Introduction
Over the past four decades, Penn Station East Coast Subs has carved out a unique niche for itself in America’s fast-casual dining scene by offering hot grilled subs made to order, hand-cut fries, and real fresh-squeezed lemonade, all served with genuine hospitality and operational excellence. With a rich foundation built on craft, care, and consistency, Penn Station continues to expand, inviting franchisees to join in its evolving legacy.
History & Brand Foundation
- Founded in 1985, rooted in Cincinnati, Ohio, by Jeff Osterfeld.
- From day one, the sub shop has been celebrated for its cheesesteak, fresh-cut fries, and fresh-squeezed lemonade.
- The brand began franchising in 1987 within the Cincinnati region and soon expanded to other cities, including St. Louis, Louisville, and Nashville.
Today, Penn Station operates over 320 locations nationwide, with continued growth targeting the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeast markets.
Signature Menu & Craftsmanship
Penn Station differentiates itself through proprietary, highly craveable recipes, handcrafted to order:
- Hot-grilled subs with premium cheeses and freshly prepared fillings.
- Classic Cold Subs, chill and craveable subs, perfect for catering orders
- Fresh-cut fries are made in-house.
- Real fresh-squeezed lemonade and freshly baked cookies.
- Salads and wraps, offering variety and healthier options.
These menu pillars reflect the brand’s mantra: You Craving What I’m Craving? and Love your Sub.
Awards & Recognition
Penn Station has garnered acclaim from several high-profile outlets, such as Training Magazine, Entrepreneur, Newsweek, QSR Magazine, and Franchise Business Review, highlighting its strength as one of the country’s premier sandwich franchises.
Franchise Opportunity & Investment
Why Penn Station?
- Scalable business model: designed to support growth.
- Award-winning training ensures operational readiness.
- Unit-level profitability: named a Most Profitable Franchise for four consecutive years by Franchise Business Review[1]
- Brand strength and proprietary recipes attract returning customers.
Investment Summary
- Initial investment: $508,000 to $859,000
- Minimum liquid capital required: $300,000
(Detailed financial information is available for review in the Franchise Disclosure Document.)
Financial Criteria
- Net worth: minimum $500,000
- Liquid assets: minimum $300,000
- Training: franchisees must complete a four-week training program in Cincinnati
Franchise Support & Systems
Penn Station offers a comprehensive support structure:
- Onboarding & classroom/hands-on training
- Site selection & real estate guidance
- Proprietary software for CRM and operations
- Performance evaluations (6–8 visits annually)
- Area franchise advisors embedded regionally
- Ongoing marketing and IT support
These systems ensure franchisees are equipped to deliver consistent brand experiences and drive unit-level performance.
Market Position & Industry Trends
- According to Spherical Insights, the US fast food and quick service restaurants market was estimated at $242.84 billion in 2024, and is expected to grow at an estimated CAGR of 3.3% from 2025 to 2035.
- The U.S. quick-service restaurant market exceeds $387 billion annually, with sandwiches contributing $118 billion and growing at ~2 % CAGR
- QSR is forecasted to grow rapidly, driven by consumer preferences for convenience, technology adoption (mobile ordering, contactless payments), and off-premising dining options.
- Penn Station is well-positioned to grow alongside these macro trends.
Testimonials from Franchisees
- “The all‑hands training that we received from Penn Station was amazing.” — Preston House, Missouri
- “You really do get the feeling of being a true entrepreneur — you’re building something for yourself and making it your own.” — Ann Vanover, West Virginia
- “Quick, friendly service. Great‑tasting subs.” — Lori R., North Carolina
Expansion Strategy
Penn Station is actively expanding across the Midwest, Mid‑Atlantic, and Southeast, with new franchises becoming available in targeted markets.
How to Join: The Ownership Path
- Explore our website and request more information.
- Choose a market territory.
- Speak with a franchise specialist.
- Review the FDD.
- Submit paperwork and attend discovery meeting.
- Receive approval and finalize the development agreement.
- Complete training and open your Penn Station restaurant franchise!
Conclusion & Call to Action
With its highly craveable subs, proven business model, strategic support systems, and growing market footprint, Penn Station East Coast Subs offers a compelling investment opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking a proven QSR brand with powerful numbers. Anchored by passion, quality, and performance, Penn Station invites qualified individuals to join its thriving brand.
Ready to turn your passion for flavor into franchise ownership? Visit Penn Station’s franchise page and request a copy of the Franchise Disclosure Document to learn more and begin your journey today!
