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Guide 7 min read Updated May 6, 2026

Cost to Start a Quiznos Franchise in 2026

Quiznos franchise startup costs run $200K–$485K for a toasted sub sandwich QSR with 800+ global locations. The brand's toasted sub positioning and lower startup cost versus full-kitchen QSR concepts make it an accessible franchise entry point.

Quiznos franchise costs at a glance

Total investment $200,000–$485,000
Franchise fee $10,000
Royalty 7%
Ad / marketing fee 4%
Liquid capital required $75,000
Net worth required $200,000
Source: Quiznos Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) · as of 2026-05-06. Figures vary by market and site; verify against the current FDD before signing.

Key takeaways

  • Total estimated startup cost: $200,000–$485,000(toasted sub sandwich QSR)
  • Franchise fee: $10,000
  • Ongoing royalty: 7%; advertising fund: 4%
  • 800+ locations globally; founded in Denver, Colorado in 1981
  • Listed on the SBA Franchise Directory — eligible for expedited SBA loan processing
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Total startup cost breakdown

Per the current FDD filed under the FTC Franchise Rule (16 CFR Part 436), total estimated initial investment for a Quiznos franchise runs $200,000–$485,000. The toasted sub format requires conveyor oven equipment but keeps the overall kitchen simpler than grill-heavy or fryer-intensive QSR concepts:

  • Franchise fee: $10,000
  • Leasehold improvements and build-out: $60,000–$180,000
  • Conveyor oven and kitchen equipment: $40,000–$100,000
  • Furniture, fixtures, and signage: $25,000–$60,000
  • POS and technology: $10,000–$25,000
  • Initial inventory: $5,000–$12,000
  • Training and travel: $5,000–$15,000
  • Grand opening marketing: $5,000–$15,000
  • Working capital (3 months): $15,000–$50,000
  • Professional fees, permits, insurance: $10,000–$25,000

Ongoing fees

Quiznos charges a 7% royalty on gross sales plus a 4% advertising fund contribution, for a combined 11% of gross sales. The 7% royalty is at the higher end for sandwich QSR, but the $10,000 franchise fee is one of the lowest in the category — the brand structures total franchise cost to favor lower upfront exposure over ongoing payments.

Financing options

Quiznos is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory, qualifying franchisees for expedited SBA loan processing. Financing paths:

  • SBA 7(a) loan: Covers franchise fee, leasehold improvements, conveyor oven and kitchen equipment, and working capital. The $200K–$485K range fits well within SBA 7(a) program limits for leased locations.
  • SBA Express loan: For builds in the $200K–$350K range, the SBA Express program offers up to $500K with faster approval and reduced documentation requirements.
  • Equipment financing: Conveyor ovens and kitchen equipment can be financed separately over 5–7 years.
  • Working capital line of credit: Covers initial inventory, pre-opening costs, and early ramp periods.
  • Conventional commercial loan: Operators with sandwich QSR experience and strong balance sheets may access conventional lending.

Realistic ROI timeline

Toasted sub QSR concepts in high-traffic inline or food court locations typically target break-even within 18–30 months at the $200K–$485K investment level. The low startup cost relative to grill-heavy QSR concepts means less capital at risk and faster potential payback. Operators in markets with existing Quiznos brand recognition benefit from lower customer acquisition costs. New-market operators should plan for more aggressive local marketing investment to build brand awareness.

Who's a good fit

Quiznos suits first-time or experienced franchise operators who value a lower entry cost, an operationally simple kitchen, and a toasted-sub product differentiation in the sandwich category. The higher ongoing royalty (7%) should be modeled carefully against expected AUV before committing. Typical financial benchmarks are net worth of $200K+ and liquid capital of $75K+.

What lenders look for in a Quiznos franchise application

Quiznos is on the SBA Franchise Directory, so SBA-approved lenders can process applications without individual agreement review. At $200K–$485K, Quiznos is an accessible entry point — but the 11% combined fee load is among the highest in the sub segment. Here is what lenders evaluate per SBA SOP 50 10 8:

  • 20–25% equity injection at $200K–$485K — lenders require $40K–$121K in verified equity before SBA commitment; at the lower end of the range, SBA Express (up to $500K) may be available for qualified borrowers, with faster processing and lower documentation requirements
  • 11% combined fee load — highest in the sub segment — Quiznos charges 7% royalty + 4% advertising fund = 11% of gross sales; lenders must stress-test the pro forma DSCR against this fee load; operators should model realistic AUV at year-one (not peak) before assuming positive DSCR
  • Brand contraction context — lenders will ask — Quiznos declined from 5,000+ to ~800 locations; lenders underwriting Quiznos franchise loans will review the brand's stabilization trajectory, franchise support resources, and market penetration in the specific trade area; applicants should address this directly in their business plan
  • Conveyor oven and leasehold equipment collateral — Quiznos kitchens are simpler than grill-heavy QSR, but conveyor ovens and inline build-out leasehold improvements are valued at 50–60% of cost under SBA collateral policy; the lower absolute equipment cost is a positive collateral factor vs. $1M+ QSR builds
  • Working capital adequacy for brand education in new markets — in markets where Quiznos closed locations, brand awareness may require heavier initial marketing; lenders assess whether the 3-month working capital reserve is sufficient to cover a slower ramp period

Apply for franchise financing

ClearValue Lending works with QSR and sandwich franchise operators on SBA, equipment, and working capital financing. Start at small business financing or apply for franchise financing at Find my match. Your file routes to the funding partners best matched to your file.

Sources

  • Quiznos is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory, qualifying franchisees for expedited SBA loan eligibility. — SBA Franchise Directory
  • SBA 7(a) loans finance sandwich and QSR franchise startups including leasehold improvements, conveyor oven equipment, and working capital. SBA Express loans are available up to $500,000 with faster processing. — SBA 7(a) Loan Program
  • All franchise cost and fee disclosures are governed by the FTC Franchise Rule requiring a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) be delivered at least 14 days before signing. — FTC Franchise Rule — 16 CFR Part 436
  • Qualifying conveyor oven and kitchen equipment placed in service during the tax year may be immediately expensed under IRS Section 179. — IRS Publication 946

Frequently asked questions

What DSCR do lenders require for a Quiznos franchise loan?
SBA guidelines set a minimum DSCR of 1.15×. In practice, lenders underwriting Quiznos franchise loans typically require 1.25×–1.35× to account for Quiznos' 11% combined fee load (7% royalty + 4% ad fund — highest in the sub segment) and a potential ramp period in markets with reduced brand presence. Pro forma projections should use conservative year-one AUV. Source: SBA Standard Operating Procedure 50 10 7 (sba.gov).
How much equity do I need to finance a Quiznos franchise?
SBA requires a minimum 10% equity injection of total project cost. At $200K–$485K, lenders typically expect 20–25% — meaning $40K–$121K in documented borrower equity. Personal savings are the most common source at this investment level. ROBS (retirement funds rolled into the business) is available but typically involves setup costs that may not be cost-effective below $300K total investment. Source: SBA SOP 50 10 8, Subpart B, Chapter 4.
How much does a Quiznos franchise cost in 2026?
Per the current FDD, total estimated initial investment runs $200,000–$485,000. The $10,000 franchise fee is one of the lowest in the sandwich QSR category. Leasehold improvements, conveyor oven, and kitchen equipment are the primary cost drivers.
Is Quiznos still franchising?
Yes. Quiznos relaunched its franchise program after a significant reduction in its location count from a peak of 5,000+ units. The brand is actively granting new franchises with an updated menu and a low franchise fee structure designed to attract new operators.
What is the Quiznos royalty rate?
Quiznos charges a 7% royalty on gross sales plus a 4% advertising fund contribution, for a combined 11% of gross sales. The royalty rate is higher than most sandwich QSR peers, but the $10,000 franchise fee is substantially below category average.
Can I finance a Quiznos franchise with an SBA loan?
Yes. Quiznos is on the SBA Franchise Directory. SBA 7(a) or SBA Express can cover leased builds within standard program limits. Conveyor oven and kitchen equipment can be financed separately via equipment lending.
How does Quiznos differ from cold-build sandwich competitors?
Quiznos' core differentiator is its toasted-sub format — every sub passes through a conveyor oven before serving, creating a warm, melted product. This distinguishes Quiznos from cold-build sandwich QSR concepts and appeals to customers who prefer a hot sandwich without the wait of a made-to-order hot sandwich chain.
Summary:

Quiznos franchise startup costs run $200K–$485K for a toasted sub sandwich QSR with 800+ global locations. The brand's toasted sub positioning and lower startup cost versus full-kitchen QSR concepts make it an accessible franchise entry point.

This article is for educational purposes and is not financial, legal, or tax advice. Rates, fees, qualification requirements, and product availability are illustrative ranges that vary by lender, market conditions, and individual business profile. ClearValue Lending is a funding platform; all financing is subject to lender partner approval and terms. Always read your contract end-to-end and verify specific numbers before signing.

https://clearvaluelending.com/franchises/quiznos/cost-to-start

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