How Much Does a Jimmy John's Franchise Cost?
Data from the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document
Investment Summary
Total Investment
$366K – $728K
Franchise Fee
$35K
Royalty
6.0%
Ad Fund
4.5%
Cost Breakdown
Initial Franchise Fee
The initial franchise fee for Jimmy John's is $35K. This one-time payment covers the right to operate under the brand, access to proprietary systems, and initial training programs.
Total Investment Range
Opening a Jimmy John's franchise requires a total investment of $366K – $728K. This range typically includes real estate or leasehold improvements, equipment and fixtures, initial inventory, signage, insurance, and working capital to sustain operations during the ramp-up period.
Working capital alone ranges from $50K to $75K.
Ongoing Costs
Beyond the initial investment, Jimmy John's franchisees pay ongoing fees. The royalty fee is 6.0% of gross sales (Gross Sales). The advertising or brand fund contribution is 4.5% of gross sales.
Net Worth & Liquid Capital Requirements
Jimmy John's requires working capital of $50K – $75K to cover initial operating expenses. This is the liquid cash you should have available beyond the franchise fee and buildout costs.
What Can You Earn?
According to Jimmy John's's Item 19 financial performance representation:
Median gross sales: $935K
This figure comes from Item 19 of the FDD. Gross sales are not the same as take-home profit. After deducting royalties, ad fund fees, rent, labor, and COGS, net income is typically a fraction of gross revenue.
How Do Banks View Jimmy John's?
SBA Loans Issued
927
Default Rate
5.9%
The SBA (Small Business Administration) tracks loan performance for franchise brands. Jimmy John's has 927 SBA-backed loans on record. The default rate is 5.9%, which is below the franchise industry average, indicating relatively lower lending risk. A lower default rate generally indicates that lenders view the franchise as a safer investment, though past performance does not guarantee future results.
Next Steps
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