Established
1975
Franchise Units
60
Minimum Investment
$250,000
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Total Investment Range
$450,000
Home Based
No
Description
The Mr. Pickle's Sandwich Shop franchise represents a well-established, community-focused sandwich and deli brand with deep roots in the U.S. quick-service restaurant (QSR) sector. Known for its oversized, flavor-packed sandwiches, premium meats, fresh bread, and nostalgic neighborhood deli feel, Mr. Pickle’s has built a loyal following across multiple states by delivering consistency, value, and unmistakable taste.
Unlike many fast-casual concepts chasing trends, Mr. Pickle’s has stayed true to its original promise—generous portions, fresh preparation, and friendly service—while steadily modernizing its operations, menu offerings, and franchise systems. The brand occupies a strong middle ground between traditional delis and fast-casual sandwich chains, making it highly appealing to customers seeking quality meals without premium pricing.
For franchise investors, Mr. Pickle’s offers a proven business model with a recognizable brand identity, streamlined operations, and scalable growth potential across suburban, urban, and college-driven markets in the United States. The concept thrives on repeat customers, catering orders, and strong lunchtime traffic, creating multiple revenue streams within a compact footprint.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Investing in a Mr. Pickle’s Sandwich Shop franchise offers a compelling combination of brand legacy, operational simplicity, and strong consumer demand.
Key reasons investors choose Mr. Pickle’s include:
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Established Brand Recognition: Decades of operating history with a loyal customer base
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Proven Menu Appeal: Hearty sandwiches, deli classics, salads, and catering options
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Efficient Operations: Simple kitchen layout, limited cooking equipment, and fast prep times
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Multiple Revenue Streams: Dine-in, takeout, online ordering, delivery, and catering
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Scalable Growth Model: Suitable for single-unit owners and multi-unit operators
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Strong Unit Economics: Focus on food quality, portion value, and repeat traffic
Background
The Mr. Pickle's Sandwich Shop is a well-established American sandwich and deli brand with a long-standing reputation for quality, generous portions, and neighborhood appeal.
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Established Year: 1975
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Founder: Raymond “Mr. Pickle” Schuler
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Industry Category: Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR) / Fast-Casual Sandwich & Deli
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Franchise Active Units (Current Number): 60+ locations across the United States
Brand Journey & Company History
Mr. Pickle’s Sandwich Shop began as a single neighborhood deli in California, built around a simple yet powerful idea—serve oversized, high-quality sandwiches using premium meats, fresh bread, and classic deli recipes, all at a fair price. The concept quickly earned a loyal following for its bold flavors, generous portions, and friendly, community-driven atmosphere.
As customer demand grew, the brand expanded steadily across California and nearby states. Rather than pursuing rapid, uncontrolled growth, Mr. Pickle’s focused on refining its menu, standardizing operations, and strengthening supplier relationships. This disciplined approach laid the foundation for a scalable franchise system that could maintain consistency while adapting to different regional markets.
Ownership & Franchise Development
The brand transitioned into franchising after proving its operational model across multiple company and early franchise locations. Today, Mr. Pickle’s operates primarily as a franchised system, supporting owner-operators with structured training, operational systems, and brand marketing while preserving the local deli personality that customers associate with the name.
Market Presence in the USA
Mr. Pickle’s has a strong footprint in the western United States, with expanding presence in suburban, urban, and college-driven markets. The concept performs particularly well in neighborhood shopping centers, high-lunch-traffic corridors, and community-focused retail locations where repeat customers and catering orders drive consistent sales.
Brand Positioning
Within the U.S. sandwich franchise landscape, Mr. Pickle’s occupies a distinctive position—bridging the gap between traditional delis and modern fast-casual chains. Its emphasis on portion value, fresh preparation, and a familiar, welcoming environment allows the brand to compete effectively against larger national chains while maintaining a loyal, local customer base.
Support Training
Mr. Pickle’s delivers comprehensive, hands-on support to franchise partners from day one through ongoing operations.
Pre-Launch Support
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Site selection guidance and territory evaluation
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Lease negotiation and space planning assistance
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Store layout, kitchen design, and equipment specifications
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Vendor sourcing and supply chain setup
Training & Operations
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In-depth initial training covering food prep, safety, and quality standards
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Point-of-sale (POS) and ordering system training
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Staffing, scheduling, and labor management guidance
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Opening-week support to ensure smooth launch
Marketing & Brand Support
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Grand-opening marketing strategies
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Local store marketing tools and promotions
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Digital ordering, delivery integration, and brand campaigns
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Ongoing creative assets and seasonal promotions
Ongoing Support
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Dedicated franchise support team
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Operational audits and performance coaching
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Menu innovation and pricing strategy guidance
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Continuous process improvements and system updates
This end-to-end support structure allows franchisees to focus on execution, customer service, and local growth.
Ideal Candidate
Mr. Pickle’s Sandwich Shop is best suited for hands-on entrepreneurs and operators who value consistency, customer experience, and community engagement.
Ideal candidates typically include:
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First-time franchise owners seeking a proven food concept
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Multi-unit operators expanding within the QSR segment
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Owner-operators with retail, hospitality, or food service experience
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Investors committed to local marketing and daily oversight
Key qualities of successful franchisees:
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Strong people-management and leadership skills
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Passion for food quality and customer satisfaction
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Financial readiness to invest and scale responsibly
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Willingness to follow brand systems and standards
Locations perform especially well in suburban corridors, neighborhood shopping centers, college areas, and high-traffic lunch markets.
Financial Detail
| Financial Component | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $250,000 – $450,000 |
| Minimum Investment Required | ~$250,000 |
| Franchise Fee | ~$35,000 |
| Number of Franchise Units | 60+ active locations |
| Leasehold Improvements / Build-Out | $120,000 – $220,000 |
| Equipment & Fixtures | $60,000 – $100,000 |
| Initial Marketing & Grand Opening | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 months) | $30,000 – $50,000 |
| Royalty Fee | ~6% of Gross Sales |
| Brand / Marketing Fund | ~2% of Gross Sales |
| Expected ROI | Attractive for owner-operators |
| Estimated Break-Even Period | 18 – 30 months |
| Primary Revenue Streams | In-store sales, takeout, online ordering, delivery, catering |