Established
1988
Franchise Units
7
Minimum Investment
$300,000
Franchise Fee
$39,500
Total Investment Range
$500,000
Home Based
No
Description
Jon Smith Subs has carved a unique identity in the fast-casual restaurant world by delivering something simple yet rare: subs made fresh on the grill, packed with quality ingredients, served in generous portions and prepared with genuine hospitality. Unlike the typical sandwich chain that focuses on speed over quality, Jon Smith Subs stands out with its marinated sirloin steak, whole chicken breasts, hand-cut vegetables and hot-off-the-grill flavors that feel more premium than fast food.
As consumer preferences shift toward freshly prepared meals and better quick-service dining experiences, this brand sits in the perfect category—offering convenience without sacrificing quality. For franchisees, Jon Smith Subs provides a scalable business model, growing brand reputation and a strong presence in a high-demand market segment. Whether you're seeking a hands-on owner-operator role or looking to build a multi-unit portfolio, this franchise offers the infrastructure, support and momentum to help you succeed.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
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A Differentiated Menu: Grilled-to-order meats, fresh produce and generous portions set Jon Smith Subs apart from traditional sub shops. Customers appreciate its richer flavor profile and hot, hearty meals.
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Expanding Brand with Strong Growth Potential: Originally rooted in Florida, the brand has gained nationwide attention and is poised for substantial expansion in new U.S. markets.
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Proven Franchise System: Franchisees benefit from established processes, streamlined operations and a turnkey investment approach.
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Multiple Revenue Opportunities: In addition to in-store dining, revenue streams include catering, take-out, delivery and high-traffic retail locations.
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Territory Availability: As the brand continues its national rollout, many attractive territories remain open—advantageous for early investors.
Background
Established Year: 1988
Founders / Ownership: Jon Smith Subs originated in Florida and later expanded through a major franchise development organization known for scaling food-service brands.
Franchise Active Units : 7 active U.S. units
Industry Category: Fast-casual dining / premium sub sandwich segment.
Brand Journey: Starting as a local favorite known for fresh-grilled subs and generous servings, Jon Smith Subs quickly built a loyal customer base. Over the years, its commitment to quality ingredients, hot meals and strong service values helped position it as a standout sub franchise. Today, it continues to evolve with upgraded restaurant designs, simplified operations and strong consumer demand for elevated quick-service options.
Support Training
Jon Smith Subs offers a robust support ecosystem designed to guide franchisees from day one through long-term operations:
Pre-Launch Support
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Assistance with site selection and demographic analysis
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Guidance on lease negotiation and real-estate packages
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Restaurant layout, design, equipment planning and build-out support
Comprehensive Training Program
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Classroom training covering operations, service, staffing and financial management
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In-store hands-on training in an operational Jon Smith Subs location
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On-site training during your store’s opening weeks to ensure a smooth launch
Operational Support
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Standardized operating procedures
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POS technology, supply chain coordination and ordering systems
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Menu development, kitchen workflow guidance and staffing support
Marketing Support
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Grand-opening promotional planning
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Ongoing marketing guidance, campaigns and brand-approved materials
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Local store marketing strategies to build community engagement
Franchisee Network Access
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Regular performance reviews, coaching and operational insights
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Peer networking opportunities and continuous learning sessions
Ideal Candidate
The ideal Jon Smith Subs franchisee embodies the following qualities:
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Entrepreneurial and Hands-On: You enjoy being involved in daily operations, especially during the initial launch period.
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Customer-Service Focused: Passion for delivering great food and memorable guest experiences.
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Business-Minded: Strong understanding of operations, people management and local marketing.
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Financially Prepared: Ability to meet investment requirements and maintain sufficient working capital.
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Growth-Driven: Interested in building multiple stores or owning a strong territory.
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Location-Oriented: Ability to evaluate high-traffic areas or collaborate with the brand’s real-estate team to secure optimal sites.
Financial Detail
| Financial Category | Amount / Requirement |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $39,500 |
| Total Investment Range | $300,000 – $500,000+ |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | $150,000 |
| Net Worth Requirement | $250,000+ |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of gross sales |
| Marketing/Ad Fund Fee | 3% of gross sales |
| Working Capital Needed | Included within total investment |
| Store Size / Build-Out Cost | Varies by location & market |
| Expected Break-Even | Varies by location & operations |
| Revenue Streams | Dine-in, take-out, delivery, catering |