum of USD 750,000 in liquid assets and a net worth of USD 1.5 million. Additionally, there is a minimum commitment to develop at least 2 restaurants.

    International Franchising

    We require that our international franchise candidates have a minimum of USD 5 million in liquid assets and net worth of USD 10 million. Additionally, there is a minimum commitment to develop at least 10 restaurants.

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Buffalo Wild Wings Sports Bar franchise ranges from $2,695,100 to $4,244,300. This includes $10,000 to $55,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or an affiliate.
    If you sign an Area Development Agreement to develop multiple Buffalo Wild Wings Sports Bars, the total investment necessary to begin operation under the Area Development Agreement is $10,000 to $300,000. This includes $10,000 to $30,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or affiliate.

    #159 in Franchise 500 for 2020.



    About Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwich Shops

    James J. Liautaud established Jimmy John's in Charleston, Illinois, in 1983 when he was 19 years of age. With utilized hardware, a cooler, one meat slicer, a cooler and a stove, Jimmy John Liautaud began his business without even a posted menu or an open air sign. At the time, he offered four sandwich assortments and 25-penny sodas. In the wake of going out sandwich tests all through the school town, Liautuad included conveyance benefit, tables, open air signs, menu sheets and an extended menu. He opened a few more stores and built up a model before diversifying started in 1993. Jimmy John's franchisees prepare bread at every store each day, and each sandwich is made new to arrange in 30 seconds.

    Watching your calories?  Try our 'Unwich'  A sandwich with lettuce for a wrapping, not bread !!

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Jimmy John's Restaurant is $313,600 to $556,100 (including initial real estate lease costs).
    This includes $30,000 to $37,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or affiliate.
    If you want development rights (for a minimum of 3 Restaurants), you must pay the franchisor a development fee equal to $35,000 (the initial franchise fee for the first Restaurant), plus the $30,000 initial franchise fee due under each additional Franchise Agreement you sign when you sign the Development Rights Rider, plus a deposit of $10,000 for each additional Restaurant you agree to develop but for which you do not sign a Franchise Agreement when you sign the Development Rights Rider.

    "Entrepreneur

    #23 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #72 in Franchise 500 for 2021.