Start a Blimpie Subs & Salads Franchise in 2025

Franchise 500 Rank: N/R Not ranked last year

Initial investment: $75K - $422K

Units as of 2020: 169 46% over 3 years

Blimpie Subs & Salads currently holds the record of being the oldest operating submarine sandwich franchise. For over 50 years, the company has been serving its customers what it hopes are the best deli subs available.

In 1964, the company was founded by three high school friends, Peter DeCarlo, Anthony Conza, and Angelo Baldassare. The three young friends decided that Hoboken, New Jersey needed a sub sandwich store. So, they borrowed $2,500 from a friend and started the first-ever Blimpie Subs & Salads sandwich shop.

After beginning to franchise in 1970, Blimpie Subs & Salads opened locations all throughout the U.S. In 2006, the company merged with Kahala Brands. Through this merger, Blimpie Subs & Salads became part of an international brand with over 2,900 franchised locations across more than 25 countries.

Why You May Want to Start a Blimpie Subs & Salads Franchise

The company has a tested business model that's been in operation for more than 50 years. With over five decades of experience under its belt, the company has refined its system to become one of the most efficient and respected brands in its category.

Throughout its years of operation, the company found that one of Americans' most highly valued qualities is convenience. This is why Blimpie Subs & Salads has focused on providing quick meals at an affordable price. The company also offers a national marketing campaign to assist in driving traffic to their franchisees.

As a franchisee, you'll benefit from a comprehensive pre-opening training program and ongoing support even after opening your business. With Blimpie Subs & Salads, you are not on the journey alone. The company values its franchisees highly and is always ready to go the extra mile to help you.

What Might Make a Blimpie Subs & Salads Franchise a Good Choice?

Blimpie Subs & Salads is not just another cookie-cutter sandwich brand. There are several reasons why this company may stand out from its competitors. Blimpie Subs & Salads is rich in expertise and experience.

Blimpie Subs & Salads has developed a cult-like following from customers. To be part of the Blimpie Subs & Salads team, you should make sure you’re financially ready for an initial investment made up of a franchise fee and other startup costs. You should also be prepared for ongoing fees that will include advertising, royalty, and potential renewal fees. Franchisees will also need to meet the company's set net worth and liquid capital requirements.

How Do You Start a Blimpie Subs & Salads Franchise?

To start buying into the Blimpie Subs & Salads franchise, fill out the franchise inquiry form. If the brand approves of your form, they may schedule a meeting to discuss your interests. If both parties find Blimpie Subs & Salads to be a good fit for you, they'll send over a Franchise Disclosure Document for your review.

After the due diligence period, you may sign a franchise agreement and make the initial investment. After this step, they'll invite you for training along with one of your employees. Finally, you'll be ready for the grand opening of your new Blimpie Subs & Salads restaurant because, after all, there's nothing better than a tasty sandwich.

Company Overview

About Blimpie Subs & Salads

Industry	Food
Related Categories	Submarine Sandwiches, Sandwiches
Founded	1964
Parent Company	Kahala Brands
Leadership	Eric Lefebvre, CEO
Corporate Address	9311 E. Via De Ventura Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Social	Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube

Business Overview

Franchising Since	1970 (55 years)
# of employees at HQ	227
Where seeking	This company is offering new franchises in the following US states: This company is offering new franchises in the following international regions:
# of Units	169 (as of 2020)

Information for Franchisees

Here's what you need to know if you're interested in opening a Blimpie Subs & Salads franchise.

Financial Requirements & Ongoing Fees

Here's what you can expect to spend to start the business and what ongoing fees the franchisor charges throughout the life of the business.

Initial Franchise Fee Definition: The initial fee paid to a franchisor to join their system What you need to know: Found in Item 5 of the FDD, this may be a flat fee, or may vary based on territory size, experience, or other factors.The franchise fee is an up-front (one-time) cost that a new franchisee pays to the franchisor. This fee is usually due at the signing of the franchise agreement and covers the right to use the franchisor's trademarks, name, and related business systems.	$11,900 - $19,900
Initial Investment Definition: The total amount necessary to begin operation of the franchise What you need to know: The initial investment includes the franchise fee, along with other startup expenses such as real estate, equipment, supplies, business licenses, and working capital. This is outlined in a chart in Item 7 of the FDD, showing a range of possible costs from low to high.	$74,780 - $422,200
Net Worth Requirement Definition: The minimum net worth you must have in order to qualify to become a franchisee of this company What you need to know: Net worth is the value of a person's assets minus liabilities. Assets include cash, stocks, retirement accounts, and real estate. Liabilities include items like mortgages, car payments, and credit card debt.	$250,000
Cash Requirement Definition: The minimum liquid capital you must have available in order to qualify to become a franchisee of this company.	$106,000
Veteran Incentives Definition: A discount or other incentive offered to military veterans who buy a franchise with this company.	20% off franchise fee
Royalty Fee Definition: A ongoing fee paid to the franchisor on a regular basis. What you need to know: Most franchisors require franchisees to pay an ongoing royalty fee, which is detailed in Item 6 of the FDD. This fee is typically a percentage of weekly or monthly gross sales, but may also be a flat weekly, monthly, or annual fee.	6%
Ad Royalty Fee Definition: An going fee paid to the franchisor on a regular basis to support advertising or marketing efforts. What you need to know: This may also be called advertising fee, marketing fee, brand fund fee, and more, but the basic purpose is the same-- to support promotion of the brand systemwide. As with the royalty fee, it is detailed in Item 6 of the FDD, and can be a percentage of weekly or monthly gross sales or a weekly, monthly, or annual fee.	4%
Term of Agreement Definition: The length of time your franchise agreement will last. What you need to know: Franchise terms are typically anywhere from 5 to 20 years in length, but are sometimes instead dependent on factors such as the term of your lease. Once your term is up, you may have the option to renew your agreement, typically for a smaller fee than the original franchise fee.	10 years
Is franchise term renewable?	Yes

Financing Options

Some franchisors offer in-house financing, while others have relationships with third-party financing sources to which they refer qualified franchisees.

Third Party Financing	Blimpie Subs & Salads has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the following: franchise fee, startup costs, equipment, inventory

Training & Support Offered

Franchisors offer initial training programs and a variety of ongoing support options to help franchisees run their businesses.

On-The-Job Training	80 hours
Classroom Training	40 hours
Ongoing Support	Newsletter Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security & Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Franchisee Intranet Platform
Marketing Support	Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social Media SEO Website Development Email Marketing Loyalty Program/App

Operations

Additional details about running this franchise.

Is absentee ownership allowed?	Yes
Can this franchise be run from home/mobile unit? Definition: The business can be run from your home and/or a vehicle, and it is not necessary to have a retail facility, office space, or warehouse.	No
Can this franchise be run part time? Definition: This business can be run by the owner on a part-time basis (less than 40 hours per week) and/or as a side business; it is not necessary for the business to be open/run full-time.	No
# of employees required to run	10-15
Are exclusive territories available? Definition: An exclusive territory is a fixed area in which you are given the right to operate and in which no other units of the same franchise may be opened. What you need to know: Territory size may be based on factors such as radius, population size, zip codes, and more. Details can be found in Item 12 of the FDD.	Yes