Subway Franchise Ownership: What You Need to Know Before Investing

28/11/2024

If you’ve ever considered owning a franchise, Subway might have crossed your mind. As the world’s largest restaurant chain, Subway boasts over 44,000 locations in 110 countries, making it an attractive option for entrepreneurs. But before you dive into franchise ownership, it’s essential to understand the costs, requirements, and potential profits associated with running a Subway. 

Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know.

What Is the Initial Investment?

Starting a Subway franchise requires a financial investment that can range between $139,550 to $342,400. This cost includes construction, equipment, opening inventory, and marketing expenses. It’s one of the more affordable franchise options compared to other quick-service restaurants, but the total cost can vary based on factors such as the size of the restaurant and its location.

Franchise Fees and Ongoing Costs

Franchise ownership comes with several ongoing fees, including:

  • Initial Franchise Fee: $10,000 to $15,000 depending on the country.
  • Royalty Fee: Subway takes 8% of your weekly gross sales (excluding sales tax).
  • Advertising Fee: Another 4.5% of your gross sales goes toward advertising.

These fees contribute to Subway’s extensive brand recognition and national advertising campaigns, helping drive traffic to your location.

How Much Can You Make?

While Subway does not make specific income promises, the average annual revenue for a Subway franchise is estimated to be around $450,000. Franchise owners typically earn about 10% of revenue, meaning your annual salary could be around $45,000, although this figure can vary depending on factors like location, size, and management.

Franchise Requirements

To be eligible for a Subway franchise, there are certain financial requirements you need to meet:

  • Net Worth: You must have a net worth of at least $80,000.
  • Liquid Assets: At least $40,000 in liquid assets (cash or easily accessible funds).

These requirements help ensure franchisees have the financial stability to manage the upfront costs and initial operating expenses of a new Subway location.

Additional Costs to Consider

Running a Subway involves various costs beyond the initial investment and franchise fees. Some of these expenses include:

  1. Real Property and Leasehold Improvements: Depending on the location, these costs can range from $75,000 to $200,000.
  2. Equipment: Every Subway franchise must be equipped with standard items like refrigerators, ovens, and coolers, which can cost between $7,500 to $15,500.
  3. Security System: Ensuring your restaurant’s safety requires an investment of $2,450 to $3,550.
  4. Signage: Subway’s recognizable signage costs $2,000 to $8,000.
  5. Opening Inventory: You’ll need to stock up on supplies before opening, which will run between $4,400 and $6,050.
  6. Insurance: Necessary coverage such as liability and workers’ compensation can range from $1,200 to $5,000 annually.
  7. Training Costs: Subway requires all new franchisees to undergo a two-week training program, which costs between $2,500 to $4,500.

Is a Subway Franchise Worth It?

The sandwich shop industry is competitive, and while Subway offers a well-known brand with lower start-up costs compared to other franchises, success is not guaranteed. However, owning a Subway franchise can be a rewarding business if you have the drive, a strong location, and the right management team. The initial and ongoing costs are reasonable for a global franchise, and the demand for quick-service restaurants remains strong.

Whether or not a Subway franchise is the right investment for you depends on your financial situation, market conditions, and your ability to meet the requirements set by Subway. With a comprehensive understanding of the financial commitment and what’s involved, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision.

For contact and support:

Facebook: NIC Global – Human Resource Solutions
Linkedin: NIC Global Sourcing JSC
Website: www.nicvn.com
Email: info@nicvn.com
Hotline: 0981.23.43.76
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  • Hanoi Office: No. 3A Thi Sach, Pham Dinh Ho Ward, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi, Vietnam
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