Established
1953
Franchise Units
14
Minimum Investment
$175,000
Franchise Fee
$25,000
Total Investment Range
$350,000
Home Based
No
Description
Lee’s Hoagie House is more than a neighborhood sandwich shop—it’s a beloved East Coast institution that has been serving handcrafted hoagies, cheesesteaks, wings, and fresh deli classics for decades. Known for its generous portions, signature rolls, and scratch-made recipes, the brand has built a loyal following across generations. Today, Lee’s Hoagie House is expanding through franchising, giving entrepreneurs the opportunity to bring an iconic Philadelphia-born concept to communities across the United States.
With rising consumer demand for high-quality sandwiches, quick-service dining, and authentic regional flavors, Lee’s Hoagie House sits in a strong competitive position. Its menu appeals to a broad demographic—from families and students to office workers and foodies—offering a combination of comfort, convenience, and freshness that continues to win repeat business. As a franchise opportunity, the brand blends deep-rooted heritage with modern operational systems, making it both marketable and scalable in today’s fast-casual landscape.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Investing in Lee’s Hoagie House means joining a respected brand with decades of proven performance and a powerful identity built around quality and tradition.
Franchisees benefit from:
• A well-established brand with strong name recognition, particularly on the East Coast
• A simple, efficient, and scalable menu that works in dine-in, takeout, and delivery models
• High customer loyalty from communities that appreciate authentic hoagies and classic comfort foods
• Operational systems refined over decades, making it easier for new franchisees to start strong
• Multiple revenue streams, including catering, third-party delivery, and large-party orders
• A recession-resistant food category, as sandwiches and hoagies remain staple, affordable meals
Background
Established Year: 1953
Founders: The original Lee’s Hoagie House was founded in the early 1950s by a local Philadelphia entrepreneur passionate about fresh hoagies and hearty sandwiches.
Franchise Units: 14
Industry Category: Fast Casual / Sandwich & Sub Franchises
Headquarters: Traditionally associated with the Greater Philadelphia region
Brand Journey & Market Presence
From its humble beginnings as a neighborhood hoagie shop serving local families, Lee’s Hoagie House quickly grew a reputation for quality, consistency, and authentic Philly flavors. Over the decades, the brand expanded to new communities, eventually franchising to meet demand from fans who wanted to bring the concept to their own markets.
The brand remains focused on traditional hoagie craftsmanship—freshly baked rolls, premium meats and cheeses, signature house dressings—while embracing modern expectations such as digital ordering, catering services, and optimized kitchen layouts. Today, Lee’s Hoagie House continues to evolve while staying true to the recipes and values that made it a hometown favorite.
Support Training
Lee’s Hoagie House offers a comprehensive franchise support system designed to ensure long-term success, even for first-time business owners.
Pre-Launch Support
• Assistance with site selection, lease negotiations, and demographic analysis
• Store design and layout guidance for efficient kitchen operations and customer flow
• Vendor onboarding and equipment procurement support
• Pre-opening marketing planning to generate buzz before launch
Initial Training
• Hands-on operational training covering food prep, staff management, safety, and service standards
• POS system training and technology onboarding
• In-depth instruction on Lee’s recipes, culinary procedures, and flavor standards
Operational Support
• Ongoing field support visits and operational audits
• Menu development, product updates, and cost-control best practices
• Access to a network of preferred suppliers to maintain consistent quality
Marketing Support
• Branding guidelines, promotional calendars, and advertising materials
• Digital marketing assistance, including social media, local SEO, and online ordering tools
• Launch campaigns to drive strong early sales and community awareness
Continuous Development
• Access to franchisee conferences
• Coaching on hiring, training, and staff retention
• Regular updates on food trends and operational innovations
Ideal Candidate
Lee’s Hoagie House is an excellent fit for entrepreneurs who value tradition, strong community connection, and hands-on leadership. Ideal franchise partners include:
• Individuals with hospitality, retail, or operations experience
• Owners who enjoy being active in their business and building customer relationships
• Investors passionate about quality food, local culture, and brand heritage
• Multi-unit candidates seeking a scalable, proven sandwich concept
• Entrepreneurs with strong team management skills and a people-first mindset
• Candidates able to meet the required investment, typically suited for high-traffic urban, suburban, college-town, or office-district locations
Financial Detail
| Category | Amount / Range |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Range | $175,000 – $350,000+ |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Required | $150,000 – $200,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 – $40,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% – 6% of Gross Sales |
| Marketing / Brand Fund Fee | 1% – 3% of Gross Sales |
| Build-Out & Leasehold Improvements | $50,000 – $120,000 |
| Equipment & Kitchen Setup | $40,000 – $90,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures & Signage | $10,000 – $35,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Technology & POS Systems | $3,000 – $8,000 |
| Pre-Opening Marketing | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Working Capital (First 3–6 Months) | $15,000 – $40,000 |
| Estimated Active Franchise Units | 14–17 units (estimated) |
| Break-Even Timeline | 12 – 24 months |
| Potential ROI | Varies by location, sales volume & operations |
| Revenue Streams | Dine-in, Takeout, Delivery, Catering, Seasonal Specials |