Franchise Owner Claims It’s "Impossible to Make Money" With Quiznos
December 27, 2008
A Quiznos owner named “Martin Tate” left a comment on a Quiznos franchise post warning would-be franchisees that Quiznos stores are money-pits and almost certain to fail.
The commenter writes:
“…I must say, as a Quiznos owner, to anyone considering this, don’t do it. The business model makes it impossible to make money.
“I have been at it for 3 and 1/2 years. I am a successful multi unit manage in the retail finance busness, have turnaround managment experience and banking experience. I have analysed this thing upside down, sideways etc. It won’t make money unless you buy for cash and work 80+ hours 7 days a week yourself. Then you might make a small salary.
“The franchisees are closing everywhere and I have even challenged Mr. Deno and Mr. Brenneman to come and ride stores with me to talk to actual owners. No response to that one. I was very impressed when Mr. Brenneman took over. I thought there were changes coming. They sure did. Sales are down with no profits ever.
“I know how to run a business. That is always the Quiznos excuse. The franchisee screwed up, buy delivery, (I did, what a waste) or do local store marketing. (We did, and still do). I look forward this year to financial disaster, bankruptcy, losing my home and retirement and probably my wife due to Quiznos. Let me tell you. THEY DON’T CARE. There is a reason they are all closing and so many don’t make money.
“One last point. I have a CBD store. Up until the holidays when people aren’t working in the downtown area as much, my store LED the region is sales and customer service. If we were the only ones struggling or one of a few I would say it is us. When over half the chain is “financially distressed” maybe it is them.”
What do you think? Are you familiar with the Quiznos franchise? Is it truly that bad of an investment? Share a comment below.





Quiznos franchisee Rich Piotrowski and his wife Ellen Blickman have just won a two-year battle with Quiznos. Interesting story. Check it out:
QUIZNOS: Quiznos Franchisees Celebrate Legal Victory
Judge Hoffman’s Ruling Against Quiznos Franchising II LLC (PDF)
I have seen many Quizno’s deals in the past. The best deals are today on the resale market as sellers are fed up and want to leave the system. Making way for a new franchisee could be the best thing for both buyer and seller. Don’t get me wrong , I am not for seller losing money, but when your back is up against the wall, better to take some money and leave with your dignity in tact and let the new buyer succeed at the lower entry price where the ROI gets more palatable. So regrettably it is the second or third owner who will make it with zero bank financing. Want some hints at proper deal structure for a graceful departure?
mrfranchiseman.com