Subway vs Taco Bell
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.
Taco Bell
The US/Canada recruitment page seeks operators who can acquire and develop multiple restaurants where opportunities are available.
United States; confirm the format and territory with the franchisor
- Taco Bell franchise requirementsSource checked (America/Los_Angeles).
Operating commitment
Multi-unit operating experience, preferably in QSR, and a record of successful business ownership are requested.
United States; confirm the format and territory with the franchisor
- Taco Bell franchise requirementsSource checked (America/Los_Angeles).
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 | Taco Bell |
|---|---|---|
| Initial investment / development estimate | $199,135–$536,745 US restaurant estimate; building size, configuration and location vary
| Not verified in reviewed sources United States No applicable amount verified in the linked sources. Request the current disclosure for this format and territory.
|
| Initial franchise fee | $15,000 US; per restaurant
| Not verified in reviewed sources United States No applicable amount verified in the linked sources. Request the current disclosure for this format and territory.
|
| 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.
| Not verified in reviewed sources United States No applicable amount verified in the linked sources. Request the current disclosure for this format and territory.
|
| Liquid capital / personal funds | $100,000 US; minimum per location Higher requirements may apply by territory.
| $2,000,000 US/Canada; minimum personal liquidity Cash or assets convertible within ten business days; requirement can increase with ownership level and transaction size.
|
| Net worth | $150,000 US; minimum per location Higher requirements may apply by territory.
| $5,000,000 US/Canada; minimum personal net worth Requirement can increase with ownership level and transaction size.
|
| Royalty / service fee | 8% Percentage of gross sales
| Not verified in reviewed sources United States No applicable amount verified in the linked sources. Request the current disclosure for this format and territory.
|
| Advertising / marketing contribution | 4.5% Percentage of gross sales
| Not verified in reviewed sources United States No applicable amount verified in the linked sources. Request the current disclosure for this format and territory.
|
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.
Taco Bell
- Taco Bell franchise requirementsSource checked (America/Los_Angeles).
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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