Franchise Deep Dive: Which Wich Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

Which Wich appeals to the nostalgia of carrying your lunch to school in a brown paper bag and promises “superior” sandwiches with good vibes.

By Erica InmanStaff Writer

4:16PM • 11/22/23

LAST UPDATED: October 2023

FRANCHISE WEBSITE: https://www.whichwichfranchising.com/

NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 200+

REPORTED COST TO GET IN: $253,500 - $742,250

REPORTED ROI (Item 19): $400,715 (in median gross sales)

Which Wich founder and CEO Jeff Sinelli has fond memories of his school days when his mom would pack his lunch in a brown paper bag, writing his name and the lunch contents on the outside each day. This inspired the business model of Which Wich, where customers write their own orders on a paper bag.

The brand opened its first locations in Dallas, Texas in 2003 and began franchising in 2005. Today, the brand competes in the highly saturated fast-casual sandwich market against other sandwich shop giants such as Jimmy John's and Jersey Mike's.

How Many Which Wich Locations Are There?

Which Wich has over 220 locations in the U.S. with additional locations in Guatemala, Oman, the U.K., Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

What Is the Which Wich Business Model?

Which Wich is a fast casual chain restaurant known for its “Superior Sandwiches” and salad options. The brand also offers shakes, sweets, and vegetarian and gluten free options.

Sinelli is the brand’s CEO, but he also refers to himself as CVO (Chief Vibe Officer) and puts good vibes at the top of the brand’s list of core values.

Upon entering a Which Wich, customers grab a paper bag that has printed options on it such as types of breads, meats, cheeses and vegetables, and they mark their choices with a marker before handing in their bag at the counter. Then, when their name is called, customers get their sandwich in their own customized bag. Customers are also encouraged to doodle on their paper bag, which can be hung on Which Wich’s “gallery wall.”

Which Wich also offers catering and online ordering services.

How Much Can Which Wich Franchise Owners Make?

The average median gross sales per year, according the brand’s 2022 FDD, are listed below:

2018: $461,203
2019: $427,123
2020: $281,886
2021: $388,829
2022: $400,715

How Much Does It Cost to Open a Which Wich?

The estimated investment necessary to begin the operation of a Which Wich franchise is $253,500 - $742,250.There is also an ongoing royalty fee of 6% of gross sales, and a Brand Development Fund fee of 3% of gross sales.

Potential franchisees must also have $150,000 in liquid assets and a total net worth of $250,000.

Other expense estimates, according to Which Wich’s 2022 FDD, are indicated below:

Deposit for Second Location: $0 - $12,500
Initial Application and Document Preparation Fee: $750
Site Selection Assistance: $0 - $1,000
First Month's Rent and Security Deposit: $2,000 - $14,000
Leasehold Improvements: $90,000 - $375,000
Store Design Consulting Services: $0 - $1,500
Furniture, Fixes & Signage: $106,000 - $212,000
Initial Training Costs: $0 - $15,000
Pre-Opening Consultation: $0 - $1,000
Opening Assistance Costs: $0 - $5,000
Computer Hardware & Software: $1,500 - $15,000
Initial Inventory & Supplies: $7,500 - $12,000
Professional Services: $2,500 - $7,000
Opening Advertising Expenses: $3,500 - $10,000
Insurance: $250 - $3,000
Additional Funds (Misc.): $10,000 - $40,000

What Is the Franchise Fee for Which Wich?

The initial franchise fee required by Which Wich ranges from $25,000 to $30,000. There is a 10% discount available for veterans.

Who Is the Leadership of Which Wich?

What Helpful Articles Can I Read to Learn More About Which Wich?

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