Established
2013
Franchise Units
1
Minimum Investment
$250,000
Franchise Fee
$30,000
Total Investment Range
$450,000
Home Based
No
Description
The Trough Sandwich Kitchen is redefining what a neighborhood sandwich shop can be. Built around the idea of bold flavors, chef-driven recipes, and elevated comfort food, the brand delivers handcrafted sandwiches that feel both nostalgic and modern. In a highly competitive fast-casual landscape, The Trough Sandwich Kitchen stands out by focusing on premium ingredients, creative menu engineering, and a welcoming atmosphere that turns first-time guests into loyal regulars.
Positioned in the booming fast-casual dining segment in the United States, The Trough Sandwich Kitchen appeals to a broad demographic — from busy professionals and families to students and food enthusiasts. The brand combines the efficiency of quick-service restaurants with the quality and presentation of a gourmet kitchen. This balance allows franchise owners to operate with streamlined systems while offering a product that commands strong repeat business and attractive average ticket values.
Background
Established Year: 2013
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Industry Category: Fast-Casual Restaurant / Sandwich Franchise
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Founders: Created by food entrepreneurs with a passion for gourmet comfort food and scalable restaurant systems.
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Franchise Active Units: 1
The Trough Sandwich Kitchen was founded with a simple mission: to elevate the humble sandwich into a crave-worthy culinary experience. What began as a single location quickly gained attention for its quality ingredients and distinctive flavor combinations.
Through strategic expansion and careful franchise development, the brand has focused on sustainable growth rather than rapid overexpansion. Ownership emphasizes:
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Operational consistency
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Strong franchisee support
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Quality control
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Market-specific expansion strategies
Support Training
One of the key advantages of investing in The Trough Sandwich Kitchen franchise is the structured and ongoing support system.
Pre-Launch Support
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Site selection assistance
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Lease negotiation guidance
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Store design and layout planning
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Equipment procurement support
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Vendor sourcing and supply chain setup
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Grand opening marketing strategy
Initial Training Program
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Comprehensive operations training (kitchen systems, food prep, safety compliance)
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POS and inventory management systems
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Hiring and staff training modules
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Customer service excellence standards
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Financial management basics
Marketing & Branding Support
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National branding initiatives
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Digital marketing assets and templates
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Social media strategy guidance
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Local store marketing playbooks
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Grand opening promotional campaigns
Ongoing Operational Support
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Field support visits
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Performance benchmarking
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Menu updates and seasonal rollouts
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Ongoing education programs
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Technology upgrades and system enhancements
Ideal Candidate
The Trough Sandwich Kitchen is ideal for:
Entrepreneurs & Owner-Operators
Individuals who want to be hands-on in building a community-focused restaurant.
Multi-Unit Investors
Experienced franchisees seeking to diversify within the food service industry.
Hospitality Professionals
Restaurant managers or chefs looking to transition into ownership with brand backing.
Preferred Qualifications
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Strong leadership and team-building skills
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Passion for food and customer service
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Financial capability to meet investment requirements
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Willingness to follow proven systems
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Local market knowledge
Location Preferences
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High foot traffic areas
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Suburban growth markets
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Retail centers with anchor tenants
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College and university proximity
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Mixed-use developments
Financial Detail
| Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $30,000 – $40,000 |
| Total Initial Investment | $250,000 – $450,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $100,000 – $180,000 |
| Equipment & Fixtures | $70,000 – $120,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Marketing & Grand Opening | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 Months) | $40,000 – $70,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% – 7% of gross sales |
| Marketing Fee | 1% – 2% of gross sales |
