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Penn Station

Information based on 2024 FDD
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Brand Highlights
  • Founded in 1985
  • Franchising Since 1987
  • 322 US Franchises
  • $507,500 - $858,750 Investment Range
  • $836,144 Average Gross Revenue
  • 2% - 8% Royalty Fee
  • $25,000 Franchise Fee
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Brand Description

Penn Station East Coast Subs, established in 1985, has earned a stellar reputation for delivering exceptional quality and taste in the competitive sub sandwich market. Known for their signature hot and grilled-to-order submarine sandwiches, Penn Station has cultivated a passionate following through their commitment to fresh ingredients and made-to-order preparation.

What sets Penn Station apart is their distinctive menu featuring hand-cut, fresh-cut fries cooked in pure peanut oil, creating a crispy, golden perfection that rivals any boardwalk fry. Their legendary Philly cheesesteaks are prepared with premium ingredients, featuring tender steak, melted cheese, and fresh-grilled vegetables on hearth-baked bread. The menu also includes other fan favorites like their Italian sub, chicken teriyaki, and their unique pizza sub variation.

Beyond their core offerings, Penn Station distinguishes itself with fresh-squeezed lemonade and hand-crafted beverages. Their commitment to quality extends to their multi-grain bread option and chocolate chunk cookies, providing choices for health-conscious customers while maintaining their indulgent appeal.

The brand's success is built on a foundation of exceptional customer service, with locations consistently receiving praise for their friendly staff, clean environments, and efficient operations. Their open-kitchen concept allows customers to watch as their meals are prepared fresh, adding to the transparent and engaging dining experience. Whether dining in or carrying out, Penn Station delivers a consistently superior sub sandwich experience that keeps customers coming back for more.

DID YOU KNOW?

How much does it cost to start a franchise with Penn Station?

$507,500
$858,750
Did you know that bringing Penn Station's famous cheesesteaks and fresh-cut fries to your community requires a total investment of $507,500 to $858,750, which covers everything from the $25,000 franchise fee to equipment, build-out costs, and working capital needed to launch this popular East Coast-style sub shop that's been satisfying sandwich cravings since 1985?
Financial Summary
Franchise Fee
$25,000
Investment Range
$507,500 - $858,750
Investment Midpoint
$683,125
Minimum Cash Required
$507,500
Royalty Fees
2% - 8%
Brand Fund
2%
Brand Bragging Rights
39 years proven operational history
323 units nationwide system scale
Fresh-grilled signature sandwich differentiation
Above-average reported gross revenue performance
Comprehensive catering revenue opportunities
Established loyalty rewards program infrastructure
Financial Analysis
Penn Station requires an investment of $507,500-$858,750, positioning it in the mid-tier franchise category within the sub sandwich sector. The investment range aligns closely with sub-sector averages ($419,677-$864,432), indicating competitive market positioning. Prospective franchisees typically need substantial liquid capital and net worth requirements, with financing often available through SBA loans and franchisor-approved lenders.

The sub sandwich industry benefits from consistent consumer demand for convenient, customizable meal options, though faces intense competition from established players. Penn Station's reported gross revenue of $836,144 exceeds the sub-sector average of $608,302, suggesting strong unit-level performance within a mature market segment.

With 323 units and 39 years of operation since 1985, Penn Station demonstrates substantial system maturity and operational stability. This extensive operational history provides proven business systems, established supply chains, and refined operational procedures that reduce investment risk for new franchisees.

Key investment considerations include the food service industry's labor-intensive nature, requiring hands-on management and operational oversight. The brand's focus on grilled subs, fresh-cut fries, and fresh-squeezed lemonade creates operational complexity but potentially stronger differentiation. Territory rights and market protection vary by market density and development agreements.

Ideal investors possess food service experience, strong operational management skills, and sufficient capital reserves for working capital requirements. Multi-unit development opportunities may exist in underserved markets. Prospective franchisees should thoroughly review the FDD and conduct comprehensive due diligence before investment decisions.
Expected Investment Range
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Average Gross Sales
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Financing
Financing Details

Franzy connects you with top-tier financing partners to help secure the funds to invest in a franchise like Penn Station. Whether you're looking for a loan or exploring other financial products, our partners provide expert guidance to ensure you obtain the necessary capital. They specialize in offering solutions tailored to the needs of franchisees, making the process of securing financing smooth and straightforward.

Why Financing with Franzy Partners?

Choosing to finance through Franzy's partners ensures you get the best terms and support for your franchise investment. Our partners have extensive experience in the franchising industry and offer specialized financial solutions tailored to your needs. With competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options, you can find the right financing plan that fits your budget and goals. Our partners are committed to providing personalized guidance throughout the financing process, making it easier for you to secure the necessary funds and confidently move forward with your franchise venture.

Finance Partners
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FranFund

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CRF USA

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First Bank of the Lake

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Golden Capital Solutions

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Location Analysis
Penn Station demonstrates strong regional dominance in the Midwest, with widespread coverage across multiple states. The franchise shows particular strength throughout Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, forming a robust core market in the Great Lakes region. This geographic concentration suggests effective supply chain management and strong brand recognition in these areas.

Customer satisfaction metrics are solid, with strong positive ratings across numerous reviews, indicating consistent service quality and product delivery. The franchise's highest concentration in Ohio and surrounding states suggests a successful regional expansion strategy that leverages market familiarity and operational efficiency.

Growth opportunities exist particularly in the Northeast and Southeast markets, where Penn Station's presence is less established. The franchise's success in Midwest markets, characterized by mid-sized cities and suburban locations with strong lunch crowds and middle-income demographics, provides a blueprint for expansion.

Ideal locations typically feature high-visibility sites in retail corridors, proximity to office complexes or universities, and areas with median household incomes above $50,000. New franchisees should focus on markets with similar characteristics to the successful Midwest model, while considering untapped territories in adjacent states for expansion potential.
Total US Locations323
Open Franchises322
Corporate Locations1
Average Sq. FootN/A
Territory Map

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Franchise Net Unit Growth
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Additional Information

Executive Team

Get to know the leadership behind Penn Station. Learn about the experience and expertise of the executive team guiding Penn Station's success. For more details, refer to Item 2 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Litigation

Review any legal actions or pending litigation involving Penn Station. Understanding the legal history helps assess potential risks and the brand's business practices. For more details, refer to Item 3 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Bankruptcy

Review Penn Station's bankruptcy history and any filings by key personnel or affiliates. This critical information provides transparency about the brand's financial stability and management. For more details, refer to Item 4 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Franchisor Assistance

Learn about Penn Station's comprehensive support system for franchisees, including initial training programs and continuous operational assistance. Understanding the available resources and support structure is crucial for franchise success. For more details, refer to Item 11 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Frequently Asked Questions
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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