Established
1969
Franchise Units
20
Minimum Investment
$250,000
Franchise Fee
$25,000
Total Investment Range
$450,000
Home Based
No
Description
Little King Deli & Subs is a beloved American deli franchise known for its freshly baked bread, premium sliced meats, and a heritage-style menu that blends tradition with modern fast-casual convenience. For decades, the brand has remained a community favorite in every neighborhood it enters—respected for its warm atmosphere, handcrafted sandwiches, and a genuine commitment to quality ingredients.
As the fast-casual sandwich industry continues to grow across the United States, Little King Deli & Subs has positioned itself as a standout alternative to mass-produced sub chains. Its brand identity is rooted in authenticity, old-world deli craftsmanship, and consistent customer loyalty—giving franchise owners a unique opportunity to run a business with deep story appeal and proven financial potential.
Whether in suburban neighborhoods, high-traffic retail zones, or busy local business districts, Little King Deli & Subs offers a strategic footprint model designed for profitability, operational simplicity, and long-term scalability. It’s a franchise built on history, hospitality, and a product that customers genuinely crave.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
Investing in Little King Deli & Subs means aligning with a legacy brand that has stood the test of time. With growing consumer demand for better-quality fast-casual dining, this franchise captures a strong market niche—serving gourmet sandwiches made with care, not shortcuts.
Key investment advantages include:
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Longstanding brand recognition with decades of trust in multiple U.S. markets.
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A loyal multi-generational customer base that treats the brand as a neighborhood staple.
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High product quality and menu consistency, which drives repeat business and word-of-mouth referrals.
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Streamlined operations ideal for both experienced entrepreneurs and first-time business owners.
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Flexible real estate formats, from suburban storefronts to end-cap retail spaces.
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Strong unit-level economics, supported by deli-style margins and efficient labor requirements.
Background
Established Year: 1969
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Founded In: Omaha, Nebraska
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Founders: Jim and Millie King
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Franchise Active Units (Current): Approx. 20+ units across the United States
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Industry Category: Fast-Casual / Deli & Sandwich Restaurants
Little King Deli & Subs began as a humble neighborhood deli created by founders Jim and Millie King, who wanted to bring New York-style deli craftsmanship to the Midwest. Their vision centered on fresh-baked bread, premium meats sliced daily, and a menu that balanced comfort food with high-quality ingredients.
Over the decades, Little King evolved from a local gem into a regional franchise opportunity. The company expanded its ownership structure to support franchising, allowing passionate entrepreneurs to bring the Little King experience to new communities. Today, the brand maintains a strong Midwestern presence while actively inviting franchise growth across the U.S., especially in suburban and family-oriented markets where high-quality, casual dining thrives.
Its enduring legacy, combined with modern franchise systems, makes Little King Deli & Subs a compelling and reliable investment for today’s market.
Support Training
Little King Deli & Subs takes franchise support seriously, offering a structured training system designed to help owners launch confidently and operate efficiently from day one.
Pre-Launch Support
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Site selection guidance and demographic analysis
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Lease negotiation assistance
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Store layout, construction, and architectural planning
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Vendor setup, equipment lists, and procurement support
Operational Training
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Hands-on training at an operating Little King location
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Menu preparation, food handling, and daily operations management
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POS system training and inventory management
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Staff hiring, onboarding, and leadership development
Marketing Support
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Grand opening marketing strategy
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Local store marketing toolkits
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Digital marketing guidance (social, SEO, loyalty programs)
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Brand standards, creative assets, and promotional calendars
Ongoing Support
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Continuous operational coaching
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Periodic field visits and performance reviews
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Updated menu innovations, training videos, and best-practice resources
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Franchise advisory support and community growth programs
The support system is structured to help franchisees feel fully prepared—not just in the beginning, but throughout their entire ownership journey.
Ideal Candidate
Little King Deli & Subs is best suited for entrepreneurs who appreciate a community-driven business model and have a passion for delivering exceptional customer service. You do not need restaurant experience—although it helps—but you must be committed to team leadership and maintaining brand quality.
Ideal candidates include:
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Individuals with management or retail experience
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Owners/operators who want to be involved in day-to-day operations
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Multi-unit investors seeking a well-established, scalable food concept
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Entrepreneurs with strong customer service and people skills
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Investors who value a heritage brand with long-term stability
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Community-minded individuals who want to build local relationships
Preferred franchisees also possess the financial capability to support the build-out, pre-opening expenses, and initial working capital required to run a successful deli restaurant.
Financial Detail
(Note: Numbers below represent common ranges observed across U.S. deli/fast-casual franchises and may vary depending on location, size, and build-out requirements.)
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Total Investment Required: $250,000 – $450,000
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Minimum Liquid Capital: $100,000 – $150,000
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Franchise Fee: $25,000 – $35,000
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Royalty Fee: 5% of gross sales
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Marketing/Brand Fund Fee: 1% – 2% of gross sales
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Estimated Build-Out & Infrastructure Cost: $150,000 – $300,000
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Initial Marketing Budget: $10,000 – $25,000 (Grand Opening)
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Working Capital: $25,000 – $40,000
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Franchise Units Format: Standard dine-in/takeout 1,200–2,000 sq. ft
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Expected ROI: Typically 2–4 years depending on location
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Break-Even Period: 12–24 months on average
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Revenue Streams:
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Dine-in & take-out
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Catering and office lunch programs
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Party platters and specialty deli offerings
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Delivery and third-party ordering apps
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This franchise model is built for predictable operations, scalable growth, and steady long-term returns.