How to Open a Sandwich Shop

214 comments
3 expert advice
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Before starting a sandwich shop, it's just to ask many questions and find a suitable answer. "How to Start a Sandwich Shop", "Finding Startup Guide", "Grant for Sandwich Business", "Where to Put a Sandwich Stall", and "How to Run a Sub Shop" is very common to be asked while opening one sandwich shop.

Sandwich is one of the most popular and most favorite snacks all over the world. It is also one of the most sellable snacks prompting the emergence of popular sandwich shops like Subway and Pret a Manger. Even Mcdonalds now offers sandwiches to their clients. Therefore, starting a sandwich shop is a good idea, especially in places with few or no sandwich shops available.

Here are some of the things that you will find interesting if you want to start a sandwich shop:

More than just selling sandwiches

Operating a sandwich shop business will require you to offer great-tasting sandwiches to your clients. It is an excellent idea to offer your clients different varieties of sandwiches, so your clients can taste one sandwich recipe at a time when they visit your sandwich shop. Operating sandwich shops, however, will not only have you selling sandwiches. Your clients, for example, will also look for soft drinks or sweets when they visit your sandwich shop, so make sure that you have adequate stocks of soft drinks and fruit juices that you can offer your clients when they dine in your sandwich shop. In addition to beverages, you might also provide your sandwich shop business customers with bread rolls, soups, and even desserts. Just make sure that you assess the sales of these goods to identify if selling more than just sandwiches and beverages in your sandwich shop business is feasible.

Getting Customers and Increasing Sales

If you want to operate a successful sandwich shop, it is a must that you choose a good location for your sandwich shop. Choose areas where an adequate number of people will buy or dine in your sandwich shop. The best places include schools and universities. On the other hand, increasing the sales of your sandwich shop will depend on the sandwich shop business products you sell and the kind of customer service you offer to your clients. Research has shown that keeping various options for payment can improve your sales and provide easy payment options in your shop to increase sales. Make sure you ask for feedback from your sandwich shop customers so you will know if your sandwich recipes need improvement and what areas of services you need improvement on. Understanding the deficiencies of your sandwich business and receiving suggestions and comments from your customers can be very helpful in boosting the growth of your sandwich shop.

214 Comments

Isaac saunders Sr said on February 6, 2009
i'm about to go into this business we call a sandwich. What is the very first thing to do?
kevin said on February 26, 2009
I am wanting to start my own soup and sandwich shop what is the very first thing I need to do... thank you.
Tiahnni James said on May 12, 2009
I need to know the things i need to get started on a small sub shop. i have an empty location and i need to know the things i need to properly equip my establishment?
danny said on May 14, 2009
Get your self some certificates and experience in catering , h.a.c.c.p , health & safety food hygiene, NVQ level one at least a must, get some business experience and go find yourself a location location location! good luck its all down hill from here on in
Andrea said on May 15, 2009
I am looking into opening a sandwich shop in my area. What should I do first? I have been researching this for a while and there are so many things to remember...what is step one? Thanks!
S.Nguen said on May 20, 2009
i am thinking of opening a sandwich shop in my area. What do i need to do first? thank you
ARENTHA YVETTE SIBANDA said on June 15, 2009
please send information on how to start a sandwich shop.
Ashley Denney said on June 26, 2009
Please tell me how to open a soup and sandwich shop. Please give me basic steps on how.
Corwin Banks said on August 16, 2009
I'm interested in opening a sandwich shop. What's the first step i need to do and etc..? Do i need a business plan? What's the start up cost with equipment. Would it easier to start a franchise.
dominique said on August 25, 2009
I want to buy a sandwich shop and I need some advice on what to look out for when buying an established business.
Jorge said on August 27, 2009
I'm interested in opening up a Sub shop but a sub shop that's not so commercialized like a Quiznos or subway. More like a Philly cheese stake sub shop, where they grill the meats in front of you. etc... Would it be bad to put one near (Shopping Store Next Door) a Quizno's?
Sandra Moore said on September 1, 2009
Hello, I'm interested in opening up a Sub shop and wanted to know how to get started and if there are any grants available to first time business owners. Thanks for any help you can provide.
BRIAN said on September 4, 2009
i'm wanting to start a grilled sandwich shop. i need info on equipment, where to buy new or used? thank you
M Nguyen said on September 23, 2009
I am interested to open a sandwich shop in my location. What's the start up cost with equipment? Thanks, Maudon
Nick Quinn said on October 5, 2009
If anyone is interested in purchasing an established sandwich shop in Lansdale/Montgomeryville, PA (A Philadelphia Suburb) please contact me at nickquinn1@gmail.com
MUZAMMIL BZU said on October 7, 2009
Its an innovative idea. Install a sandwich stall near populated area like Schools, Colleges, Universities etc. it is very productive idea requires very low investment.
Janet said on October 7, 2009
I know that you need to be serv safe certified, it has to be inspected by the health department, you must have a MSDS book on the property at all times for every cleaning chemical you have on the property. You must have a first aid kit, fire extinguishers, properly marked exits. A certificated of inspection from the fire department also. Proper knowledge of cool, and storing the food items. That should get you started. Don't make it too complicated. People like things simple. They know what they want when they get there, that's why they came there to begin with. Always be polite to your customers and respectful to your employees, and you'll have a great business with loyal employees. Hope it helps
khumo said on October 13, 2009
pls send me something as i am so interested in starting a sandwich business and i want to be selling in every event taking place in schools...i have been collecting recipes..and i am ready to roll but i have to register my company as soon as possible..
ANURAG SHARMA said on October 25, 2009
i am from jodhpur, rajasthan and m keen on starting a sandwich and juice/thick shake business. Please guide me:
a)where i can learn to make variety of sandwiches, juices and shakes.
b) how much is the costing involved.
c) where to start the business.
kendall said on October 30, 2009
I'M GOING TO START A SANDWICH SHOP AND WOULD LIKE YOU TO HELP ME WITH ANY INFORMATION YOU ARE WILLING TO TELL. THANKS FOR THE HELP
sasha said on November 7, 2009
can someone send me a business plan for start up and running costs for a sandwich shop please on spuri@hotmail.co.uk
kelly potter said on November 9, 2009
i am opening my own sandwich shop and need step to step instructions regarding environmental health when they visit you etc thanks
anetta said on November 19, 2009
We want to open a sandwich shop with live entertainment. Could you let me know the different types of sandwiches that are available a business plan would be nice too!!
Ingrid Celi said on November 20, 2009
I am thinking to buy an already establish sandwich shop I don't know if is chipper to start from scratch my idea, can you send me a business plan for start up and running costs for a sandwich/coffee shop. thank you
Aleksandra said on November 27, 2009
Hi! I am thinking of opening posh sandwich shops in Canary Warf and City of London. It would be great to get a business plan of a start-up sandwich shop to find out the approx. costs of equipment, licenses and wages. If you have any info on professional chefs' wages (for a restaurant like Bella Italia or Chez Gerard) it will also help me a lot!
elvira mensalvas said on November 29, 2009
i would like to franchise a sandwich store called the sandwich guy, is franchising better than starting it from scratch?
felix said on December 9, 2009
jorge it is not healthy for your business to be open next to a quiznos, remember, try to open your sandwich shop next to other restaurant that are not selling the same food as you are, do not try to compete with the big guys, don't even try. focus on what type of sandwich you want to do, after that give some of this sandwich to your friends so they can taste it and give you their opinion. look out for your production cost it is very important, you can make an excellent sandwich but too expensive for business.
william kemp said on December 9, 2009
if you want to start your own shop the first thing you do is contact your local zoning department to make sure your location is zoned correctly, next you have to contact your local health and fire department to make sure your location is up to code. if your planning on renovation, then the building department should also be contacted. after that all is complete then you can begin to resister your business, inquire about insurance. Your local city hall can walk you through all the steps. I hope this was helpful.
otis harris said on December 20, 2009
I would like to set my business near Garfield High, on 23rd. and Cherry in Seattle, Washington (king County) 98122. The building seats on the corner.
RUSH said on January 8, 2010
I have a donut shop in mountain view, ca santa clara county. We also sell salvadorian food. I was wondering if anyone knows how to add a sandwich sub into the existing business. without being a franchise. Thank You, Rush
Naomi said on January 18, 2010
hi i want to open one but i'm too young and don't have the money to buy a place do you think i could do it at my house?
Alistair Stirling said on January 24, 2010
Can you run a small sandwich business from your home, in Ontario, and what are the requirements? Please advise. Many thanks.
Katie Duplaga said on January 27, 2010
i am looking forward to open a sandwich store in Yorkville, Ohio
Mike said on February 15, 2010
i am very interested in starting a sandwich store in Schenectady NY
Anjanette said on February 25, 2010
I'm wanting to open a sandwich shop near a school. Anything you could help with at this point would be greatly appreciated!
mo said on February 25, 2010
Currently looking for a location in Tampa fl. Want to know the start up costs for opening a sandwiches and pizza/soups store. Much appreciated. Mo
marie isaacs said on March 13, 2010
want to start up a sandwich shop, need to now the basics please
cathy said on March 17, 2010
Orange Beach, Alabama, USA. How do I start a sandwich shop?
Deborah said on March 29, 2010
Hi me & my partner are wanting to open a Sandwich Bar in the North East UK. I am researching at the moment but would like some tips on where to Start. thanks
Tony Chapin said on April 9, 2010
We are thinking of opening a very small sandwich shop with (burgers/fries/wings). We have the location, which is in the same building as a bar. They do not have food at the bar, and most of the customers would love to have some 'finger foods' in the evening. There is no other place to get anything to eat anywhere close. What are your thoughts on getting started? Durham, North Carolina, USA
tuapeua said on April 19, 2010
i'm interested in running a sandwich shop so guys where should i start, Gaborone, BOTSWANA
James Smith said on May 4, 2010
Roanake Rapids, NC. What do I need to do to get started. What is the first thing I need to do.
emma said on May 17, 2010
alfreton, derbyshire, england. i am wanting some information on how to get started on opening my own sandwich shop, thanks
asit said on May 24, 2010
i would need to know , if any one is interested for joining a business venture here in mumbai. can discuss in details. Asit - (c)9322197322
banchey.k said on May 31, 2010
hello, i am thinking of opening a sandwich shop what is the very first thing to do?please i need your help. USA dallas ,fort worth thanks
Basheer Ahamed said on June 5, 2010
hi, i need to open sandwich shop what should i do first? any formalities is there? and where i can get approve please advice me.
vani s m said on June 12, 2010
i would like to open a sandwich shop at bangalore in basaveshwarnagar. please help me by giving information about it . thank you.
pravin umate said on June 18, 2010
i interested to open sandwich shop in nagpur so plz help me and some good guidance plz
Jerilyn said on June 29, 2010
I would like to know how you calculate how much to put on a sandwich and figure the cost vs retail so you know you are making money on the sandwich
cheryl mcbride said on July 5, 2010
I am trying to find out if a sandwich shop needs two exits, the store I want to open has only one way in and out but the square footage is right under 600 sg. ft. Thank you for your help
diana said on July 6, 2010
I amin Kenya and want to start a sandwich bar in our busy city centre with salads and snacks/smoothies and juices. People here have really gone healthy and have need for something on the run.
Sharps said on July 7, 2010
All these people who write "please help me start a sandwich shop"... Get real... No one else will help you for free. If you want someone else to do all the work for you, YOU WILL FAIL!!!!! YOU must do the research!!!!
J said on July 8, 2010
Is there a website or some form of a place to research and group food vendors?
mourad said on July 12, 2010
I'm an Algerian living EU. Want to open SANDWICHERIE in Sweden, outside Stockholm ,because I've Small Budget(25 000.EUROS) is it Enough??? friendly!
Srinath said on July 21, 2010
I would like to open a sandwich shop along with Icecream and Juice at pondicherry India, should i sit or can i employee other for the operations. i would like to know what would be the approx. cost involved and would like to know the challenges involved in doing this business. Expecting your reply at the earliest. Regards Srinath n
Sue said on August 10, 2010
Hi I was wondering how much money you need to start up a sandwich shop not including the rent of the shop, just for permits, stock etc thanks sue. We are in Australia and I am thinking of the sunshine coast or nsw coast.
manish said on August 24, 2010
respected sir/madam. please guide me how to open shops in usa or singapore, london. I am Indian
Sala said on August 25, 2010
Do your research people! Start with how to do a market & business plan. I'm planning to do one too but with other things to sell. Advantage if you have some food/nutrition background.Get experts on finances, etc.Good luck!
maxineblack said on August 27, 2010
would i be able to open a soup and sandwich shop in my own home ? whitefox,saskatchewan CANADA
margie said on August 28, 2010
hi, i was wondering can you start a sandwich shop in your home for now. and make delivery!
KIM said on September 16, 2010
PARSONS, TN, DECATUR COUNTY. LOOKING FOR A LOCATION NEAR COMMUNITY COLLEGE, CLOSE TO TOWN
Roberto said on September 19, 2010
Hi, could you please send me (either linked me) any basic information to open a sandwich bar in London (centre)? The mission of my business idea is to create a new chain of bars offer the best italian sandwich in the right atmosphere, at the right price. which are the public office and the laws to start this kind of business. First bar (in other words, the number 0 of that chain) will be in Italy. The business plan expects that the second place will be the centre of London. Thank you so much for any information and hits you will be available to send me. With best regards, Roberto Rossi
Angell said on September 22, 2010
Hello, I'm in Texas and am by allot of construction, plants- I've been thinking of opening a sandwich & lunch plant shop/cafe' type thing. So far I have made my menu's, made list of all food needed to get started, found a 10x16 building, found an priced equipment needed. found a lot to rent in good location to place building. WHAT NEXT ?? License & ete. Thanks,
smita sharma said on September 28, 2010
hi.i want to open a sandwich shop in bangalore india. i want to open in college campus. the college name is K.L.E's S.Nijilingappa College. there is 1 canteen who sale only south indian food......i want to know what all equipments i need an all....
Viva Thogori said on October 6, 2010
Hi am in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and very interested in opening a sandwich bar that offers delivery and catering business. I would like to more on how to go about it. We already have subways here but i want mine to have more variety n healthy options. Thanks. V
Kokila Patel said on October 13, 2010
Hi I have planned to start with the small sandwich corner in Pune nera wakad police chowki place is rural but there are many colleges ....i need a suggestion on this whether this location is better for this sandwich corner or nt . i wanna start it on small scale so can u pls help by giving me any estimate idea on investment this would be great help for me. thanks & regards K Patel
victor torres said on October 13, 2010
Hi, I am interested in opening up a sandwich shop, what are the first steps that i need to do? Can you please explain how it works with what licenses and or permits that i may need, also certificates if in reality I need any? I have my VA benefits and would like to know also how much would i need to invest to start off a small shop. I am looking to start it in Miami, Fl USA. Thanks
maureen said on October 19, 2010
we would like to open a soup & sandwich shop in hagerstown, md. the location is located near a senior golf club and not too far from a university. What should be the first step?
Dave said on October 21, 2010
Hollywood florida... i want to start a shop. i wanted to know if i would need a hood system for slow cookers? thanx
kim said on October 23, 2010
sarasota florida 34335.Hi there me and my husband want to open a sub shop in our area we did a lot of searching and found a great location with a drive thru also zoning and all that is no problem we just need some information on how and what kind of equipment we need i already have a license from the health department we want to know want we could do with a eighty thousand dollars no more then a one hundred thousand dollars please send me some information and recipe ideas thank you
EB said on December 1, 2010
Wow. They call this a "How to Guide" to opening a sandwich shop? The lack of information is jaw-dropping. They could have posted a two sentence page that said "Have drinks" and "sell some other stuff other than sandwiches" and they would have achieved the same. Weaksauce. Do your research. Call distributors (meat, bakery, paper goods, capital equipment) and have a meeting with their reps. Ask tons of questions, not only about pricing, but about how flexible they will be when it comes to daily quick orders (like when you run out of bread at 2pm in the afternoon), because you will need to have a good relationship with your vendors, and they will need to be understanding the first few months while you work out what your weekly/daily needs are with regards to inventory. Lastly, have a solid range when it comes to your break-even, best/worst scenarios. Use spreadsheets to plug in your overhead and inventory vs. potential sales and figure out what you need to be at.
Harshada said on December 7, 2010
Hi I want to start my sandwich shop in mumbai, Maharastra, I m Located at Dist Thane. I have very good location, but i don't no how to start where can i get a experience staff, what should be the investment in 1st stage, how much time i have to give my business. etc
Liezl said on December 8, 2010
South Africa, Cape town, Tableview. I want to start my own sandwich shop situated at the beach front area. The place that i would like to use as my shop is situated in a very perfect place. There is enough feet and enough parking. Could you please assist me by how I go about to start my own sandwich shop???
GEORGE said on December 9, 2010
Nicosia, Cyprus. I am thinking to open my own sandwich shop in Nicosia as there are not many in Cyprus at the moment. What budget is required in order to open a new sandwich shop, franchising or not and how big the shop must be? Thanks.
reggie said on December 31, 2010
i want to start a sandwich shop but i don't know where to start but when i got started i was told that i need an architect to draw up my plans but that was to high 18,000 sq ft, so if i could get some help i would be more appreciated thank you. st petersburg, fla
Mwinship said on December 31, 2010
In my small town in South eastern GA. A combo Doughnut shop/Sandwich shop I think would do well. I am requesting all catologs for a shop. any information and prayers would be appreciated. thanks
SURAJ KUMAR said on January 4, 2011
Hi I want to start my sandwich shop in begusarai at bihar. I am requesting all catalogs for a shop. any information and prayers would be appreciated. thanks
Michelle Mattingly said on January 5, 2011
I would like to open a sandwich shop that is a meal of a sandwich not a sub type sandwich. How does this differ from a sub shop. Any info would be great
Rick Serlick said on January 15, 2011
I would like to know how to start a chicken wing/sub shop either Mobile or in the Pitman NJ area, 1st time so please give me as much info as possible. Thanks
Chris bell said on January 21, 2011
Hi if your looking to start up a sandwich shop and your asking the same questions as everyone else such as what you need to do and equipment you will need And have no idea about food hygiene or other equipment, property, location. Then you really shouldn't be thinking of opening a sandwich shop. If you don't know the basics and are not able to research everything for yourself there's absolutely no way you'll be able to do the day to day running of a business never mind make sandwiches. It's a tricky game so be careful.
Radhika.R said on January 25, 2011
I am from Chennai, interested to franchise my business. I would like to take the help of a franchise architect. kindly guide me with some contact of the franchise architects.
BonnieAG said on January 27, 2011
Location: Virginia Beach, VA and Hampton Roads area… I would like to know what the requirements are to open a mobile sandwich grill and soup shop, will also include baked goods. What licenses are required and are there grants available? I have a vast experience in the food business and a passion for cooking so I know this is something I can make work and maybe evolve into some catering as well.. Thank you, Bonnie
bobby howard said on January 29, 2011
hello, i'm in rural oklahoma in a booming small business town with around 20,000 people which has almost doubled since the 2000 census. I really would like any information, advice, helpful tips or whatever you would be willing to provide. please send grant info small business monies available, just anything would be greatly appreciated, thanks so much
Milan Milosavic said on February 4, 2011
I wanted to open sandwich and soup bar in Serbia ,it is difficult market ..so can u have ideas how to start
patty said on February 5, 2011
Hi. I am looking at opening a greek sandwich shop in our local mall. The guy managing the mall cannot tell me much about the traffic flow i.e #customers per day or even month. He says the rent is 10% gross sales and the monthly payment rate is negotiable based on my business plan. Is this normal? I will need to put in most of the equipment for the shop. I will be based out of Hutchinson, Kansas
ramesh sharma said on February 9, 2011
i am from Mumbai,Maharashtra and I'm planing to starting a sandwich and juice/thick shake business. Please guide me,where i can learn to make variety of sandwiches, juices and shakes, how much is the costing involved. and where to start the business. my mail id is ramesh.sharma190@gmail.com
Charleen Spielman said on February 27, 2011
I would love to open a sandwich bar almost like a sushi bar where i prepare the sandwich in front of the client. All fresh ingredients. I am a qualified catering supervisor..and been trained by chefs many moons ago.. but now need my own business. how do i go about doing and accomplish this?
natalie powell said on March 5, 2011
scottsboro alabama 35769. my husband and i are moving into a house with an empty building below it which is suitable for a place to come and drink coffee and eat. we are located near the water but not many other stores nearby. we have a lot of fisherman that travel the location so it would be a great area to open such a place but we are just unaware of how to begin.
Nazia said on March 21, 2011
Anybody from hyderabad, India help me in getting locations near schools and universities for opening a sandwich restaurant urgently.
Chethan said on March 21, 2011
Hi Nazia, Kindly get in touch with me for the locations in Hyd. Email me:nsrchethan@gmail.com
chandru said on March 27, 2011
i am planning to open a cafe in temple town india can some one assist me the cost factor involved and were do i buy coffee blending machines you can reach me on nc_chandru@aol.in
hani usuf said on March 31, 2011
hello am interested of opening my own gourmet sandwich shop and I have even the suppliers contact! I would like to find a shop in a busy business area...could you tell me the start up cost and how to go about reducing risk? thx
Vicky said on April 9, 2011
hi, I plan to open a sandwich shop next to the exit of train statio,do u think it will be good? Can you tell me what I need to do first and what is the budget? The size is around 5-10sqm. Thanks Vicky
Nick beginner adviser said on April 19, 2011
I own a full liquor bar and sandwich shop. I can tell you, %90 of you here will not succeed. If you do not know start up, how to find a location, etc, or how to research this information, you will fail. The first step to any successful business is educating yourself about that business and its economic footprint. Figure it out. If there were steps and how to's for being an independent minded and creative individual, ha, enough said.
Emma clerkin said on April 19, 2011
Hey would you have a business plan for a sandwich business?, I would like the daily costings of running the business if possible. Cheers.
Rebecca Lilly said on April 26, 2011
I need a business plan for running a small sandwich and tea shop, based in yorkshire, any help or advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks becci198797@hotmail.com
yogesh said on May 15, 2011
Hi, My self yogesh,would like to open mobile sandwich shop(including soft and coffee) in dubai(U.A.E).so pls give advice how to start, what all procedures to open shop. thanks, yogesh
steph said on May 18, 2011
hi,i know the first step to gaining my goal of opening a sandwich/shop van around stoke on trent is to gain the qualifications. i am sure it will be a success. i just cant get my head round where to start once i've gained my qualifications. other than the obvious of buying a van.please advise this idea has been in my head since i was young i have to do it.thanks,steph
Sara said on July 6, 2011
Hi does any one know how many exits are required to open a cafe/sandwich shop by law as I have found a premises that only has one door.
Metuss said on July 17, 2011
Planning to open a Sandwich Shop and would like to know initial costings and other relevant informations. Thanks.

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