Established
1985
Franchise Units
300
Minimum Investment
$400,000
Franchise Fee
$25,000
Total Investment Range
$750,000
Home Based
No
Description
Penn Station East Coast Subs is a well-established fast-casual sandwich franchise known for its crave-worthy hot grilled subs, fresh-cut fries, and made-to-order approach that resonates strongly with American consumers. Inspired by authentic East Coast sub shops, the brand has carved out a loyal following by focusing on quality ingredients, generous portions, and an open-grill cooking experience that customers can see and smell as they order.
Positioned in the highly resilient quick-service and fast-casual restaurant segment, Penn Station East Coast Subs benefits from consistent demand across lunch and dinner dayparts. Its menu is simple yet powerful—highlighted by grilled cheesesteaks, chicken teriyaki subs, fresh lemonade, and hand-cut fries—allowing franchisees to operate efficiently without sacrificing product quality.
For entrepreneurs seeking a proven, scalable food franchise with strong brand recognition, operational simplicity, and a loyal customer base, Penn Station East Coast Subs offers a compelling entry into the U.S. restaurant franchise market.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Investing in Penn Station East Coast Subs means aligning with a brand that has demonstrated long-term stability and relevance in a competitive foodservice industry.
Key investment advantages include:
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Strong Brand Recognition: Decades of operation have built trust and repeat business across multiple U.S. markets.
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Focused, High-Demand Menu: Hot grilled subs and fresh sides appeal to a broad demographic, reducing menu complexity.
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Efficient Store Operations: Streamlined kitchen layout, limited SKUs, and fast service help control labor and food costs.
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Scalable Growth Model: Suitable for both single-unit operators and multi-unit developers.
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Fast-Casual Resilience: Performs well in dine-in, takeout, and third-party delivery environments.
Background
Established Year: 1985
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Founders: Chris and Craig Dunaway
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Industry Category: Fast-Casual / Quick-Service Restaurant (Sandwich Franchise)
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Headquarters: United States
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Franchise Active Units: 300+ locations across the U.S.
Penn Station East Coast Subs began with a single location built around a simple idea—serve high-quality grilled subs using fresh ingredients in a fast, casual environment. Over time, the brand refined its systems, standardized operations, and expanded through franchising.
The company remains privately owned and franchise-focused, emphasizing controlled growth, operational consistency, and long-term franchisee profitability rather than rapid, unfocused expansion. Today, Penn Station East Coast Subs has a strong presence in the Midwest, Southeast, and expanding regional markets across the country.
Support Training
Penn Station East Coast Subs offers comprehensive, end-to-end franchise support designed to help both first-time and experienced operators succeed.
Pre-Launch Support
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Site selection and lease evaluation guidance
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Store layout, design, and equipment specifications
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Construction coordination and vendor recommendations
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Assistance with local permits and pre-opening requirements
Training Program
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In-depth initial training covering food preparation, operations, staffing, and customer service
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Hands-on kitchen and front-of-house training
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Business management, cost control, and inventory systems education
Operational Support
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Detailed operations manuals and standardized procedures
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Ongoing field support and performance coaching
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Quality assurance and brand compliance visits
Marketing & Brand Support
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National and regional marketing initiatives
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Proven promotional strategies and menu rollouts
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Digital marketing guidance, local store marketing, and grand-opening support
Ongoing Assistance
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Supply chain access with approved vendors
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Continuous product development and menu optimization
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Franchisee communication, training updates, and best-practice sharing
Ideal Candidate
Penn Station East Coast Subs is best suited for motivated, hands-on owners who value operational excellence and customer satisfaction.
Ideal candidates typically include:
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Entrepreneurs or investors with restaurant, retail, or multi-unit business experience
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Owner-operators seeking an established food brand with strong systems
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Multi-unit developers looking to scale within a defined territory
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Individuals with sufficient capital and a long-term growth mindset
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Operators committed to brand standards, cleanliness, and team leadership
While prior foodservice experience is beneficial, it is not mandatory—the brand’s structured training and support system helps bridge experience gaps effectively.
Financial Detail
| Financial Component | Estimated Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $400,000 – $750,000 |
| Minimum Investment Required | ~$400,000 |
| Franchise Fee | ~$25,000 |
| Initial Franchise Units | Single & Multi-Unit Options |
| Real Estate & Build-Out | $250,000 – $450,000 |
| Equipment & Signage | $100,000 – $180,000 |
| Initial Marketing Budget | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Working Capital | $30,000 – $60,000 |
| Royalty Fees | ~6% of gross sales |
| Marketing / Ad Fund | ~2% of gross sales |
| Expected ROI | Competitive within fast-casual segment |
| Break-Even Time | ~24–36 months |
| Revenue Streams | In-store dining, takeout, catering, delivery platforms |
Figures may vary by location, size, and market conditions.