Any Subway Franchisees Here?

[RjSF7]

Originally Posted by TyCooN

How much do you enjoy the lifestyle?

My previous deskjob (Tech Job) had similar hours, so I guess I'm used to it, my social life revolves around my work more now tho

I can actually still go to the gym every night after we close (10p).

So its not too bad.

 

[Boston Tweed]

Originally Posted by RjSF7

I own a Cold Stone Franchise. I seriously work there about 77 hours a week, not including Saturdays and Fridays.

While these hours suck, if his Cold Stone is like most ice cream shoppes, I'm guessing he enjoys some other perks like working with college age women which might make up some of the difference...

 

[mkarim]

Originally Posted by ramuman

...he really thought operating a franchise was not the best way to secure a steady income stream. A revenue stream, sure, but not an income stream.

Yes that's a very important distinction. Simply a good revenue stream only makes your masters (lenders, franchise company) richer while giving you the illusion tjat your are making money. You make paper money and they make real money.

 

[mkarim]

Originally Posted by Boston Tweed

While these hours suck, if his Cold Stone is like most ice cream shoppes, I'm guessing he enjoys some other perks like working with college age women which might make up some of the difference...

I seriously doubt it. There comes a point when the amount of time and energy isn't worth it regardless of what types of girls you have access to.
.

 

[BrianVarick]

I have thought about starting a five guys in my area, as well as a planet fitness. I haven't done either, but I am positive both would be successful.

 

[Johnny_5]

I was looking into opening a franchise not too long ago, specifically Subway since the powerhouse franchises were wayyy too expensive for me. Not only that but the agent who contacted me from Subway seemed way too pushy.

Basically what ends up happening is you end up opening your own business, and instead of working for yourself you're actually working for the parent. Yea, you can generate a lot of revenue with brand recognition, but with the razor thin margins you're not going to be able to afford someone who can actually run your business, leaving you slaving away running "your" business making someone else rich.

Actually, not too long ago a subway opened up in my town in the same strip as a deli that has been there for 15+ years, and a pizzeria. Needless to say the franchise didnt last very long. That just goes to show how much the franchisor really cares about the franchisee.

Being successful in your eyes, and successful in the franchisor's eyes are two very different things.


Now if only Chipotle franchised...

 

[hboogz]

I know someone who owns 2 Subway franchise's and I can't say that they are well-off as a result. They are practically open 365 days a year 7 days a week ( I believe Subway only allows for 2 days off throughout the CY) And as someone said, it's a **** load of work, the amount of success is a direct result of the location and the revenue gains (where applicable) may be minimal compared to capital and operating costs.

I am curious about 5 guys though, if they offer franchise opportunities.

 

[sho'nuff]

maybe the owner of the 2 subways was already well-off prior to purchasing the franchises? i dunno

 

[Johnny_5]

Originally Posted by hboogz

I know someone who owns 2 Subway franchise's and I can't say that they are well-off as a result. They are practically open 365 days a year 7 days a week ( I believe Subway only allows for 2 days off throughout the CY) And as someone said, it's a **** load of work, the amount of success is a direct result of the location and the revenue gains (where applicable) may be minimal compared to capital and operating costs.

I am curious about 5 guys though, if they offer franchise opportunities.

They do and when they first started they were really cheap. Not sure how much they are now though.

 

[tphd]

Not to hijack but I'd like to own a non franchise donut shop or dry cleaner eventually.
I have a cambodian friend whose family is in the donut biz. Works 4-5am to noonish, takes a nap, and goes fishing pretty much whenever he wants. Does pretty well financially and in general is a pretty cheery guy. He told me that he'd take me under his wing whenever I was ready. I have no question that it will be hard thankless work but I'm no stranger to startup hours. I just don't want to be staring at a computer screen into my 40s and 50s.
long live the american dream

 

[RjSF7]

Originally Posted by Boston Tweed

While these hours suck, if his Cold Stone is like most ice cream shoppes, I'm guessing he enjoys some other perks like working with college age women which might make up some of the difference...
Haha, as nice as it is to work with college girls, I see more cuties as customers. And as the owner, I'm not sure where or how to cross the line between customer and potential date. A few women have displayed interest, but I'm not even sure how to proceed.

 

[edinatlanta]

Originally Posted by RjSF7

Haha, as nice as it is to work with college girls, I see more cuties as customers. And as the owner, I'm not sure where or how to cross the line between customer and potential date. A few women have displayed interest, but I'm not even sure how to proceed.

Go commando. When they seem interested whip out your chub. You will know immediately if they are interested.

 

[Michigan Planner]

Originally Posted by Rambo

Quizno's is WAY WAY WAY worse to own than a Subway. There are so many stories of that company ******** on their franchisee's.

I always figured there were problems with Quizno's. I've seen more of their locations get seized by the IRS and shut down (in Metro Detroit and when I lived in NC) than any other franchise restaurant. Somebody is dropping the ball in a major way. Plus, every Quizno's I've ever been in is pretty disgustingly dirty; it makes me think that there is very little oversight from their corporate offices.



Back on topic of franchising...
I have looked into it for myself (not Subway, but a Michigan based coffee shop) and decided that while I like the investment opportunity, I don't really like the idea of being my own boss. I just don't have the entrepreneurial spirit. I have however discussed being more of a silent partner with a couple friends who already own two locations of the franchise I am interested in and we are currently waiting for a few particular physical locations to become available likely in the fall of 2012.

 

[SpallaCamiccia]

2 opened last year on my city ( Spain) total ruin. No one enters even to go for free to the WC.

I got one once and got a horrible diarrea, same as everytime I go to MickeyDee

 

[Pilot]

My dad is seriously considering opening up a Papa Murphy's franchise. Seems like it would be smart. Not much to the restaurant, small store front, and low overhead when it comes to equipment.