Celebrate National Sandwich Month with these Top Franchise Brands
August is National Sandwich Month — and let’s face it, sandwiches are one of the greatest culinary creations of all time! Just about everyone has a favorite sandwich – whether it’s stacked high with meats and cheeses, loaded with veggies or toasted to perfection. This universal love has contributed to a thriving market led by franchises such as Jersey Mike’s, Jimmy John’s, Arby’s and Buona.
These iconic brands have stayed ahead of the curve by launching user-friendly mobile apps and other technology, innovating their menus with vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, and enhancing the customer experience with seamless ordering and personalized service. They also provide investors with an attractive entry point into the fast-casual space with strong support and training, built-in fan bases and simple models to follow — hallmarks of successful franchises.
Looking to add a sandwich franchise to your portfolio? Read on for a deep dive into some of the best sandwich franchises.
The Best Sandwich Franchises
Arby’s
Claim to Fame: In addition to being a pioneer with its fast‑food roast beef sandwiches, Arby’s is famously great at marketing. Everyone knows the iconic “We Have the Meats” slogan!
Fun Fact: The sandwich franchise demonstrated that the brisket in its Smokehouse Brisket sandwich is actually smoked for 13 hours by filming the entire process!
Buona
Claim to Fame: Founded in 1981 by Joe and Peggy Buonavolanto in Berwyn, Ill., Buona is known for its Italian beef sandwiches made from all‑natural beef with no preservatives. The beef is seasoned with a secret family recipe, slow-roasted, thinly sliced and served on fresh Italian bread. Buona is still family-owned and operated by three generations of Buonavolantos led by Joe himself.
Fun Fact: Buona’s specialty, Italian beef, originated as an iconic Chicago street food that’s been popularized in the Hulu series “The Bear”.
Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop
Claim to Fame: Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop was founded in 1976 in Wilmington, Del., by siblings Lois and Alan Margolet. Their goal was to create a sandwich shop for “real turkey lovers” using homemade recipes and fresh ingredients. Staying true to that mission, the sandwich franchise still slow-roasts turkey in-house every night to serve the next day in its sandwiches.
Longtime franchisees Ashley Morris and Jason Smylie acquired the company from the Margolet family in 2008. Under their leadership, Capriotti’s continues to be celebrated for its premium ingredients, community-focused expansion and signature sandwich, The Bobbie, which features hand-pulled turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing and mayonnaise on a fresh roll.
Fun Fact: Capriotti’s acquired Wing Zone in 2021.
Charleys Cheesesteaks and Wings
Claim to Fame: Charleys Cheesesteaks and Wings, formerly known as Charley’s Grilled Subs, took a Philadelphia classic nationwide, branding itself as serving the “#1 Cheesesteak in the World,” featuring premium ingredients including USDA choice steak, 100% all-white-meat chicken and hand‑cut veggies — all grilled fresh to order.
Fun Fact: While Charleys has been known for its presence in mall food courts, the sandwich franchise has strategically shifted toward stand-alone stores and drive-thru models for increased visibility.
Döner Haus
Claim to Fame: Döner Haus has brought Germany’s favorite street food, döner kebabs, stateside. Döner kebabs are halal meat that’s slow-roasted on a vertical rotisserie and served in a traditional Turkish flatbread.
Fun Fact: Prior to opening for business, founder Nikolaus von Solodkoff invited officials from the German Embassy and consulate to taste test the döner kebab recipe for authenticity.
Firehouse Subs
Claim to Fame: Firehouse Subs was founded by brothers and former firefighters Chris and Robin Sorensen in 1994. Unlike most other sandwich franchises, Firehouse steams its meats and cheeses to unlock flavor, retain moisture and deliver a melty interior with a toasted bread exterior.
Fun Fact: The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, established in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, donates a portion of every purchase to pay for life-saving equipment and training for first responders.
McAlister’s Deli
Claim to Fame: McAlister’s Deli is attractive for potential investors because of its simple operations — no grills or fryers are required. With dine-in, takeout, catering, online ordering and a pick-up window, franchisees have multiple revenue streams to drive growth. McAlister’s Deli is part of the GoTo Foods (formerly Focus Brands) family of brands, giving franchisees access to an expert leadership team for guidance from the beginning. The brand is known for its handcrafted sandwiches and refreshing iced tea.
Fun Fact: McAlister’s Deli sweet tea is brewed fresh throughout the day using Rainforest Alliance Certified tea leaves, sweetened with pure cane sugar and served over crushed ice with a lemon wedge and wide red straw.
Jersey Mike’s
Claim to Fame: Jersey Mike’s has its own signature style of preparing sandwiches. When a customer orders a sub “Mike’s Way,” it comes with lettuce, tomato, onion, salt, oregano and an olive oil-red wine vinegar blend.
Fun Fact: Jersey Mike’s is committed to giving back, particularly through annual fundraisers benefiting local charities. The sub franchise broke its own record in March by raising more than $30 million for more than 200 local charities during its 15th Annual Month of Giving.
Jimmy John’s
Claim to Fame: Jimmy John Liautaud built Jimmy John’s with a focus on freshness, speed and simplicity. Franchisees bake bread in their stores daily, hand-slice meats and cheeses every morning and prepare fresh produce on-site.
Fun Fact: Liautaud originally planned Jimmy John’s to be a hot dog stand, but he pivoted to sandwiches for cost efficiency.
Penn Station East Coast Subs
Claim to Fame: All of Penn Station’s sandwiches are prepared fresh in full view of customers. These sandwiches are made with hearth-baked bread, USDA steak and premium meats, cheeses and vegetables. The brand also serves French fries and lemonade.
Fun Fact: The sandwich franchise recently celebrated its 40th anniversary and commemorated the milestone by launching its new loyalty program.
Port of Subs
Claim to Fame: Port of Subs is known for its fresh, made-to-order sandwiches prepared right in front of customers — offering a transparent experience with freshly sliced meats and cheeses, oven-baked breads and dressings.
Fun Fact: The sandwich franchise is owned by Area 15 Ventures LLC, an investment firm led by Dave Liniger, the co-founder and former CEO of RE/MAX.
Potbelly Sandwich Works
Claim to Fame: Potbelly is known for its sandwiches, shakes, salads, baked goods and friendly vibes.
Fun Fact: Potbelly’s Underground Menu has fun creations like the Lucky 7 and Barnyard sandwiches, which are loaded with a variety of meats. Desserts include the Dream Bar Sundae and Cookie Collision Shake.
Schlotzsky’s
Claim to Fame: Before Schlotzsky’s became a globally recognized sandwich franchise, it started in 1971 as a tiny single shop in Austin, Texas. At that time, the brand only served one item: an 8‑inch muffuletta‑style sandwich filled with meats, cheeses, olives and dressing served on freshly baked sourdough.
Fun Fact: No one named Schlotzsky had anything to do with the sandwich brand. Founders Don and Delores Dissman simply liked the name and thought it fit their business model.
