Cheba Hut Sandwich Franchise Eyes Growth in Wisconsin

Sandwich lovers in the Midwest don’t have to travel far to enjoy the delicious taste of toasted Cheba Hut subs. The sub franchise is has been serving up their famous Nugs, Pinners, Blunts and munchies and Madison for over a decade and looks for continued expansion across the state.

“We have a successful spot in Madison, WI and now it’s time to give Milwaukee residents a new place to dine,” Cheba Hut COO Marc Torres said.

The Colorado-based sandwich shop has been around for two decades but has recently gained in popularity, in part, due to more states legalizing recreational marijuana.

“In the last decade, we have been riding the ‘green wave’,” Madison Cheba Hut franchisee David Timmons shared. “We now have dispensaries that are opening and looking for places like us to help serve their clients and it’s a huge opportunity. “

Founder Scott Jennings created the unique concept in 1998 to attract people passionate about food and committed to a no-bullshit approach to life. “Nothing on the menu does or will have any marijuana in it,” Torres said. “We’re just here to cure the munchies and provide killer food.”

Outside of the food and drink offerings, the brand’s corporate team says Cheba Hut is all about creating an opened-minded atmosphere, a space where Freedom of Speech is truly abided by and all walks of life are welcome.

“While we are so excited to grow and continue to increase our footprint, we are also very selective with who we allow to buy into this business,” Torres said. “We want to make sure our ideas are united across the company.”

Currently, there are 20 Cheba Hut locations, a majority of them out West including Oregon, Nevada, New Mexico and California. Torres, however, looks to expand the sandwich shops footprint by moving east into the Great Lakes region.

The Madison location has been around for nearly a decade and has seen great success with the college-aged customers. “Students want good food that is fast, and that’s why we’ve become a staple near UW Madison,” Timmons said.

Torres thinks Cheba Hut’s theme will also attract many Milwaukee diners young and old as well. “The city is full of loyal, hard-working people,” Torres said. “That’s who we are and we connect well with those kinds of folks.”

Because most Cheba Hut locations also sell local beer, Torres believes the Brew City could prove to be a perfect spot for those looking for another location to enjoy an adult beverage and a lively atmosphere in town.

Torres has his sights set on opening a location in the Milwaukee region within the next year with a goal of opening at least three in the area. In total, he said he’d like to open up to six shops around Wisconsin, generating up to 200 jobs in total.