Established
2017
Franchise Units
19
Minimum Investment
$200,000
Franchise Fee
$25,000
Total Investment Range
$450,000
Home Based
No
Description
Submarina California Subs is a well-established fast-casual sandwich franchise known for its California-inspired flavors, fresh ingredients, and loyal neighborhood following. Built around a simple but powerful promise—freshly prepared subs, salads, and wraps made to order—the brand has carved out a strong position in the competitive U.S. sandwich segment.
What sets Submarina California Subs apart is its balance of operational simplicity and broad consumer appeal. The menu focuses on premium meats, cheeses, fresh vegetables, and signature sauces, allowing franchisees to deliver consistent quality while keeping food preparation efficient. This approach resonates with today’s customers who want quick service without sacrificing freshness or taste.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Investing in Submarina California Subs offers franchisees the advantage of entering a mature yet resilient category—quick-service and fast-casual dining—backed by a recognizable brand and streamlined systems.
Key reasons investors are drawn to this franchise include:
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Strong consumer demand for fresh, customizable sandwich concepts
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A focused menu that simplifies inventory, staffing, and training
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Flexible store formats suitable for strip centers, urban locations, and suburban neighborhoods
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Repeat business driven by lunch traffic, families, and catering opportunities
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A brand culture built on consistency, value, and local market connection
Background
Established Year: 2017
Founders: The brand was created by entrepreneurial founders with a passion for fresh food, efficient service, and neighborhood-driven restaurant experiences.
Brand Journey & Company History:
From its early beginnings in California, Submarina California Subs steadily expanded by refining its menu, perfecting its operational systems, and building a loyal customer base. The franchise model was developed to replicate this success across multiple markets while maintaining consistent food quality and brand standards.
Ownership & Market Presence:
Today, Submarina California Subs operates as a franchise-driven system with dozens of active units across the United States. Its strongest presence remains in California and surrounding regions, with continued expansion into new domestic markets where demand for fast-casual dining remains strong.
Franchise Active Units: 19+ locations
Industry Category:
Fast-Casual / Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR) – Sandwich & Sub Franchise
Support Training
Submarina California Subs provides comprehensive support designed to help franchisees 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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Store layout and design standards
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Equipment specifications and vendor coordination
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Assistance with permitting and pre-opening logistics
Training & Operational Support
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In-depth initial training covering food preparation, customer service, and daily operations
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Hands-on instruction in inventory management, labor scheduling, and cost controls
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Standardized operating procedures to ensure consistency across all locations
Marketing & Brand Support
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Grand opening marketing strategies and local launch planning
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Ongoing brand marketing initiatives and promotional campaigns
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Guidance on local store marketing, community outreach, and digital visibility
Ongoing Support
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Continuous operational assistance and performance reviews
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Updated training materials and menu innovations
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Access to a franchise support team focused on long-term unit profitability
This end-to-end support system helps franchisees focus on execution and growth rather than building processes from scratch.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal Submarina California Subs franchisee is a motivated entrepreneur or investor who values structure, consistency, and hands-on business management.
Best-Suited Candidates
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First-time business owners seeking a proven food franchise model
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Multi-unit operators looking to expand within the fast-casual segment
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Owner-operators with strong people management and customer service skills
Background & Passion
While prior restaurant experience is helpful, it is not mandatory. Successful franchisees share a passion for hospitality, operational discipline, and community engagement.
Investment Capability
Franchisees should be financially prepared to meet the brand’s investment requirements and sustain the business through its initial ramp-up period.
Location Preference
Ideal locations include high-traffic retail corridors, suburban strip centers, mixed-use developments, and densely populated residential areas with strong lunch and dinner demand.
Financial Detail
| Cost Component | Estimated Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 – $35,000 |
| Total Initial Investment | $200,000 – $450,000 |
| Minimum Investment Required | ~$200,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $80,000 – $180,000 |
| Equipment & Signage | $60,000 – $120,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures & POS | $20,000 – $45,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| Marketing & Grand Opening | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| Working Capital | $25,000 – $50,000 |
| Ongoing Royalty Fee | 5% – 7% of gross sales |
| Marketing Contribution | 1% – 3% of gross sales |
| Expected Break-Even | 18 – 30 months |
| Revenue Streams | In-store, takeout, online, catering |
