Subway vs Jimmy John's
Compare published costs, candidate requirements and operating commitments.
All amounts are USD. Read the restaurant format, sales basis and exclusions beside each figure. Missing information means the reviewed sources did not establish a comparable amount.
Availability and operating model
Subway
Subway is seeking multi-unit applicants and buyers interested in acquiring at least five existing restaurants.
United States; confirm the format and territory with the franchisor
- Subway US franchise FAQSource checked (America/Los_Angeles).Document basis: Web page references the FDD without giving its issue year.
Operating commitment
Restaurant, business or franchising experience is preferred for the applicant or an equity partner; a three-week training program is required.
United States; confirm the format and territory with the franchisor
- Subway US franchise FAQSource checked (America/Los_Angeles).Document basis: Web page references the FDD without giving its issue year.
Jimmy John's
The brand offers multiple restaurant formats. Site, format and market availability require confirmation during the application process.
United States; confirm the format and territory with the franchisor
- Jimmy John's — Inspire Brands franchisingSource checked (America/Los_Angeles).Document basis: Official web summary referring to the FDD issued March 26, 2026.
Operating commitment
The published process includes application, discussion with the franchise team, FDD review and an interview before signing.
United States; confirm the format and territory with the franchisor
- Jimmy John's — Inspire Brands franchisingSource checked (America/Los_Angeles).Document basis: Official web summary referring to the FDD issued March 26, 2026.
Published financial requirements
These figures describe different transactions and obligations. Initial fees, separate development fees and liquid-capital requirements are distinct; they are not added together here as a total project budget.
| Requirement | Subway | Jimmy John's |
|---|---|---|
| Initial investment / development estimate | $199,135–$536,745 US restaurant estimate; building size, configuration and location vary
| $366,200–$733,500 US web-summary investment range; confirm the applicable restaurant format
|
| Initial franchise fee | $15,000 US; per restaurant
| $35,000 US initial franchise fee as listed in the web summary
|
| Separate development fee | Not verified in reviewed sources United States No applicable amount verified in the linked sources. Request the current disclosure for this format and territory.
| $10,000 US; per restaurant Listed separately from the initial franchise fee; confirm timing and any credits in the FDD.
|
| Liquid capital / personal funds | $100,000 US; minimum per location Higher requirements may apply by territory.
| $200,000 US candidate liquid-assets requirement
|
| Net worth | $150,000 US; minimum per location Higher requirements may apply by territory.
| $1,000,000 US candidate net-worth requirement
|
| Royalty / service fee | 8% Percentage of gross sales
| 6% Percentage of gross sales
|
| Advertising / marketing contribution | 4.5% Percentage of gross sales
| 4.5% Percentage of gross sales Advertising and development fund.
|
Sources and review limits
The check date records when a source was reviewed. It is not the source publication date or the issue date of an FDD. Official web summaries that refer to an FDD are identified as summaries.
Subway
- Subway US franchise FAQSource checked (America/Los_Angeles).Document basis: Web page references the FDD without giving its issue year.
Jimmy John's
- Jimmy John's — Inspire Brands franchisingSource checked (America/Los_Angeles).Document basis: Official web summary referring to the FDD issued March 26, 2026.
Build a scenario from your own assumptions
These requirements do not establish restaurant sales or owner earnings. Use a budget for the actual format and transaction, and enter your own operating assumptions in the calculator.
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