Established
1982
Franchise Units
36
Minimum Investment
$100,000
Franchise Fee
$25,000
Total Investment Range
$338,700
Home Based
No
Description
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.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
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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.
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Semi-Absentee Ownership: The franchise offers a semi-absentee ownership model, allowing investors to manage the business while maintaining other commitments.
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Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive extensive training and ongoing support, including site selection assistance, lease negotiation, and marketing strategies.
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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.
Background
Established Year: 1982
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Franchise Units: Approximately 36 locations across the United States
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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.
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Ownership: Operated by Hero Systems, Inc., based in Portland, Oregon.
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Market Presence: Big Town Hero has a strong presence in the Pacific Northwest and is expanding into new markets across the U.S.
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Industry Category: Fast-Casual Dining – Sandwiches, Subs, Soups, and Salads
Support Training
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:
1. Pre-Launch Support
Before opening your store, Big Town Hero ensures you have the tools and guidance needed to start strong:
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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.
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Store Design & Construction Support: Assistance with store layout, interior design, and build-out, ensuring consistency with the brand’s standards.
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Operational Planning: Help in creating opening plans, staffing schedules, and inventory orders to make your launch smooth.
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Supplier Coordination: Assistance in connecting with approved suppliers to ensure quality ingredients and operational consistency.
2. Training Program
Big Town Hero offers hands-on, comprehensive training for franchise owners and staff:
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Initial Training (3 Weeks): Conducted at the corporate headquarters in Portland, Oregon. Covers:
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Daily operations
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Food preparation and recipes
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Customer service best practices
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Inventory management
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Health, safety, and sanitation compliance
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Staff Training Tools: Access to manuals, instructional videos, and onboarding procedures to train your employees efficiently.
3. Operational Support
Even after opening, Big Town Hero remains actively involved:
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Field Support: Corporate representatives visit your location to provide operational guidance, review performance metrics, and suggest improvements.
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Performance Monitoring: Ongoing tracking of sales, inventory, and customer feedback to help optimize your business.
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Problem-Solving Assistance: Support with day-to-day challenges such as staffing, vendor issues, or operational hurdles.
4. Marketing Support
To help attract and retain customers, Big Town Hero provides:
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National Marketing Initiatives: Campaigns run at the corporate level, including seasonal promotions and brand awareness campaigns.
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Local Store Marketing: Guidance and resources to promote your location, including social media, email campaigns, and local events.
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Cooperative Advertising Funds: Access to pooled funds to offset advertising costs.
5. Academic & Ongoing Support
Franchisees benefit from continuous learning opportunities:
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Workshops & Webinars: Regular sessions to improve management, marketing, and operational skills.
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Updates & Innovation: Corporate shares best practices, new menu items, and technology updates to keep your store competitive.
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Peer Network: Access to a community of other franchisees for shared knowledge and advice.
Ideal Candidate
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.
1. Entrepreneurial Spirit
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The franchise is best suited for individuals who have a strong desire to own and operate their own business.
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They should be motivated by long-term growth and willing to commit the time and effort needed to manage a restaurant successfully.
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A proactive, problem-solving mindset is essential for navigating the challenges of a fast-paced food service environment.
2. Customer-Focused Mindset
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Big Town Hero values franchisees who are passionate about customer service.
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Ideal candidates understand the importance of creating a welcoming dining experience, maintaining high-quality food standards, and engaging with the local community.
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They are committed to building loyal customer relationships that drive repeat business.
3. Financial Capability
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Franchisees must meet the financial requirements set by Big Town Hero:
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Minimum net worth: $100,000
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Liquid capital: $25,000 or more
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This ensures that franchisees have the resources to cover startup costs, working capital, and operational expenses while building a successful business.
4. Operational Commitment
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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.
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Hands-on involvement ensures quality control, staff training, and customer satisfaction are consistently maintained.
5. Experience & Background
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While previous experience in the restaurant or hospitality industry is helpful, it is not strictly required.
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Individuals with a strong business background, management experience, or prior entrepreneurial ventures will have an advantage in running a profitable location.
6. Location Preference
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Franchisees who are interested in underserved or growing markets are ideal candidates.
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The goal is to expand the brand’s presence in areas with high customer demand and potential for long-term profitability.
7. Personality Traits
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High integrity and reliability
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Strong leadership and team-building skills
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Passion for food and community engagement
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Willingness to follow proven systems while also being adaptable to local market needs
Financial Detail
| 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 |
