Five Food Franchises that Offer Veteran Franchising Discounts

food

Many franchises in a number of industries offer unique programs to encourage veteran franchise ownership. In our next few blogs, we’ll be reviewing the best franchise opportunities for veterans looking to transition their career. Today, we’ll start out with an industry that understands that the best way to a veteran’s heart is through their stomach.  

 

According to Technavio, the sandwich industry is catching attention for its expansive growth in new regions of the U.S. The sandwich market size is projected to grow by US$11.52 billion during 2020-2024, a CAGR of more than 3 percent. The key market drivers for this growth are a combination of growth opportunities in newly expanding cities and suburbs, along with sandwich franchises introducing new varieties of innovative products. 

 

Sandwich franchises aren’t the only food franchise on the rise. A study by Market Data Forecast valued the smoothie market at $12.1 billion in 2019 and projected the category to grow to $17 billion by 2026 (a CAGR of 10.1 percent). Demand for healthy food options as fitness lifestyles continue to rise in popularity are fueling this growth, with smoothies positioning themselves as a full meal of needed vitamins and nutrients. 

Veterans looking to invest in a business would be well-served to consider these five veteran-supporting food franchises: 

 

Capriotti's Sandwich Shop, Inc. 

Founded in 1976 and franchising since 1987, Capriotti's Sandwich Shop, Inc. has grown to 100 locations throughout the U.S.  Capriotti’s has been appeared on Entrepreneur’s 500, Inc. 500, AOL Best Sandwich in America, and ranked No. 1 Taste and Quality by Sandelman & Associates. Capriotti’s offers a 15% discount off its initial franchise fee to all qualified veterans. Startup costs to open a Capriotti's Sandwich Shop, Inc. begin at $365,000. To learn more about a franchise opportunity with Capriotti's Sandwich Shop, Inc., click here. 

 

Charley's Philly Steaks 

Charley's Philly Steaks was founded in 1986, began franchising in 1991, and now operates 650 units as the world’s largest Philly Cheesesteak franchise. The franchise offers 50% off its initial franchise fee to qualified veterans. Startup costs to open a Charley's Philly Steaks begin at $253,000. To learn more about a franchise opportunity with Charley's Philly Steaks, click here. 

 

Firehouse Subs 

Founded in 1994, Firehouse Subs has grown to over 1,200 locations. Started by two firefighters, each Firehouse Subs location serves specialty sub sandwiches alongside firefighting memorabilia, and the parent franchisor makes a point to put charitable donations high on its priority list. Since 2005, Firehouse Subs foundation has raised more than $24 million to improve the life-saving capabilities of first responders and their local communities. The franchise has been ranked #78 in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 in 2021. Firehouse Subs offers honorably discharged veterans $2,000 off its franchise fee for their first franchise. Startup costs to open a Firehouse Subs franchise begin at $80,000. To learn more about a franchise opportunity with Firehouse Subs, click here. 

 

Smoothie King 

Founded in 1973 and franchising since 1989, Smoothie King now operates 1,286 locations worldwide, with 1,000 units in the United States. Smoothie King prides itself on promoting a healthy, active lifestyle brand with nutritious, tasty smoothies. In 2020, Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 list ranked Smoothie King as its #1 smoothie franchise for the 29th year in the “smoothie/juice” category (and #14 out of all franchise categories). Smoothie King offers a 20% discount off its franchise fee for honorably discharged veterans. Startup costs to open a Smoothie King location begin at $100,000. To learn more about franchises for sale with Smoothie King, click here. 

 

Tropical Smoothie Café 

Founded in 1987, Tropical Smoothie Café has established itself as a top smoothie franchise with more than 830 locations nationwide. Initially starting as a health-minded smoothie restaurant, Tropical Smoothie has expanded its product line to incorporate healthy foods with a beach-styled atmosphere. The franchise has been recognized for its success by Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500, Franchise Business Review Top Ten, Franchise Gator 100 and Franchise Gator Top 100. Tropical Smoothie Café reduces its  franchise fee for qualified veterans to $15,000 for the first and each subsequent franchised location developed. Startup costs to open a Tropical Smoothie Café franchise begin at $125,000. To learn more about a franchise opportunity with Tropical Smoothie Café, click here. 

 

Sources: 

Technavio 

Market Data Forecast 

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