# Subway vs Jimmy John's: Franchise Costs & Requirements

> Source: https://qsr.pro/compare/subway-vs-jimmy-johns
> Publisher: QSR Pro


Compare Subway and Jimmy John's published franchise requirements, availability and operating commitments, with direct sources and scope notes.

The figures describe different transactions and obligations. Read each source’s restaurant format, sales basis and exclusions before comparing amounts.

## Subway

**Opportunity:** 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 FAQ](https://www.subwayfranchise.com/en-us/faqs) (Source reviewed 2026-10-01; this is not the source publication date.)

**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 FAQ](https://www.subwayfranchise.com/en-us/faqs) (Source reviewed 2026-10-01; this is not the source publication date.)

- **Initial investment / development estimate:** $199,135–$536,745. US restaurant estimate; building size, configuration and location vary  [Subway US franchise FAQ](https://www.subwayfranchise.com/en-us/faqs) (Source reviewed 2026-10-01; this is not the source publication date.)
- **Initial franchise fee:** $15,000. US; per restaurant  [Subway US franchise FAQ](https://www.subwayfranchise.com/en-us/faqs) (Source reviewed 2026-10-01; this is not the source publication date.)
- **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. [Subway US franchise FAQ](https://www.subwayfranchise.com/en-us/faqs) (Source reviewed 2026-10-01; this is not the source publication date.)
- **Liquid capital / personal funds:** $100,000. US; minimum per location Higher requirements may apply by territory. [Subway US franchise FAQ](https://www.subwayfranchise.com/en-us/faqs) (Source reviewed 2026-10-01; this is not the source publication date.)
- **Net worth:** $150,000. US; minimum per location Higher requirements may apply by territory. [Subway US franchise FAQ](https://www.subwayfranchise.com/en-us/faqs) (Source reviewed 2026-10-01; this is not the source publication date.)
- **Royalty / service fee:** 8%. Percentage of gross sales  [Subway US franchise FAQ](https://www.subwayfranchise.com/en-us/faqs) (Source reviewed 2026-10-01; this is not the source publication date.)
- **Advertising / marketing contribution:** 4.5%. Percentage of gross sales  [Subway US franchise FAQ](https://www.subwayfranchise.com/en-us/faqs) (Source reviewed 2026-10-01; this is not the source publication date.)

[Read the Subway cost guide](https://qsr.pro/franchise-costs/subway)

## Jimmy John's

**Opportunity:** 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 franchising](https://www.franchising.inspirebrands.com/jimmy-johns) (Source reviewed 2026-10-01; this is not the source publication date.)

**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 franchising](https://www.franchising.inspirebrands.com/jimmy-johns) (Source reviewed 2026-10-01; this is not the source publication date.)

- **Initial investment / development estimate:** $366,200–$733,500. US web-summary investment range; confirm the applicable restaurant format  [Jimmy John's — Inspire Brands franchising](https://www.franchising.inspirebrands.com/jimmy-johns) (Source reviewed 2026-10-01; this is not the source publication date.)
- **Initial franchise fee:** $35,000. US initial franchise fee as listed in the web summary  [Jimmy John's — Inspire Brands franchising](https://www.franchising.inspirebrands.com/jimmy-johns) (Source reviewed 2026-10-01; this is not the source publication date.)
- **Separate development fee:** $10,000. US; per restaurant Listed separately from the initial franchise fee; confirm timing and any credits in the FDD. [Jimmy John's — Inspire Brands franchising](https://www.franchising.inspirebrands.com/jimmy-johns) (Source reviewed 2026-10-01; this is not the source publication date.)
- **Liquid capital / personal funds:** $200,000. US candidate liquid-assets requirement  [Jimmy John's — Inspire Brands franchising](https://www.franchising.inspirebrands.com/jimmy-johns) (Source reviewed 2026-10-01; this is not the source publication date.)
- **Net worth:** $1,000,000. US candidate net-worth requirement  [Jimmy John's — Inspire Brands franchising](https://www.franchising.inspirebrands.com/jimmy-johns) (Source reviewed 2026-10-01; this is not the source publication date.)
- **Royalty / service fee:** 6%. Percentage of gross sales  [Jimmy John's — Inspire Brands franchising](https://www.franchising.inspirebrands.com/jimmy-johns) (Source reviewed 2026-10-01; this is not the source publication date.)
- **Advertising / marketing contribution:** 4.5%. Percentage of gross sales Advertising and development fund. [Jimmy John's — Inspire Brands franchising](https://www.franchising.inspirebrands.com/jimmy-johns) (Source reviewed 2026-10-01; this is not the source publication date.)

[Read the Jimmy John's cost guide](https://qsr.pro/franchise-costs/jimmy-johns)

These requirements do not establish restaurant sales, owner earnings or payback.