1982
36
$100,000
$25,000
$338,700
No
Big Town Hero is a distinguished sandwich franchise that has been delighting customers with its handcrafted, fresh-baked bread and gourmet sandwiches since 1982. Originating in Corvallis, Oregon, the brand has expanded to nearly 40 locations across the United States, offering a unique café-style dining experience. With a commitment to quality ingredients and exceptional customer service, Big Town Hero stands out in the fast-casual dining sector, providing franchisees with a proven business model and a loyal customer base.
Proven Business Model: Big Town Hero's emphasis on fresh, handcrafted bread and gourmet sandwiches has garnered a dedicated following, ensuring a steady stream of customers.
Semi-Absentee Ownership: The franchise offers a semi-absentee ownership model, allowing investors to manage the business while maintaining other commitments.
Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive extensive training and ongoing support, including site selection assistance, lease negotiation, and marketing strategies.
Veteran Incentives: Big Town Hero offers a $10,000 discount on the franchise fee for veterans, making it an attractive option for those with military backgrounds.
Established Year: 1982
Franchise Units: Approximately 36 locations across the United States
Founders: The brand was founded by a college student in Corvallis, Oregon, with the original name "Campus Hero," later rebranded to "Big Town Hero" as it expanded beyond college towns.
Ownership: Operated by Hero Systems, Inc., based in Portland, Oregon.
Market Presence: Big Town Hero has a strong presence in the Pacific Northwest and is expanding into new markets across the U.S.
Industry Category: Fast-Casual Dining – Sandwiches, Subs, Soups, and Salads
Big Town Hero offers a comprehensive support system designed to help franchisees succeed from day one and throughout the life of the business. This support covers pre-launch, operational, marketing, academic, and ongoing assistance:
Before opening your store, Big Town Hero ensures you have the tools and guidance needed to start strong:
Site Selection & Lease Negotiation: Guidance on choosing the best location for your market, including foot traffic analysis and competitive landscape. The team also helps negotiate lease agreements to secure favorable terms.
Store Design & Construction Support: Assistance with store layout, interior design, and build-out, ensuring consistency with the brand’s standards.
Operational Planning: Help in creating opening plans, staffing schedules, and inventory orders to make your launch smooth.
Supplier Coordination: Assistance in connecting with approved suppliers to ensure quality ingredients and operational consistency.
Big Town Hero offers hands-on, comprehensive training for franchise owners and staff:
Initial Training (3 Weeks): Conducted at the corporate headquarters in Portland, Oregon. Covers:
Daily operations
Food preparation and recipes
Customer service best practices
Inventory management
Health, safety, and sanitation compliance
Staff Training Tools: Access to manuals, instructional videos, and onboarding procedures to train your employees efficiently.
Even after opening, Big Town Hero remains actively involved:
Field Support: Corporate representatives visit your location to provide operational guidance, review performance metrics, and suggest improvements.
Performance Monitoring: Ongoing tracking of sales, inventory, and customer feedback to help optimize your business.
Problem-Solving Assistance: Support with day-to-day challenges such as staffing, vendor issues, or operational hurdles.
To help attract and retain customers, Big Town Hero provides:
National Marketing Initiatives: Campaigns run at the corporate level, including seasonal promotions and brand awareness campaigns.
Local Store Marketing: Guidance and resources to promote your location, including social media, email campaigns, and local events.
Cooperative Advertising Funds: Access to pooled funds to offset advertising costs.
Franchisees benefit from continuous learning opportunities:
Workshops & Webinars: Regular sessions to improve management, marketing, and operational skills.
Updates & Innovation: Corporate shares best practices, new menu items, and technology updates to keep your store competitive.
Peer Network: Access to a community of other franchisees for shared knowledge and advice.
Big Town Hero looks for franchisees who are not just investors but passionate entrepreneurs committed to building a successful fast-casual restaurant business. The ideal candidate possesses a combination of business acumen, customer focus, and operational dedication.
The franchise is best suited for individuals who have a strong desire to own and operate their own business.
They should be motivated by long-term growth and willing to commit the time and effort needed to manage a restaurant successfully.
A proactive, problem-solving mindset is essential for navigating the challenges of a fast-paced food service environment.
Big Town Hero values franchisees who are passionate about customer service.
Ideal candidates understand the importance of creating a welcoming dining experience, maintaining high-quality food standards, and engaging with the local community.
They are committed to building loyal customer relationships that drive repeat business.
Franchisees must meet the financial requirements set by Big Town Hero:
Minimum net worth: $100,000
Liquid capital: $25,000 or more
This ensures that franchisees have the resources to cover startup costs, working capital, and operational expenses while building a successful business.
The ideal franchisee is willing to be actively involved in day-to-day operations, although Big Town Hero does offer a semi-absentee ownership model for those who wish to manage more remotely.
Hands-on involvement ensures quality control, staff training, and customer satisfaction are consistently maintained.
While previous experience in the restaurant or hospitality industry is helpful, it is not strictly required.
Individuals with a strong business background, management experience, or prior entrepreneurial ventures will have an advantage in running a profitable location.
Franchisees who are interested in underserved or growing markets are ideal candidates.
The goal is to expand the brand’s presence in areas with high customer demand and potential for long-term profitability.
High integrity and reliability
Strong leadership and team-building skills
Passion for food and community engagement
Willingness to follow proven systems while also being adaptable to local market needs
| Financial Item | Amount / Details |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 (Veteran Discount: $10,000) |
| Total Investment Required | $152,950 – $338,700 |
| Minimum Net Worth | $100,000 |
| Liquid Capital Requirement | $25,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of gross monthly sales |
| Marketing / Advertising Fee | 2% of gross monthly sales |
| Working Capital | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Cost | $100,000 – $250,000 (depending on location size and lease conditions) |
| Equipment & Fixtures | $25,000 – $40,000 |
| Inventory at Launch | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| Training Costs | Included in franchise fee |
| Break-Even Time | Typically 6 months – 2+ years (varies by location & management) |
| Potential Revenue Streams | In-store sales, catering, local promotions, seasonal menus |
| Expected ROI | Varies by location; profitable stores typically see positive cash flow within 12–24 months |
