Serious Eats - seriouseats.com

They both seem to be going strong, but I'm no business speculator. I do remember several years ago when Quizno's had napkins that said something like "Heat expands. That's why Quizno's is the fastest growing sandwich business." It was pretty helpful for remembering general principles in the physical sciences.

I would check out the industry sites for it, like Brandweek.com and qsrmag.com. They usually have some pretty good information on each of them, like their corporate policies for franchsisees and other economic stability information (i.e. do people like that chain and why? what types of meno innovations are keeping them at the top of their game? how are they faring against their competition?). My father actually is a financial consultant for people who are looking to open their own franchises, so I could probably also ask him. However, that all being said, you really have to do your homework, and know the territory, and whether a particular area can support another one of those two. They are rather prolific, and it might be better to focus on a chain that is less well represented. Have you looked at other chains at all?

IMHO, I would eat at Quizno's any day of the week over Subway. I will not eat at Subway...doughball bread, yuck. That said, I have not tried their oven sandwiches, and that is what I like about Quizno's.

My parents have friends who opened a Subway about 10 years ago. They now have 5 stores, 3 kids in college, and a very comfortable home. I don't know if the poor economy has affected their business, but on the other hand, even my dad thinks their $5 footlong is a great deal.

Foodwise, I prefer Quiznos, but they got a lot of bad press a few years back for being horrible to franchise owners. I don't know if they've improved, but it used to be nearly impossible to succeed.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/24/business/24quiznos.html

I hate to give any one financial advise, as a lot of things unique to your individual circumstances should go into your decision process. I have looked into this in the past and have known a few franchisees of said businesses. I would eat at either in a pinch, but if buying one I would say Subway. Subway has been one of the fastest growing (worldwide) and the number one rated franchises (quizno's is quite a bit further down the list) which equals good branding and marketing support and programs for the franchisee. Plus I am not a huge fan of some of Quizno's business practices, one of them being their strong resistance to releasing calorie counts of their food items (they finally gave in last year) and for good reason. they're sandwiches are packed with calories. e.g. large vegi sandwich is over 1000 calories!

thanks guys. were only in the beginning stages obviously, but ur advice is welcomed! im thinking subway, even though i would rather eat at quiznos...actually id rather have a nice sandwich from a specialty shop but yea

Good afternoon! My name is Matthew Sweeney, and I manage the partnership between ADP & IPC(Subway's purchasing company), and I was hoping you could get me in contact with the owner referenced above. Please shoot me and email, or give me a call if you can help me. Thanks again! matthew_sweeney@adp.com (866) 861-9343 ext.6754

I'm with Lorenzo. I either make my own, or get a specialty sandwich from my local grocer.

Didn't a customer find a knife baked into their Subway bread once?

Maybe that will help you in your decision lLOLl

@smokey - good link, thanks!

When I was in hotel school, I remember more than one professor bringing up Subway as the best franchise restaurant, especially for first-timers. If you don't have alot of capital, its a good choice because their start-up costs are some of the lowest in the business. Although I prefer Quizno's subs, I'd say go with Subway. Make sure to get a non-competition clause in your franchise agreement so you don't get a Subway down the block competing with you.

I don't like either, but just to add another point to the other excellent things to think of mentioned--what chain is more prevalent in your area? I can't imagine my area, especially in this economy, supporting another Subway or Quiznos.

I think you should see a franchise attorney and see how much the franchise fee is and how much you have to cough up and look at the economy tanking and decide how long you want to work for yourself you build a business. Wild horses could not drag me into a new business enterprise in this economy. Ask the attorney.

I work at a subway that is right next to a Jason's! They havent officially opened yet but I got to eat there at a previewing. The food was great...

Subway is not a bad company to work for though. This is the second store have worked for and I enjoy it there.

I just went to Subways last night. I have had food there many times. They always tasted fresh and the deals are great. I never have eaten at Quizno's before so I don't know what they are like. Another place that makes really good sandwiches and the bread is also made on the premises is Jimmy John's, I don't know if they have that franchise where you live, but talk about yummy.

Neither makes a good sandwich. I only visit the locally owned establishments that use bread baked at a local, artisan bakery. I always use locally owned retailers (unless I have no choice). I think more people are becoming more mindful of where they spend their money. I think there will be a greater push to spend money in locally owned establishments rather than give it to "the man". Helping the economy starts at home.

if your in a college town or somewhere with a lot of vegetarians on a budget i'd definitely stay away from quizno's. besides being more expensive across the board they are awful with their pricing of the few veg options they have. also, i'd boycott them just for using the expession "sammies".