Erbert & Gerbert's
Food & Beverage · Sub Sandwiches
Description
What is Erbert & Gerbert's?
What sets Erbert & Gerbert's apart is their signature bread-hollowing technique, where they remove the soft inner portion of the bread (affectionately called 'guts') and place it on top of the sandwich. This innovative approach not only creates a better bread-to-filling ratio but also provides customers with a fun way to enjoy their accompanying soups – by dipping the bread 'guts' in them!
The menu features an imaginative array of sandwiches, each with its own creative name and story, from the popular 'Boney Billy' to the flavorful 'Narmer.' Their commitment to quality is evident in their fresh-baked bread, premium meats, and crisp vegetables. Beyond sandwiches, they're known for their exceptional soups, including customer favorites like beer cheese and chicken wild rice, plus their delicious mac and cheese offerings.
The franchise has earned a stellar reputation for outstanding customer service, with locations consistently receiving praise for their friendly staff and efficient operations. They've also adapted to modern dietary needs by offering gluten-free options that customers rave about as some of the best in the industry.
Whether serving lunch crowds or catering business meetings, Erbert & Gerbert's has established itself as a superior alternative to conventional sub shops, providing a memorable dining experience that keeps customers coming back for more.
- 37 years proven operational experience since 1987
- Below average investment requirements ($193K-$460K vs sector average $420K-$864K)
- Above average reported gross revenue ($639K vs sector average $608K)
- 69 active units demonstrating system stability
- Counter-service format in recession-resistant Food & Beverage sector
- Boutique franchise approach with potential for personalized support
Location Analysis
Where Erbert & Gerbert's wins
The franchise's geographic distribution reveals a hub-and-spoke expansion strategy, with Minnesota serving as the primary market and neighboring states as growth territories. Michigan represents a significant expansion market, while the Dakotas offer untapped potential. This concentrated presence suggests opportunities for infill development in existing markets and strategic expansion into adjacent states like Iowa and Illinois.
Ideal locations for new franchisees should target mid-sized Midwest cities with strong college populations and business districts, following the success pattern in markets like Appleton. Key location criteria include high-traffic areas with daytime population density, proximity to universities or office complexes, and areas with limited premium sandwich competition. The brand's strongest performance indicators appear in communities with median household incomes above regional averages and established lunch crowds.
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Financial Analysis
The numbers behind Erbert & Gerbert's
The sub sandwich industry benefits from recession-resistant fundamentals with consistent consumer demand for quick, affordable meal options in counter-service settings. Fast-casual dining continues expanding as consumers prioritize convenience and value, though the sector faces intensifying competition from established players and emerging concepts.
With 37 years of operational history since 1987 and 69 active units, Erbert & Gerbert's demonstrates system stability while maintaining a boutique franchise approach. This smaller footprint may limit brand recognition compared to national chains but potentially offers greater territorial availability and personalized franchisor support.
The brand's reported gross revenue of $638,922 exceeds sub-sector averages of $608,302, suggesting effective operational systems despite lower investment requirements. However, prospective investors should carefully evaluate local market dynamics, as sub sandwich concepts require strategic positioning against dominant competitors.
Ideal candidates include experienced restaurant operators or business professionals with strong local market knowledge and sufficient liquid capital to sustain operations through the initial ramp-up period.
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
CRF USA
Nonprofit SBA lender; provides financing for franchise acquisitions, startups, and expansion.
First Bank of the Lake
Pension Pros
FDD Item 7
Initial investment range
Per FDD Item 7, total initial investment ranges from $193,820 to $460,270. The midpoint $327,045 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.
FDD Item 19
Average gross sales
According to Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document, Erbert & Gerbert's has an average gross revenue of $639K. (Note: This information is based on the latest FDD in our records. Please review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and confirm this information directly with the brand. We make no claims of accuracy for the information presented.)
Growth over time
Franchise footprint
2024 Franchise Disclosure
FDD documents
Below are items 2, 3, 4, 7, 11 and 19 for Erbert & Gerbert's's 2024 FDD. The complete FDD is delivered to you directly by the franchisor, per the FTC Franchise Rule.
Connect to download Items 2, 3, 4, and 11 — direct from the franchisor.
Buyer FAQs
Frequently asked questions
The initial investment for a Erbert & Gerbert's franchise typically ranges between $193,820.00 and $460,270.00. 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 2024. 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.
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