Established
1983
Franchise Units
60
Minimum Investment
$300,000
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Total Investment Range
$750,000
Home Based
No
Description
Lee’s Sandwiches has grown from a humble family bakery into one of America’s most celebrated Vietnamese-American fast-casual brands. Known for its signature bánh mì sandwiches, fresh-baked baguettes, premium deli selections, Vietnamese iced coffee, and modern multicultural menu, the brand occupies a rare position in the market—authentic yet universally appealing, fast-casual yet artisan-driven, and community-rooted yet built for scalable growth.
For more than four decades, Lee’s Sandwiches has shaped the way Americans discover and enjoy Southeast Asian flavors. With a menu that blends tradition and modern tastes, stores attract a wide demographic—students, working professionals, families, and food enthusiasts looking for fresh, flavorful meals at an affordable price point. Today, Lee’s Sandwiches is recognized not only for its menu variety but also for its strong brand personality, streamlined operations, and loyal customer base.
As demand rises for culturally diverse dining experiences and fast-casual concepts with healthier, fresher choices, Lee’s Sandwiches stands out as a franchise opportunity with long-term staying power.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Lee’s Sandwiches offers a franchise model built on consistency, operational simplicity, strong brand equity, and a proven track record. Its menu spans breakfast, lunch, beverages, bakery items, and grab-and-go convenience options—creating multiple revenue streams under one roof. The brand also benefits from:
• A massive cultural and mainstream following
With widespread popularity across Asian-American communities and the broader U.S. population, the concept enjoys built-in brand affinity in many markets.
• A competitive edge with fresh-baked bread
Daily in-house baking creates product quality that is difficult for competitors to match, while driving customer loyalty.
• Multi-format store options
From full café models to bakery-combined units, franchisees have flexibility in selecting a configuration that aligns with their market and investment level.
• Strong operational systems
After decades of refinement, the brand has established an efficient, replicable process for staffing, food prep, quality control, and customer service.
Background
Established Year: 1983
Founders: The Le family (original founders of the Lee’s brand)
Franchise Active Units (Current Number): Approximately 60+ locations across the USA
Industry Category: Fast-Casual | Bakery Café | Global & Ethnic Cuisine
Headquarters: California, USA
Lee’s Sandwiches began as a small family-run operation serving traditional Vietnamese bánh mì and fresh pastries. As demand grew, the family expanded the menu to include European-style sandwiches, coffees, and bakery items—creating a unique East-meets-West dining experience.
Over the years, the brand expanded throughout California, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, and other states with significant growth potential. Lee’s Sandwiches is widely regarded as the largest Vietnamese-American fast-casual chain in the country, with a strong reputation for quality, consistency, community connection, and cultural impact.
The brand continues to evolve with modern store designs, digital ordering, beverage innovations, and expanded bakery platforms—making it highly adaptable to today’s customer expectations.
Support Training
Lee’s Sandwiches delivers a full suite of franchise support resources designed to help new owners launch successfully and scale confidently:
Pre-Launch Support
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Assistance with site selection, demographic analysis, and territory evaluation
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Store layout and architectural guidelines
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Vendor coordination for equipment, signage, and in-store technology
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Guidance on obtaining permits and construction timelines
Initial Training Program
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Hands-on training at an existing Lee’s Sandwiches location
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Curriculum covering food preparation, bread baking routines, beverage operations, safety procedures, customer service, and inventory management
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Leadership development for franchise owners and managers
Operational Support
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Standardized recipes and product specs
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Inventory systems and supply chain coordination
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POS training, workflow optimization, and daily operational processes
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Quality assurance programs and periodic audits
Marketing Support
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Brand guidelines and marketing assets for local and regional campaigns
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Social media support, digital promotions, and seasonal menu marketing
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Grand opening strategy, PR support, and advertising templates
Ongoing Support
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Dedicated franchise consultant
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New product rollouts, limited-time offers, and menu updates
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Continued training for staff and managers
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Regular performance reviews to ensure operational excellence
Ideal Candidate
Lee’s Sandwiches is best suited for entrepreneurs who value quality, community presence, and hands-on engagement. Ideal candidates include:
• Multi-unit operators in fast-casual or QSR seeking a high-growth, culturally driven concept.
• First-time entrepreneurs with strong leadership skills and a passion for food service.
• Investors targeting diverse, high-traffic urban and suburban markets.
• Owners who appreciate operational structure but are comfortable leading a team-driven environment.
Preferred qualities:
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Understanding of restaurant operations or hospitality
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Willingness to maintain brand standards and quality control
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Financial capability to support build-out, staffing, and initial marketing
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Desire to be involved in community engagement and brand representation
Locations are ideal in high-visibility areas such as shopping centers, urban corridors, college districts, and culturally diverse communities.
Financial Detail
| Category | Amount / Range |
|---|---|
| Total Investment | $300,000 – $750,000 |
| Minimum Investment | Approx. $300,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $35,000 – $40,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% – 6% of gross sales |
| Marketing Fund | 1% – 2% of gross sales |
| Initial Marketing (Launch) | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Build-Out & Equipment | $210,000 – $600,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| Working Capital | $25,000 – $75,000 |
| Expected ROI | 24–36 months |
| Break-Even | 12–18 months |