1994
20
$300,000
$30,000
$600,000
No
Heidi’s Brooklyn Deli is one of America’s most recognized and beloved New York–style deli concepts, serving freshly made sandwiches, soups, salads, and baked goods in a warm and friendly neighborhood setting. Known for its homemade breads, high-quality meats, and genuine East Coast deli experience, Heidi’s Brooklyn Deli has successfully built a loyal customer base across the United States. The brand offers an opportunity for franchisees to own a piece of New York’s deli culture — without the chaos of the big city — in their own local market.
Every Heidi’s location captures the authentic charm of a Brooklyn neighborhood deli — from the aroma of freshly baked bread to the handcrafted sandwiches made to order. Customers can choose from an extensive menu of hot and cold sandwiches, wraps, smoothies, desserts, and soups made daily from scratch. The brand’s focus on freshness, quality ingredients, and warm hospitality has made it a standout in the fast-casual restaurant industry.
For entrepreneurs seeking a proven, scalable, and community-friendly food franchise, Heidi’s Brooklyn Deli offers a perfect blend of strong brand recognition, operational support, and growth potential.
Investing in a Heidi’s Brooklyn Deli franchise means joining a brand that has been delighting customers for decades while continually adapting to modern dining trends. The deli category has remained a strong performer in the fast-casual space, especially as consumers increasingly demand wholesome, freshly prepared food rather than heavily processed options.
Heidi’s Brooklyn Deli stands out for its authentic recipes, warm neighborhood appeal, and dedication to quality. The business model has been refined for simplicity and profitability — minimizing waste, controlling labor costs, and providing flexibility for franchise owners. The brand also provides multi-revenue potential through dine-in, takeout, catering, and delivery.
Top reasons to invest include:
Established national brand with a loyal following
Strong margins through scratch-made recipes and efficient operations
Comprehensive franchise support in marketing, operations, and management
Proven business model with decades of successful performance
Opportunity to bring an authentic New York deli experience to your own city
Heidi’s Brooklyn Deli was founded in 1994 by Steve and Heidi Hexom in Denver, Colorado. What began as a small bagel shop in a cozy neighborhood quickly evolved into a full-service deli known for its generous portions, artisan breads, and vibrant East Coast flavors. By listening to its customers and maintaining a focus on authenticity, the brand grew steadily through word of mouth and community engagement.
In the early 2000s, Heidi’s Brooklyn Deli expanded into franchising, allowing other entrepreneurs to bring the brand’s distinctive menu and Brooklyn vibe to new markets across the U.S. Today, Heidi’s operates multiple locations nationwide and continues to grow, particularly in suburban and mid-sized markets where consumers crave high-quality, freshly prepared food.
The brand has successfully positioned itself within the fast-casual restaurant and deli industry, offering franchisees the credibility of a time-tested concept with the flexibility to adapt to local tastes and trends.
Industry Category: Fast-Casual Restaurant / Sandwich & Deli Franchise
Headquarters: Denver, Colorado, USA
Established Year: 1994
Franchise Units: Over 20+ locations across multiple U.S. states
Heidi’s Brooklyn Deli takes pride in providing a full suite of franchise support services that empower franchisees to operate efficiently and confidently from day one.
Pre-Launch Support:
Site Selection Assistance: The corporate team helps identify high-traffic, demographically suitable locations.
Lease Negotiation Guidance: Expert advisors assist in securing favorable lease terms.
Design & Build-Out: Complete layout and construction guidance to ensure brand consistency and optimized workflow.
Equipment & Vendor Setup: Approved suppliers and technology systems are prearranged for smooth operations.
Comprehensive Training:
Franchisees receive an extensive training program that covers every aspect of deli operations.
Initial Training Program: Conducted at company headquarters and an operational location, covering menu preparation, inventory control, POS systems, and customer service.
On-Site Training: Corporate trainers assist during the grand opening to ensure a seamless launch.
Staff Training Support: Tools and materials provided to train employees in food safety, service standards, and brand culture.
Ongoing Support:
Marketing Support: National and local marketing campaigns, digital presence management, and promotional materials.
Operational Support: Continuous consulting and guidance through regional managers and corporate advisors.
Technology & Systems: Updated POS systems, supply chain management software, and analytics for performance tracking.
Menu Innovation: Regular introduction of seasonal or trending items to keep customers engaged.
Heidi’s Brooklyn Deli believes that its franchisees’ success directly impacts the brand’s success — which is why the company remains dedicated to consistent, hands-on support throughout the franchise journey.
Heidi’s Brooklyn Deli seeks franchise partners who are not only motivated by financial returns but also passionate about serving great food and connecting with their community. The brand looks for individuals who can embody the spirit of Brooklyn hospitality while managing a structured, efficient operation.
Ideal franchise candidates include:
Entrepreneurs or professionals seeking a community-oriented business model
Restaurant or foodservice managers ready to take the next step as owners
Multi-unit investors seeking to diversify with a recognizable, proven brand
Family-run business owners seeking stability and a strong local customer base
Preferred Characteristics:
Passion for food, hospitality, and customer satisfaction
Strong leadership, people management, and organizational skills
Willingness to follow proven systems and uphold brand standards
Financial capacity to invest in setup and growth
Desire to actively participate in daily operations or oversee a trained management team
Preferred Locations:
Heidi’s Brooklyn Deli thrives in high-traffic retail centers, urban and suburban areas, and mixed-use developments with strong residential density. Target markets include mid-sized American cities and suburban communities where quality deli food options are limited.
Heidi’s Brooklyn Deli offers a straightforward investment model that allows entrepreneurs to enter the fast-casual restaurant industry with confidence.
Estimated Total Investment: $300,000 – $600,000
Minimum Liquid Capital Required: $100,000 – $150,000
Franchise Fee: Approximately $30,000 – $40,000 per location
Royalty Fee: 6% of gross sales
Marketing Fee: 2% of gross sales (national & local marketing fund)
Franchise Units (Current): 20+ and expanding nationwide
Breakdown of Investment Costs:
Franchise Fee: $30,000 – $40,000
Leasehold Improvements: $150,000 – $250,000
Equipment & Fixtures: $75,000 – $125,000
Initial Inventory: $10,000 – $20,000
Marketing & Grand Opening: $10,000 – $25,000
Working Capital: $25,000 – $50,000
Expected ROI & Financial Outlook:
Franchisees typically achieve profitability within 18 to 36 months, depending on location, management efficiency, and market size. With strong food cost control and consistent customer traffic, Heidi’s Brooklyn Deli franchises are positioned to achieve a healthy return on investment.
Potential Revenue Streams:
Dine-in and takeout service
Online orders and third-party delivery
Catering for corporate and private events
Branded merchandise and bakery items
