Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwich Shops vs Jon Smith Subs Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwich Shops Franchise
Jon Smith Subs Franchise
Investment $313,600 - $556,100$309,500 - $887,760
Franchise Fee $35,000$39,500
Royalty Fee 6%6%
Advertising Fee 4.5%3%
Year Founded 19831988
Year Franchised 19932007
Term Of Agreement 10 years20 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years20 years
Renewal Fee $2.5K$1K


Business Experience Requirements
 
Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwich Shops Franchise
Jon Smith Subs Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwich Shops 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/Yes-/Yes
    Receivables No/No-/Yes
    Payroll No/No-/Yes

    Training & Support
     
    Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwich Shops Franchise
    Jon Smith Subs Franchise
    Training - On-The-Job Training: 80 hours Classroom Training: 80 hours Additional Training: At existing store
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluationsPurchasing 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 slicks, Regional advertisingCo-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
     
    Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwich Shops Franchise
    Jon Smith Subs Franchise
    US Expansion -Yes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion NoYes

    Company Overviews

    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.




    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