At a Glance: Key Differences
Data-driven observations based on disclosed figures. Not investment advice — verify current numbers in each franchise's FDD.
⚠️ Risk Assessment
Risk signals from FDD disclosures. Higher score = lower risk. Verify all figures in each franchise's current FDD before investing.
| Risk Factor | Paris Baguette | Subway |
|---|---|---|
| Failure Rate | N/A | 8% |
| Unit Turnover (Growth) | +40 units | -3.5%/yr |
| Total Fee Burden | 5.0% | 12.5% |
| Territory Protection | ✅ Exclusive | ❌ Non-Exclusive |
Detailed Analysis: Paris Baguette vs Subway
According to FranchiseStack.ai's franchise database of 192+ FDD-sourced opportunities, Paris Baguette and Subway are among the most-researched franchise comparisons. The choice comes down to your investment capacity, risk tolerance, and operational preferences. Both operate in the Food & Restaurant sector, which means they compete for similar customers and territory. Subway has a larger footprint, which typically translates to stronger brand recognition but potentially more territorial saturation.
From a capital perspective, Subway has a lower entry point. However, initial investment alone doesn't determine ROI — ongoing royalties, revenue potential, and failure rates all factor into long-term returns. Paris Baguette charges a lower royalty rate, which means more of your gross revenue stays in your pocket.
Franchisee satisfaction is one of the strongest predictors of long-term success. Paris Baguette leads with a 73/100 satisfaction score, indicating that existing owners are more positive about their decision. Before committing to either franchise, we recommend running both through our Financial Model tool to project personalized 5-year P&L scenarios. You should also review each franchise's complete Franchise Disclosure Document using our FDD Checker to understand litigation history, termination rates, and territory restrictions.
Investment & Fees
| Metric | Paris Baguette | Subway |
|---|---|---|
| Min Investment | $378K | $229K |
| Max Investment | $1.8M | $524K |
| Franchise Fee | $50K | $15K |
| Royalty Rate | 5.0% | 8.0% |
| Ad Fund Rate | N/A | 4.5% |
Unit Economics
| Metric | Paris Baguette | Subway |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Unit Revenue | $900K | $420K |
| Avg Profit Margin | N/A | N/A |
Scale & Growth
| Metric | Paris Baguette | Subway |
|---|---|---|
| Total Units | 280 | 36,690 |
| Annual Growth | N/A | -3.5% |
| Failure Rate | N/A | 8.0% |
Franchisee Performance
| Metric | Paris Baguette | Subway |
|---|---|---|
| Franchisee Satisfaction | 73/100 | 55/100 |
Track Record
| Metric | Paris Baguette | Subway |
|---|---|---|
| Years in Business | N/A | 59 |
| Years Franchising | N/A | 48 |
Financial Requirements
| Metric | Paris Baguette | Subway |
|---|---|---|
| Min Net Worth Required | N/A | $100K |
| Liquid Capital Required | N/A | $50K |
Operations
| Metric | Paris Baguette | Subway |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Employees | N/A | 12 |
| Training Weeks | N/A | 2 |
⚠️ Risk Indicators
| Metric | Paris Baguette | Subway |
|---|---|---|
| Failure Rate | N/A | 8.0% |
| Annual Unit Growth | N/A | -3.5% |
| Units Opened Last Year | 40 | 500 |
| Units Closed Last Year | N/A | N/A |
| Exclusive Territory | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
📄 Downloadable Report
Get This Comparison as PDF — $19
Investment breakdown · Payback timeline · Royalty drag analysis · 5-year projected return · Red flags. Delivered instantly to your email.
Franchise consultants charge $500–$1,000 for a comparison analysis like this. $19 — no account required.
🔒 Secure Stripe checkout
Instant email delivery · No account needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Paris Baguette or Subway a better franchise investment?
The answer depends on your goals, budget, and market. Paris Baguette has 280 total units and a 73/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Subway has 36,690 total units and a 55/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Use our ROI Calculator to model both scenarios.
How much does it cost to open a Paris Baguette franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a Paris Baguette franchise requires an initial investment of $378K – $1.8M. The franchise fee is $50K, with ongoing royalties of 5.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.
How much does it cost to open a Subway franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a Subway franchise requires an initial investment of $229K – $524K. The franchise fee is $15K, with ongoing royalties of 8.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.
What is the royalty rate for Paris Baguette vs Subway?
Paris Baguette's royalty rate is 5.0%. Subway's royalty rate is 8.0%. That means Paris Baguette has the lower ongoing royalty burden.
Which has more locations — Paris Baguette or Subway?
Paris Baguette has 280 total units. Subway has 36,690 total units. A larger system can mean more brand recognition, but also more territorial competition.
Is Paris Baguette or Subway semi-absentee friendly?
Paris Baguette is typically run as a owner-operator model. Subway is typically run as a owner-operator model. If passive income is your goal, semi-absentee models let you hire a manager to run day-to-day operations.
Related Comparisons
Data sourced from franchise disclosure documents and public records. Investment ranges, royalty rates, and unit counts change — always request current FDD before making investment decisions. Last updated March 2026.
📄 Instant PDF Report
Get Full Analysis as PDF
Investment breakdown, payback timeline, royalty drag, 5-year return & red flags — sent to your email.
Franchise consultants charge $500–$1,000+ for a comparison like this. Get yours for $19.
Get PDF — $19 →🔒 Secure Stripe · No account needed · Instant email delivery
Get Personalized AI Matching
See which franchise fits your budget, lifestyle, and goals — not just which has better raw numbers.
Start Free →Compare Up to 4 Franchises
Our full comparison tool adds personalized fit scores, FDD insights, and territory availability.
Open Comparison Tool