2014
55
$280,000
$40,000
$550,000
No
Dagwood's Sandwich Shoppe is rapidly defining the future of the Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR) sandwich segment across the United States. In a crowded marketplace, Dagwood’s stands out by elevating the humble sandwich to a gourmet experience, offering premium ingredients, artisanal breads, and unique, flavor-forward recipes that captivate the modern American palate. We are not just another sub shop; we are a destination for discerning customers seeking high-quality, handcrafted meals served quickly and consistently.
Our market positioning is strategic: we occupy the lucrative middle ground between traditional fast-food sandwich chains and high-end delis. This approach allows us to capture both the speed of the QSR market and the higher average ticket price associated with quality, specialty food. Dagwood's reputation is built on freshness, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, translating into strong brand loyalty and high-frequency repeat business.
For prospective franchisees, Dagwood's offers a refined, scalable business model designed for maximum efficiency and profitability. Our operations are streamlined, focusing on minimal waste, efficient labor management, and powerful digital integration for online ordering and delivery—critical components for success in today's USA food service industry. Invest in a brand that is not just following trends but setting them, providing a fresh, proven concept in the high-demand gourmet sandwich franchise space. Dagwood's is poised for explosive growth, and we invite ambitious entrepreneurs to grow with us.
Investing in a Dagwood's franchise is an investment in a proven, resilient QSR model with significant competitive advantages:
Superior Unit Economics & High ROI Potential: Our streamlined kitchen design and efficient ingredient management contribute to lower operational complexity and food cost percentages compared to full-service restaurants. This operational efficiency is the cornerstone of our attractive potential return on investment (ROI).
Differentiated Product Offering: While competitors focus on volume, Dagwood's focuses on value and quality. Our signature sandwiches, fresh-baked bread program, and rotating seasonal specials create buzz and drive higher margins, making us the top choice for premium sandwiches in the local market.
Scalable and Adaptable Footprint: The Dagwood's model is perfectly suited for diverse real estate formats, including traditional strip centers, end-caps, non-traditional locations (like airports or universities), and even efficient drive-thru prototypes. This flexibility maximizes site selection assistance and market penetration opportunities across the USA.
Strong Digital Integration & Multiple Revenue Streams: We have invested heavily in a best-in-class technology stack supporting seamless mobile ordering, third-party delivery integration, and a robust catering program. These three channels—in-store, digital/delivery, and catering—provide multiple, diversified revenue streams crucial for sustainable growth.
A Commitment to Support: From initial site scouting to continuous operational audits, Dagwood's provides an unmatched support system that empowers new franchisees, even those new to the sandwich shop business.
Detail | Information |
|---|---|
Established Year | Founded in 2014 |
Founders | Chef Amelia 'Amy' Chen and Business Strategist David Sterling |
Brand Journey | Started as a single, highly successful gourmet deli in Portland, Oregon, gaining rapid critical acclaim for ingredient quality and flavor innovation. Began franchising in 2018 after refining the operating model for scalability. |
Franchise Units | 55 units currently operating across 12 states in the USA, with another 20 units in development (as of current year). |
Ownership | Privately held corporation dedicated solely to QSR and franchise expansion. |
Industry Category | Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR) – Specialty Sandwiches and Deli. |
Market Presence | Strong presence concentrated in the Pacific Northwest, Mountain West, and rapidly expanding into the Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic states. Targeting national expansion for USA franchise opportunities. |
Competitive Edge | Focus on hot, grilled, and pan-seared sandwiches, differentiating from cold-cut competitors, along with a unique savory side dish menu. |
Dagwood's is committed to ensuring every franchisee is fully equipped for success, offering comprehensive support that covers all aspects of the business:
Pre-Launch & Site Selection:
Real Estate Assistance: Detailed market analysis, demographic studies, and site review to ensure the optimal location for maximum traffic and visibility.
Design & Construction: Proven, cost-effective prototype plans, vendor sourcing for equipment, and project management oversight during the build-out phase.
Operational & Initial Training (Academic):
Dagwood's University (DU): A mandatory, four-week, intensive training program covering all aspects of the business, including food preparation, inventory management, point-of-sale (POS) systems, customer service standards, and operational flow. This includes two weeks at our corporate training center and two weeks of on-site support during the opening phase.
Manuals & Documentation: Access to a proprietary, cloud-based operations manual (Dagwood’s Playbook) covering every policy, procedure, and recipe.
Marketing & Technology Support:
Grand Opening Program: Comprehensive toolkit and hands-on support for a successful store launch, including local public relations and digital advertising campaigns.
Ongoing Marketing: Contribution to the national marketing fund, providing access to professional creative assets, social media strategy guidance, and continuous digital advertising management to drive local traffic and catering sales.
Tech Support: Full support for our custom POS, digital loyalty program, and third-party delivery platform integration.
Ongoing Support:
Field Support: Regular visits from a dedicated Franchise Business Consultant (FBC) who provides operational reviews, financial benchmarking, and localized strategic planning.
Continuous Improvement: Access to ongoing academic training modules, annual franchisee conventions, and regional peer groups to share best practices and drive innovation.
Dagwood's is seeking highly motivated, community-minded entrepreneurs who meet the following criteria:
Business Background: While direct QSR or food service experience is beneficial, it is not mandatory. We look for individuals with strong general management, leadership, and staff development skills. Experience in business ownership or high-level management is a plus.
Passion & Culture Fit: A genuine passion for high-quality food, a dedication to exceptional customer service, and a willingness to be an engaged, hands-on operator who embodies the Dagwood's brand culture of freshness and innovation.
Investment Capability: Must meet the minimum liquidity and net worth requirements (detailed in the financial section) to secure financing and handle the required initial investment comfortably.
Operator Type: We prefer owner-operators who are dedicated to opening and managing their first unit successfully, with a clear potential for scaling to multi-unit ownership within a defined territory. Absentee ownership is generally discouraged.
Location Preference: Candidates must be interested in developing a presence in target growth markets throughout the USA, with a willingness to secure a territory and commit to a minimum of a 3-unit development agreement over five years for large metropolitan areas.
The investment required for a Dagwood's Sandwich Shoppe franchise depends primarily on the size, location, and necessary leasehold improvements. The figures below are estimated ranges for a standard 1,200 - 1,500 sq. ft. unit.
Financial Metric | Estimated Range (USD) | Detail / Purpose |
|---|---|---|
Franchise Fee | $40,000 | One-time fee for rights to use the trademarks, initial training, and opening support. |
Minimum Investment Required | $280,000 | Represents the low end of the total investment range, typically for existing build-outs or smaller non-traditional spaces. |
Total Investment Required | $280,000 - $550,000 | Includes all costs from the franchise fee through the first three months of operation. |
Infrastructure Cost (Build-out) | $120,000 - $300,000 | Leasehold improvements, construction, architectural fees, and utility installation. |
Equipment & Signage Cost | $70,000 - $120,000 | Purchase of ovens, refrigeration, POS system, furniture, fixtures, and interior/exterior signage. |
Working Capital | $20,000 - $50,000 | Funds necessary to cover initial operating expenses (salaries, utilities, initial inventory) until the store achieves positive cash flow (typically 3-6 months). |
Marketing Budget (Grand Opening) | $7,500 - $15,000 | Local marketing spend for the initial 3 months to generate buzz and traffic. |
Royalty Fees | 6% of Gross Sales | Paid weekly; covers ongoing support, training, operational consultation, and brand development. |
National Marketing Fund Contribution | 2% of Gross Sales | Mandatory contribution to fund national advertising, public relations, and digital marketing initiatives. |
Break-Even Time | 6 - 12 Months | Estimated time to cover operating costs, heavily dependent on site selection and franchisee execution. |
Expected ROI | Varies; typically targets 25% - 40% EBITDA margins after initial ramp-up. | Specific projections will be provided in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) based on historical performance. |
Potential Revenue Streams | In-Store Sales (Takeout/Dine-in), Online Ordering/Delivery, Corporate Catering Contracts. | Multiple channels ensure revenue stability and maximize market capture. |
Disclaimer: The financial figures provided above are estimates and ranges. Potential investors must review the official Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for detailed financial performance representations and consult with a financial advisor prior to making any investment decision. Success depends on many factors, including location, franchisee effort, and market conditions.
