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 | Subway | Jimmy John's |
|---|---|---|
| Failure Rate | 8% | 4% |
| Unit Turnover (Growth) | -3.5%/yr | +0.5%/yr |
| Total Fee Burden | 12.5% | 10.5% |
| Territory Protection | ❌ Non-Exclusive | ✅ Exclusive |
Detailed Analysis: Subway vs Jimmy John's
According to FranchiseStack.ai's franchise database of 192+ FDD-sourced opportunities, Subway and Jimmy John's 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. Jimmy John's 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. Jimmy John's leads with a 65/100 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 | Subway | Jimmy John's |
|---|---|---|
| Min Investment | $229K | $314K |
| Max Investment | $524K | $561K |
| Franchise Fee | $15K | $35K |
| Royalty Rate | 8.0% | 6.0% |
| Ad Fund Rate | 4.5% | 4.5% |
Unit Economics
| Metric | Subway | Jimmy John's |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Unit Revenue | $420K | $900K |
| Avg Profit Margin | N/A | N/A |
Scale & Growth
| Metric | Subway | Jimmy John's |
|---|---|---|
| Total Units | 36,690 | 2,750 |
| Annual Growth | -3.5% | 0.5% |
| Failure Rate | 8.0% | 4.0% |
Franchisee Performance
| Metric | Subway | Jimmy John's |
|---|---|---|
| Franchisee Satisfaction | 55/100 | 65/100 |
Track Record
| Metric | Subway | Jimmy John's |
|---|---|---|
| Years in Business | 59 | 42 |
| Years Franchising | 48 | 31 |
Financial Requirements
| Metric | Subway | Jimmy John's |
|---|---|---|
| Min Net Worth Required | $100K | $300K |
| Liquid Capital Required | $50K | $80K |
Operations
| Metric | Subway | Jimmy John's |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Employees | 12 | 15 |
| Training Weeks | 2 | 3 |
⚠️ Risk Indicators
| Metric | Subway | Jimmy John's |
|---|---|---|
| Failure Rate | 8.0% | 4.0% |
| Annual Unit Growth | -3.5% | 0.5% |
| Units Opened Last Year | 500 | 100 |
| Units Closed Last Year | N/A | N/A |
| Exclusive Territory | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Subway or Jimmy John's a better franchise investment?
The answer depends on your goals, budget, and market. Subway has 36,690 total units and a 55/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Jimmy John's has 2,750 total units and a 65/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Use our ROI Calculator to model both scenarios.
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.
How much does it cost to open a Jimmy John's franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a Jimmy John's franchise requires an initial investment of $314K – $561K. The franchise fee is $35K, with ongoing royalties of 6.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.
What is the royalty rate for Subway vs Jimmy John's?
Subway's royalty rate is 8.0%. Jimmy John's's royalty rate is 6.0%. That means Jimmy John's has the lower ongoing royalty burden.
Which has more locations — Subway or Jimmy John's?
Subway has 36,690 total units. Jimmy John's has 2,750 total units. A larger system can mean more brand recognition, but also more territorial competition.
Is Subway or Jimmy John's semi-absentee friendly?
Subway is typically run as a owner-operator model. Jimmy John's 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.
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