If you’re considering investing in a franchise business opportunity, it’s essential to research and compare different options. Two popular fast-food franchises are Penn Station East Coast Subs and Little Caesars Pizza. While both franchises have their unique selling points, they differ significantly in many ways. Let’s dive in and compare the popular pizza franchise to a well-established sandwich franchise.

Introduction: The Power of Franchising in Fast Food

Franchising remains one of the most accessible ways for aspiring entrepreneurs to enter the booming quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry. With Americans spending billions annually on fast food and QSR brands, the right QSR franchise opportunity can offer both stability and growth potential.

Two standout options—Penn Station East Coast Subs and Little Caesars Pizza—represent the best of the sandwich and pizza segments, respectively.

This article explores what makes each brand compelling for investors and highlights why they are gaining attention across the industry.

Comparing Costs: Penn Station East Coast Subs vs. Little Caesars Pizza Franchise

How much does a sandwich franchise cost compared to a pizza franchise? We can start with understanding franchise fees. Typically, franchisees pay fees to have the ability to use the franchisor’s business system, trademark and products. In return, the franchisor provides training, marketing materials, site selection assistance, operational support, store design, construction and more.

Franchisors of different brands may set up their fee structure differently. A franchisor’s franchise disclosure document (“FDD”) can help you better understand the potential earnings, fees, and cost. In this scenario, you’re interested in a Penn Station East Coast Subs franchise or a Little Caesars Pizza franchise, so let’s compare the two side-by-side when it comes to some standard costs based on their latest FDDs.

*See Penn Station’s 2023 FDD issued March 31, 2023 for a full explanation of all fees and costs.

**According to the Little Caesars March 2023 FDD, the initial franchise fee may be reduced for existing franchisees in certain circumstances. See their FDD for a full scope of fees and costs

Brand Profiles: Founding, Menu, and Expansion

Penn Station Subs Franchise Profile: Craft, Quality, and Community

• Founded: 1985, Cincinnati, Ohio by Jeff Osterfeld.
• Menu: Grilled and cold East Coast-style subs, fresh-cut fries, hand-squeezed lemonade, wraps, salads, and more—all made to order with premium ingredients and an open-kitchen concept.
• Locations: Over 320 restaurants in 15 states, with a strong presence in the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeast.
• Available Territories: Prime franchise markets are open across the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeast, with new agreements recently signed in Michigan and North Carolina.
• Brand Highlights:
  • Recognized as a Most Profitable Franchise by Franchise Business Review for four consecutive years, reflecting strong franchisee satisfaction and profitability, a key metric for any franchise investment.reflecting strong franchisee satisfaction and profitability.
  • Award-winning training and support programs focused on franchisee growth.
  • Industry recognition for menu innovation and community impact, including being named a Top Franchise for Women and climbing the Franchise Times Top 400 list.
  • Commitment to operational excellence and a franchise-first approach.
  • Fresh, made-to-order food prepared in full view of customers, emphasizing transparency and quality.
  • Strong brand recognition and loyal customer base built over nearly four decades.

Little Caesars Pizza Franchise Profile: Global Scale and Value

• Founded: 1959, Garden City, Michigan by Mike and Marian Ilitch.
• Menu: HOT-N-READY® pizzas, specialty pizzas, wings, Crazy Bread®, Italian Cheese Bread, salads, and seasonal limited-time offers.
• Locations: Over 4,200 restaurants in the U.S. and more than 5,000 worldwide, making it the third-largest pizza chain globally.
• Available Territories: Multi-unit franchise deals available nationwide, including in California, Tennessee, Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Minnesota, and Oregon.
• Brand Highlights:
• • Industry innovator with the Pizza Portal®—a heated, self-service mobile order pickup station.
  • Known for affordability and speed with the iconic HOT-N-READY® pizzas and “Pizza! Pizza!” slogan.
  • Strong national advertising, NFL partnership, and high brand recognition.
  • Ongoing menu innovation, including plant-based options and portable snacks like Crazy Puffs.

Franchise Locations & Available Territories: Penn Station vs. Little Caesars

Penn Station continues to expand in key U.S. markets, focusing on quality growth and franchisee support, while Little Caesars leverages its global scale and brand power for rapid expansion and market penetration.

Brand Resilience & Recession-Resistant Franchise Models

Penn Station East Coast Subs has a track record of weathering tough times while supporting franchisees. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Penn Station East Coast Subs was able to continue adding store count. The National Restaurant Association, as reported in the Washington Post in June 2022, estimated 90,000 U.S. restaurants permanently closed during the height of the pandemic.

Penn Station East Coast Subs opened four new locations in 2021, as reported in Forbes in January 2022. The quality menu items offered at a fair price can allow families to eat out during an economic downturn.

Little Caesars franchises have a value-oriented menu and run frequent promotions. Their signature “Hot-N-Ready” affords customers a meal at a low price point (although they raised the $5 price in 2022).

Franchise Support and Training

Penn Station East Coast Subs offers an award-winning training program focused on owner development and operational excellence. Franchisees benefit from robust support systems, marketing assistance, and a franchise-first approach that prioritizes owner success.

Little Caesars provides comprehensive training with both on-the-job and classroom components, streamlined operations, and marketing support as part of its franchise support system. Their large-scale system ensures franchisees have access to proven procedures and national advertising.

Conclusion: Which Franchise Business Opportunity is Right for You?

Both Penn Station East Coast Subs and Little Caesars Pizza offer proven business models, strong brand recognition, and robust franchisee support.

Penn Station stands out for having more available territories and its commitment to quality, award-winning support, and steady expansion in high-growth markets—making it a top choice for investors seeking a rewarding restaurant ownership opportunity in the sandwich franchise space.

Ready to explore a Penn Station Subs franchise? Reach out today to discover available territories and take the next step toward business ownership in a thriving, in-demand industry.

Why Choose Penn Station Subs Franchise?

• Growth Markets Available: Exclusive territories in high-demand regions, with opportunities for multi-unit ownership.
• Strong Franchisee Satisfaction: Consistently ranked among the most profitable franchises, with high marks for support and performance.
• Premium Product Focus: Commitment to quality ingredients, made-to-order food, and a transparent kitchen experience.
• Award-Winning Brand: Recognized for innovation, community impact, and leadership in the fast-casual segment.
• Industry-Leading Support: Comprehensive training, marketing, and operational systems designed for franchisee growth.

Getting Started: Requirements and Next Steps

To get started with Penn Station, prospective franchisees need a net worth of at least $500,000 and a minimum liquidity of $300,000. Each franchise group must select and/or recruit a qualified managing owner candidate, sometimes referred to as an operating partner, that will be responsible for day-to-day restaurant operations. The managing owner also attends the required four-week training in Cincinnati.

To get started or for more information on owning a Penn Station East Coast Subs franchise, contact us today.

The offer of a franchise can only be made through the delivery of a Franchise Disclosure Document. Certain jurisdictions require registration prior to the offer or sale of a franchise. We only offer franchises in jurisdictions where we are registered or are exempt from registration. Penn Station, Inc. 1226 US Highway 50, Milford, OH 45150. Penn-Station.com