Deli Delicious Franchise in 2024: Costs, Fee & FDD

Discover the secrets behind Deli Delicious’ award-winning franchise model! From premium sandwiches to solid franchise support, learn about costs, fees, and growth potential for this fast-casual powerhouse. Is it the right investment for you?

Last updated 24 Nov 2024 Time 12 min read
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Deli Delicious was founded in the early 1990s in Fresno, California, by a group of restaurant professionals who wanted to create premium sandwiches made from the freshest ingredients. Over several years, the founders developed their proprietary recipes, which quickly earned the brand a loyal following. As its popularity grew, Deli Delicious became a local favorite and earned multiple “Best Sandwich Shop” awards. In 2008, Deli Delicious Franchising, Inc. was established, enabling others to join in the brand’s success. The franchise model allowed Deli Delicious to expand across the Central Valley, with a reputation for serving high-quality sandwiches in a fast-casual environment.

Deli Delicious is known for its premium sandwiches, made to order using fresh, high-quality ingredients. The menu offers a variety of signature sandwiches, wraps, and salads, catering to a broad range of tastes. Customers can enjoy classic deli favorites alongside unique, specialty creations. Complementary sides and beverages complete the menu. The brand focuses on providing an exceptional dining experience, making it a popular choice among busy professionals, families, and anyone looking for a quick but satisfying meal. Deli Delicious emphasizes convenience, quality, and customer service, ensuring a loyal and growing customer base.

Today, Deli Delicious has grown to over 100 locations, with more stores in development. While the brand initially focused on the Central Valley, it continues to expand and explore new growth opportunities. The franchise model has been successful, with many independent owners taking part in the brand’s expansion. Despite its California roots, Deli Delicious is well-positioned for future growth, with a solid customer base and a reputation for serving top-notch sandwiches in a competitive market. Its ongoing expansion is a testament to the strength of the brand and the quality of its offerings.

Deli Delicious provides comprehensive support for its franchisees, including initial and ongoing training, marketing support, and operational assistance. The franchise training program is designed to ensure that new owners are well-prepared to operate their locations, covering everything from food preparation to customer service. Franchisees also benefit from the established brand recognition, helping them attract and retain customers. Additionally, the franchise support office offers continuous assistance with site selection, construction, marketing, and product development, creating a collaborative relationship between the brand and its franchisees. This strong support system has helped Deli Delicious continue to grow and thrive in the fast-casual dining industry.

Deli Delicious Franchise Insights

  1. Deli Delicious has grown to over 100 locations across California, with additional stores in development, showcasing its successful franchise model and strong regional presence.
  2. The brand has earned multiple “Best Sandwich Shop” awards between 2009 and 2016, a testament to its exceptional quality and popularity in a competitive market.
  3. The brand’s focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients and proprietary recipes has helped it maintain a loyal customer base, making it a strong contender in the competitive sandwich industry.
  4. Deli Delicious is not only known for its premium sandwiches but also for its commitment to creating a welcoming environment, attracting a wide range of customers from busy professionals to families.

How much does it cost to open a Deli Delicious franchise?

Understanding the potential investment size and capital requirements is crucial when considering opening a Deli Delicious franchise. These financial commitments, including initial franchise fees, equipment costs, and ongoing operational expenses, impact the feasibility and profitability of the venture. Thoroughly evaluating these factors ensures that potential franchisees are prepared for the financial responsibilities and can make informed decisions about their ability to sustain and grow the business, ultimately contributing to long-term success.

Min & Max Investment

Opening a Deli Delicious franchise involves several key costs, which are outlined in Item 7 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). you can see a breakdown of the costs to open a Deli Delicious below from the most recent Item 7 below:

Type of Expenditure  Minimum Investment  Maximum Investment 
Initial Franchise Fee  $30,000  $30,000 
Computers, Software and POS system  $13,000  $16,000 
Furniture and Fixtures  $18,000  $28,000 
Security and Camera System  $2,000  $5,000 
Real Estate  $6,500  $11,750 
Leasehold Improvements  $65,000  $200,000 
Utilities  $1,500  $2,500 
Equipment  $38,000  $75,000 
Signage  $10,000  $20,000 
Graphics and Menu Boards  $4,000  $6,000 
Start Up Inventory & Supplies  $6,500  $18,000 
Staffing  $6,000  $12,000 
Grand Opening Marketing Expense  $7,500  $9,000 
Uniforms  $250  $400 
Initial Marketing Kit For New Restaurants  $500  $700 
Insurance  $400  $1,000 
Travel, Lodging and Meals for Initial Training Program  $1,200  $5,000 
Business Licenses, Permits, Certifications and other professional fees  $1,500  $3,500 
Operating Expenses and Additional Funds  $15,000  $30,000 
Total  $226,850  $473,850 

Item 7 in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is the “Estimated Initial Investment” section. It outlines the total costs a franchisee can expect to incur when starting a franchise, including the initial franchise fee, equipment, inventory, real estate, and other startup expenses. This section is crucial because it provides potential franchisees with a detailed understanding of the financial commitment required, helping them assess affordability and plan their investment strategy effectively.

Required Capital

When considering the financial requirements to open a Deli Delicious franchise or a similar fast-casual sandwich franchise, it’s important to account for both the total investment and the specific financial criteria for franchisees. Here is an outline of the typical capital, liquid assets, and net worth requirements to open such a franchise.

  • Total Investment For a standard Deli Delicious franchise, the required total investment ranges from $227,000 to $474,000. This includes the cost of equipment, inventory, signage, real estate, and working capital to cover initial operating expenses such as payroll and utilities. Assuming that you will finance your franchise investment, you should plan to have 20% of the total investment amount in the form of equity (cash) for the investment.
  • Liquid Assets To ensure a smooth operation during the early stages, most franchises in this industry typically require $75,000 to $100,000 in liquid assets. These assets cover initial working capital needs, including supplies, payroll, and day-to-day expenses, and provide a buffer in case of unforeseen costs.
  • Net Worth The net worth requirement for fast-casual franchises is generally $500,000 to $750,000, which demonstrates financial stability and the ability to absorb any initial financial challenges. This net worth includes all assets (e.g., cash, investments, property) and ensures that franchisees have the resources to operate the business effectively.

How much does a Deli Delicious franchise owner make?

Calculating the salary of a Deli Delicious franchise owner involves analyzing gross sales to determine total revenue, assessing operational efficiency to understand profit margins, and accounting for franchisor fees and additional expenses such as rent, utilities, and payroll. Effective management of these factors can significantly impact the profitability and financial success of a Deli Delicious franchise owner. This comprehensive financial analysis helps estimate net profits, from which the owner’s salary can be derived. A clear understanding of these factors ensures accurate salary projections and financial planning for sustainable business operations.

Deli Delicious Revenue & Gross Sales

While gross sales data are not publicly available for Deli Delicious, we can still consider the brand’s overall performance and reputation as indicators of potential revenue.

Deli Delicious has established itself as a trusted name in the fast-casual sandwich market, earning multiple “Best Sandwich Shop” awards and expanding to over 100 locations across California. This growth suggests that the franchise has a solid customer base and a proven operational model. However, actual sales can vary based on factors such as location, market demand, and the operational efficiency of individual franchisees.

Which key factors impact the average revenue performance of Deli Delicious franchisees?

The performance of U.S. franchisee median gross sales for Deli Delicious is likely influenced by several key factors. The brand’s emphasis on high-quality ingredients and proprietary recipes sets it apart in a competitive fast-casual sandwich market, driving customer loyalty and repeat business. Its established reputation, bolstered by multiple “Best Sandwich Shop” awards, has likely helped attract a consistent customer base. Additionally, the strategic growth and concentration of locations in California’s Central Valley leverage regional familiarity and brand recognition. Operational support provided by the franchise, including marketing assistance and training programs, ensures franchisees are equipped to succeed, contributing to consistent performance across locations. Finally, the appeal of quick-service dining paired with fresh, customizable offerings aligns well with consumer trends, further bolstering overall sales potential.

Deli Delicious Franchise Operational Costs

When opening a Deli Delicious franchise, understanding the primary ongoing operational costs is essential for budgeting and managing a profitable business. These costs go beyond initial investments and are critical to maintaining daily operations and delivering the high-quality service the brand is known for.

  • Staffing and Payroll Salaries and wages for employees, including benefits and payroll taxes, form a significant portion of operating expenses.
  • Food and Supply Costs Regular replenishment of fresh ingredients and other supplies necessary to maintain the menu quality Deli Delicious is known for.
  • Utilities and Maintenance Expenses for electricity, water, gas, and routine equipment upkeep to ensure smooth operations.
  • Lease or Rent Monthly rent for your restaurant location, which can vary greatly depending on the size and location of the property.
  • Insurance Comprehensive coverage, including general liability, workers’ compensation, and property insurance, to protect the business and employees.

By closely monitoring and optimizing these expenses, franchisees can ensure the business remains profitable while maintaining the quality and service standards that customers expect from Deli Delicious.

Deli Delicious Franchise Fees

When considering opening a Deli Delicious franchise, it’s important to understand the ongoing fees that contribute to the franchise system and help maintain consistent branding and support. These fees are designed to cover essential services like marketing, training, and technology, which help drive customer traffic and support franchisee success.

  • Royalty Fee The royalty fee for Deli Delicious is 6% of weekly gross revenues. This fee supports franchisees by funding operational resources, system enhancements, and access to the brand’s proprietary processes, ensuring consistency across all locations and helping maintain high standards.
  • National Advertising Fee Franchisees contribute 2.5% of weekly gross revenues to the national advertising fund. This fund drives brand awareness through collective marketing initiatives like digital campaigns, social media, and other promotional efforts that benefit the entire franchise network.
  • Local Advertising Franchisees must allocate at least 1% of monthly gross revenues to local advertising efforts. These funds are used for community-specific marketing strategies, such as local sponsorships, flyers, or online ads, to attract and retain nearby customers.
  • Additional Fees Deli Delicious may charge additional fees for services like ongoing training, technology upgrades, or access to proprietary tools.

By budgeting for these costs, you can maximize the benefits of being part of an established franchise system.

Deli Delicious Franchise Earnings

While specific earnings data for Deli Delicious franchises is not publicly available, we can provide an informed overview based on industry standards and the franchise’s characteristics. Fast-casual dining franchises like Deli Delicious often experience strong customer traffic due to their convenience, affordability, and fresh, high-quality menu offerings. As a brand with an established reputation and multiple awards for quality, Deli Delicious benefits from strong customer loyalty, which can drive steady sales performance. The franchise’s focus on regional growth in California also suggests a targeted approach to market saturation, likely contributing to more predictable earnings for its operators.

Franchisee earnings in the fast-casual industry are influenced by key factors such as location, operational efficiency, and local competition. Deli Delicious’ comprehensive support system, including training, marketing, and operational resources, equips franchisees to maximize profitability. However, individual success often depends on factors like management skills, employee performance, and the ability to adapt to local market demands.

How to Open a Deli Delicious Franchise

Becoming a Deli Delicious franchisee involves a structured process designed to ensure both the franchisor and franchisee are aligned for mutual success. From the initial inquiry to opening your doors for business, this journey combines research, preparation, and collaboration with the franchise support team. Here’s an overview of the key steps involved:

  1. Initial Inquiry You or your franchise specialist submits an initial inquiry basic information about your interest and background. You should also conduct thorough research on the franchise, including seeing all of the information available on the Vetted Biz franchise intelligence platform, including access to the most recent Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
  2. Discovery Day Attend a Discovery Day at the franchise headquarters, where you’ll meet the leadership team, learn about the brand’s operations, and see firsthand what makes Deli Delicious unique. This is also an opportunity to ask questions and confirm alignment with the brand’s values and goals.
  3. Approval and Agreement Signing Once both parties are confident in moving forward, you’ll be officially approved as a franchisee. You’ll then sign the franchise agreement and pay the necessary initial fees, securing your spot in the franchise network.
  4. Site Selection and Lease Negotiation Work with the franchise support team to identify a suitable location for your restaurant. They’ll provide assistance in site evaluation, lease negotiation, and layout planning to ensure your location aligns with brand standards.
  5. Training and Pre-Opening Support Participate in the comprehensive training program, which covers everything from food preparation to customer service and business operations. The franchise team will also guide you through the setup process, including marketing your grand opening.
  6. Grand Opening and Start of Operations Once your restaurant is fully prepared, you’ll host a grand opening event to introduce your business to the local community. With ongoing support from the franchise team, you’ll begin daily operations and focus on building a loyal customer base.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Strong Brand Reputation: Deli Delicious has won multiple awards for “Best Sandwich Shop,” reflecting its popularity and customer loyalty. This recognition can provide a competitive edge in the market.

Regional Focus and Growth Potential: With over 100 locations in California and ongoing development, there is room for growth while benefiting from the brand’s established market presence.

Quality-Driven Menu: The emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients appeals to customers seeking healthier and premium quick-service dining options, helping to attract a wide customer base.

Cons

Concentrated Market Presence: A regional focus in California could mean limited market opportunities outside of the state, potentially slowing broader expansion.

Competition in Fast-Casual Dining: The sandwich and fast-casual industry is competitive, requiring franchisees to work diligently to differentiate their location.

Local Marketing Burden: While the national advertising fund supports broader campaigns, franchisees must also invest in local promotions, which can be a challenge in competitive areas.

 

FAQs

Who owns Deli Delicious?

  • Deli Delicious is owned and operated by Deli Delicious Franchising, Inc., which was established in 2008 to expand the brand through franchising. The company originated in Fresno, California, in the early 1990s and remains a family-founded business with a focus on maintaining its high-quality sandwich offerings.
  • Yes, Deli Delicious is a franchise. It began franchising in 2008 and has since grown to over 100 locations primarily in California. The franchise model allows independent owners to operate under the established Deli Delicious brand and benefit from its proven business systems.
  • Deli Delicious’s biggest competitors include sandwich-focused chains like Subway, Jersey Mike’s, and Jimmy John’s. Alternatives also include other fast-casual eateries offering fresh, made-to-order meals, such as Panera Bread and local artisan sandwich shops catering to similar customer preferences.
  • The initial investment for a standard Deli Delicious franchise ranges from $227,000 to $474,000, excluding the franchise fee. This investment covers costs such as site development, equipment, and initial marketing efforts, ensuring the franchisee is fully equipped to launch their business.
  • As of the most recent data, Deli Delicious has over 100 locations in the U.S.
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