Understanding the Cost of Opening a Sandwich Shop
If you’re considering investing in a food franchise, you may be wondering about the cost of opening a sandwich shop. The restaurant industry is known for its high startup costs, but with Blimpie Express, we’ve designed an accessible and affordable way to enter the sub and sandwich category.
With a streamlined, prefabricated setup, Blimpie Express allows entrepreneurs—especially those who already own a convenience store—to expand their offerings without the long construction timelines and expensive build-out costs associated with traditional restaurant models. Our innovative approach makes adding a Blimpie Express franchise a smart investment for those looking to attract more customers and diversify their revenue streams.
What Makes Blimpie Express an Affordable Investment?
Compared to traditional sandwich shop franchises, Blimpie Express offers a lower cost of entry. Our prefabricated model is delivered in three separate units and assembled on-site in just a few days. This significantly reduces both upfront construction costs and the amount of time your existing business is impacted by setup.
According to Jeff Wallace, Brand Leader of Blimpie, “The Blimpie Express model was designed specifically for convenience store owners who want to add food service to their business with minimal disruption. Unlike other concepts, our franchise model arrives prefabricated, meaning you can be up and running in a matter of days, not weeks or months.” This cost-effective setup makes Blimpie Express one of the most affordable ways to break into the sub and sandwich franchise industry.
Why Convenience Store Owners Choose Blimpie Express
For convenience store owners, adding a Blimpie Express franchise is a strategic move. Not only does it provide a turnkey foodservice option, but it also transforms your c-store into a destination for customers looking for high-quality, freshly made subs.
Our proven business model provides:
- A simple and easy-to-execute menu featuring fresh, high-quality ingredients
- A prefabricated store model for quick setup
- A built-in customer base that loves the Blimpie brand
- The ability to integrate with third-party delivery apps like UberEats® and DoorDash®, plus our own online ordering platform
As John Wuycheck, SVP of Franchise Development, explains, “Adding a Blimpie Express to your c-store means more foot traffic, a diversified business model, and additional revenue streams. And because our brand is well known and loved, you don’t have to start from scratch when building customer loyalty.”
What You Get For Your Franchise Fee
When you invest in a Blimpie Express franchise, you’re not just getting a recognizable brand—you’re gaining access to a comprehensive support system designed to help your business thrive. Our initial Franchise Fee covers:
- World-class training for you and your team
- Marketing support to attract new customers
- Operational guidance to help streamline your business
- Site selection assistance to find the best location for your franchise
- Ongoing product innovation to keep your menu fresh and exciting
Our parent company, Kahala Brands™, is one of the largest franchisors in the world, providing industry-leading resources to help our franchise owners grow.
Is Blimpie Express the Right Investment for You?
If you’re looking for an affordable way to open a sandwich shop, Blimpie Express offers a proven franchise model with a low startup cost and a fast setup timeline. Whether you already own a c-store or are looking for an easy-to-operate food service business, our Blimpie Express model is built for efficiency and strong customer demand.
With over 60 years of experience, a strong national brand presence, and comprehensive support, we’re here to help you build a thriving business in the sandwich industry.
Want to learn more about the cost of opening a sandwich shop with Blimpie Express? Visit our research pages here to learn more, or fill out our form here to start a conversation with our franchise team.