Earl of Sandwich

Earl of Sandwich

Information based on 2023 FDD

Food & Beverage · Sub Sandwiches

Investment min
$320K
Total: $320K–$608K
Avg gross revenue
N/A
Unit-level, 2023
Franchise fee
$15K
Per current disclosure
Royalty
6%
of gross revenue
Locations
24
Franchising since 2005

Description

What is Earl of Sandwich?

Earl of Sandwich brings a rich legacy of sandwich-making excellence to the modern fast-casual dining scene. Founded in 2004 by the descendants of John Montagu, the actual 4th Earl of Sandwich and inventor of the sandwich in 1762, this beloved franchise has revolutionized the art of hot sandwiches.

What sets Earl of Sandwich apart is their commitment to exceptional quality and taste. Each sandwich is crafted with fresh, premium ingredients and served on artisan bread that's baked fresh daily. Their signature hot sandwiches are carefully assembled and toasted to perfection, creating a unique dining experience that has earned them a devoted following across their locations.

The menu features an impressive array of classic and innovative options, from their famous Holiday Turkey sandwich with cranberry sauce to the Original 1762 roast beef creation. Beyond sandwiches, they offer fresh salads, wraps, and homemade soups, catering to diverse dietary preferences including vegetarian options.

Earl of Sandwich has strategically positioned itself in high-traffic locations, including popular destinations like Disney properties and major travel plazas, making it a convenient choice for both tourists and locals. Their business model combines quick-service efficiency with high-quality food preparation, delivering a superior product at competitive prices.

The brand is particularly noted for its exceptional customer service, with locations consistently receiving praise for their friendly staff and efficient operations. Whether serving busy professionals during lunch hours or families on vacation, Earl of Sandwich maintains its commitment to providing a premium quick-service dining experience that honors its noble namesake's legacy.
  • Two-decade operational track record since 2004
  • Lower investment threshold than sub-sandwich industry average
  • Multi-country presence across 5+ international markets
  • Established locations in premium venues including airports and casinos
  • Fresh-baked sandwich preparation with signature methods
  • Comprehensive catering services and online ordering platform

Location Analysis

Where Earl of Sandwich wins

Earl of Sandwich demonstrates a strategic bi-coastal presence across multiple states, showing particular strength in the West Coast and Southeast markets. California maintains a strong presence, followed by notable operations in Florida, suggesting strong market acceptance in high-traffic, tourism-heavy regions. The brand's established footprint in Nevada further reinforces its success in destination markets, particularly evident in tourist hubs.

The franchise's location strategy appears to target high-visibility areas with strong foot traffic, as exemplified by their Lake Buena Vista, Florida location near Disney properties. This positioning suggests a focus on premium, high-traffic locations rather than saturated market coverage. The limited presence in Midwest and Northeast markets indicates significant expansion potential in these regions.

For prospective franchisees, ideal locations should prioritize areas with high tourist activity, strong daytime population density, and premium retail corridors. The concentration in California and Florida suggests success in markets with year-round foot traffic and diverse customer bases. Expansion opportunities exist particularly in the Northeast and Midwest, where the brand has minimal presence but strong market potential. Key location criteria should include proximity to entertainment venues, business districts, or tourist attractions, with emphasis on areas demonstrating strong lunch traffic and disposable income levels above regional averages.
Total US locations
31
Franchise units
24
Corporate locations
7
Avg. sq. footage
N/A

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Financial Analysis

The numbers behind Earl of Sandwich

Avg gross revenueN/A
Investment range$319,500 – $608,000
Investment midpoint$463,750
Brand fund3%
Royalty6%
Franchise fee$15,000
Min. net worth
Min. liquid capital
Earl of Sandwich requires an initial investment of $319,500 to $608,000, positioning it as a more accessible franchise opportunity within the sub-sandwich sector. This investment level sits significantly below the industry averages of $419,677 to $864,432, offering a lower barrier to entry for qualified investors. However, specific revenue data is not available for this franchise, making financial performance assessment challenging compared to the subsector average of $608,302.

With 31 units operating since 2004, Earl of Sandwich demonstrates a measured growth approach over two decades. The brand maintains locations across multiple countries including the United States, Canada, Philippines, South Korea, and France, indicating operational adaptability across diverse markets. This conservative expansion suggests careful market selection, though the limited unit count reflects modest scaling compared to larger sandwich chains in the competitive quick-service segment.

Prospective investors should possess substantial restaurant industry experience and sufficient working capital beyond the initial investment. The franchise operates in established markets including casino properties, airports, and shopping centers. Ideal candidates should have liquid capital significantly exceeding the minimum investment and proven multi-unit restaurant management experience. Territory availability and comprehensive due diligence through the Franchise Disclosure Document remain essential for investment evaluation.
Did you know? Did you know that bringing the royal sandwich experience of Earl of Sandwich to your community requires a total investment between $319,500 and $608,000, which covers everything from the $15,000 franchise fee to transforming your space into a premium quick-service restaurant that serves up gourmet sandwiches fit for nobility?

Financing partners

Vetted partners, tailored to franchisees

Your Franzy advisor can connect you with these partners later in the process — competitive rates, specialized in franchise financing.

FranFund

Lender

CRF USA

Nonprofit SBA lender; provides financing for franchise acquisitions, startups, and expansion.

Lender

First Bank of the Lake

Lender

Pension Pros

Lender

FDD Item 7

Initial investment range

$320K–$608K
Most common
$319,500
Minimum
$463,750
Midpoint
$608,000
Maximum

Per FDD Item 7, total initial investment ranges from $319,500 to $608,000. The midpoint $463,750 is what most franchisees report at signing — financing typically reduces cash-at-close by 80–90%. Knowing the investment range helps you plan confidently and ensure you're fully prepared to make the leap.

Growth over time

Franchise footprint

0% YoY
4032241680
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
31 units open as of 2023 FDD

2023 Franchise Disclosure

FDD documents

Below are items 2, 3, 4, 7, 11 and 19 for Earl of Sandwich's 2023 FDD. The complete FDD is delivered to you directly by the franchisor, per the FTC Franchise Rule.

Estimated initial investment
FDD Item 7 · PDF
Financial performance representations
FDD Item 19 · PDF
Members-only items
Executive team
FDD Item 2 · PDF
Litigation
FDD Item 3 · PDF
Bankruptcy
FDD Item 4 · PDF
Franchisor assistance
FDD Item 11 · PDF
Members only
Unlock the 2023 FDD

Connect to download Items 2, 3, 4, and 11 — direct from the franchisor.

Buyer FAQs

Frequently asked questions

The initial investment for a Earl of Sandwich franchise typically ranges between $319,500.00 and $608,000.00. This includes the franchise fee, equipment, real estate, and other startup costs. To get a detailed breakdown and better understand the financial requirements, we recommend scheduling a call with the Franzy team. We'll walk you through the specifics and answer any questions you might have. For more detailed information, refer to the financial sections of the FDD.

Disclaimer. The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that is publicly available and that we have on record, which was issued in 2023. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. For the most current and detailed information, we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.

Earl of Sandwich
Earl of Sandwich
N/A avg revenue · 24+ US franchises

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