Anybody own a Firehouse Subs Franchise? We are looking into buying into one.....

[Mondo]

and are curious of your experience. Likes, dislikes.

We have been doing research for months and I believe have found a good fit for our city.

Any info would be most appreciated.


Thank you
Mondo

[Dan2010]

I know the husband & wife owners of 2 franchises here in South Carolina. The food is top notch and seems to have a loyal following. I think they have the best subs anywhere but that is just my opinion.

As with any restaurant, you have to watch your food costs VERY closely for spoilage and your employees eating up everything as well as giving away food to friends. The restaurant business is a notoriously tough business with low margins so you have to have a good amount of volume to make money. With that being said, I believe if you follow the Firehouse franchise model, you have a better chance than most restaurant type businesses.

[Numismatist]

As with any franchise, the devil is in the details of the franchise agreement. Lawyer up and have it looked at very closely. No sense in giving up all your hard work to the mother ship.

Some can be extremely nice restaurants, but very bad agreements; so you end up working like a dog for not as much as you'd think.

Others are very well done and fair all around.

[Pix]

Look for Quizno's & Cold Stone Creamry disgruntled franchise owners. Just fyi

[Numismatist]

Originally Posted by Pix

Look for Quizno's & Cold Stone Creamry disgruntled franchise owners. Just fyi

X2 - nice stores, good food, unhappy owners...so it would seem.

[renfield33]

as a consumer, i'd take jimmy john's any day.

[steelers]

Very unhappy past and present with quizno's.

[Art 1]

As a business owner I am always thinking about different ideas and talking to people. My guess would be that the average rent for a good location is going to be at least $5000 per month. I know of a Quiznos around here who is paying 9. At an average of say $8 per customer, do the math. The franchise is going to take their share out of your account every Friday, no matter what. But hey, people do make a go of it. I just don't like the math.

[SR/1]

I second the Jimmy johns sentiment. Great business, very well run by people who care. And those stores practically print money

[Runnin' Rebel]

JIMMY JOHNS is MONEY MACHINE, I love that sand witch !!!

[JasoninDenver]

I would never sign a franchise agreement that does not grant at least some geographic exclusivity. I think a lot of the Quizno's problems stem from this. Also, many franchises impose onerous requirements on restaurant design and concept standards which, if frequently changed, destroy the profit margin on many businesses.

Definitely run the agreement by an experienced franchise lawyer.

Also, look into Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill. They will take off but the initial buy in is onerous as they require a high level of commitment (4 locations) and extensive prior restaurant experience.

[daunwaun]

Subway is the sub franchise craze right now here in Ontario. $600,000 down then plus plus plus going forward.

I was talking with one owner and he pointed out that some of these franchises along with quiznos are being run by immigrants who employe their whole family to work the various positions so most of the money stays within one family.

[Art 1]

Originally Posted by daunwaun

Subway is the sub franchise craze right now here in Ontario. $600,000 down then plus plus plus going forward.

I was talking with one owner and he pointed out that some of these franchises along with quiznos are being run by immigrants who employe their whole family to work the various positions so most of the money stays within one family.

And many of the family are illegal and have no payroll taxes workers comp and so forth.

[looking to buy]

I used to be in the restaurant business. Very very difficult to make money. Costs have to be controlled with a religious zeal. Employee theft and spoilage are a major problem. Landlords want long term leases and if you default they will take all you have. If you sign a 10 year lease and the business does not make it then you are in major financial trouble. There are those who make a go of it. They get great locations and good employees and know how to control costs. You really must determine if the long days and cost controlling fanatic that you will have to become fit your personality. I would work 16 hour days, and 7 day weeks for months on end. And I was the owner. It was an experience I would not repeat.

[Andad]

Originally Posted by Art 1

And many of the family are illegal and have no payroll taxes workers comp and so forth.

Not one of your best posts Art.

Unless you know the family personally.

[daunwaun]

Originally Posted by directioneng

Not one of your best posts Art.

Unless you know the family personally.

Actually is a very good post and quite accurate with whats happening where I am right now.