Burger Franchise vs. Sandwich Franchise: How They Stack Up

Fast Casual dining options are the most common type of restaurant in the U.S., according to Statista data from 2022, and many of those casual dining options are likely sandwich or burger franchises. In fact, nearly 36% of the global fast food market is made up of sandwich or burger shops, according to recent research published in Fortune Business Insights. However, even with a substantial market share, are these types of franchises good investments? Let’s see how these two options stack up against each other.

Considerations for a Burger Franchise

According to History, nearly 50 billion burgers are eaten every year across the U.S.

Pros and Cons:

Franchising is filled with its own pros (such as potentially lower business risk, an establishedbusiness model, training and support, and more). Let’s look at some pros and cons of a burger restaurant.

Pros:

• Familiarity: Many consumers are likely familiar with the product you’re serving.
• Small ingredient list: The simple ingredients of a patty, bun, and a few toppings can streamline processes and reduce costs.
• Prime for quick service: A burger restaurant is often set and ready for drive-thru service.

Cons:

• Market saturation: Many restaurants offer burgers, and many quick-service restaurants (QSRs) offer burgers. This can mean the market is saturated and people may be able to find better burgers elsewhere.
• Pricing: The cost of ground beef has steadily increased (according to Statista it’s doubled in cost since 2008)
• Diet trends: More people are eating plant-based food. The New York Times reports plant-based products make up an $8 billion industry. With the rise of diet trends such as “meatless Monday” and vegan diets, serving up a beef burger may lose its fashion fast.
• Dinner time option: Some may feel the heavy nature of a burger meal is suited best for dinner, and consumers may be alienated.

Investing in a Sandwich Shop

The sandwich and sub sandwich restaurant industry is worth more than $45 billion as of 2023 according to IBISWorld. In fact, PBS reports Americans consume about 200 sandwiches per year. For lunch on a summer day, at a picnic, on a road trip bite, for a hearty lunch break, or even a team meeting, not much beats a sandwich.

Pros and Cons:

Here are some pros and cons of a sandwich franchise.

Pros:

• Versatile options: Sandwich shop menus can be diverse, attracting the palate of many consumers, including vegetarian/plant-based options.
• Meal-time options: A light sandwich can be a perfect lunch option, while a fresh-grilled sub is a great dinner option.
• Simple, quality ingredients: While maintaining a varied menu, sandwich restaurants typically don’t have to purchase the wide range of ingredients a traditional restaurant requires.
• Catering: A sandwich is a popular catered meal, which can drive revenue.
• Wide appeal: Sandwiches can appeal to a wide demographic, including health-conscious consumers looking for fresh, customizable options.
• Easy-to-adapt: Sandwich restaurants not only cater to a broad customer base but also allow for greater flexibility in menu innovation and adaptation to changing consumer preferences.

Cons:

• Big brands have saturation: Big franchise brands such as Subway and Arby’s may have market saturation, creating a great opportunity for up-and-coming franchises to introduce new flavor profiles.

Franchise with Penn Station East Coast Subs

Choosing Penn Station East Coast Subs over a burger franchise can offer several advantages. Our focus on quality, freshness, and customer satisfaction addresses consumers’ needs. We offer hot-grilled subs and cold cuts for traditional lovers. For our franchisees, we provide comprehensive support, focused training, an established business model, and the chance to grow your own business.

We’re looking for franchisees who are passionate about serving great, craveable food and excited to grow their own business. You can be a part of the growing sandwich industry and introduce a new concept to consumers in your area. Request information today to get started on your own Penn Station franchise.