Ace Hardware vs Subway Franchise Cost 2026
Ace Hardware runs $286K–$2.1M. Subway runs $229K–$522K. The gap at midpoint: $810K.
Ace Hardware
$286K–$2.1M
total investment
Investment Difference
$810K
Subway costs less
Subway
$229K–$522K
total investment
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Ace Hardware | Subway | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Investment | $286K–$2.1M | $229K–$522K | Subway |
| Franchise Fee | $5,000 | $15,000 | Ace Hardware |
| Royalty Rate | 0.0% | 8.0% | Ace Hardware |
| Ad Fund Fee | 0.0% | 4.5% | Ace Hardware |
| Net Worth Required | $400K | $100K | Subway |
| Liquid Capital | $250K | $100K | Subway |
| Est. Break-Even | 5.3 yr | N/A | — |
Ace Hardware Profile
- Category
- retail
- Total Investment
- $286K–$2.1M
- Franchise Fee
- $5,000
- Royalty
- 0.0%
- Est. Annual Revenue
- $2.8M
Subway Profile
- Category
- food
- Total Investment
- $229K–$522K
- Franchise Fee
- $15,000
- Royalty
- 8.0%
- Est. Annual Revenue
- $430K
Bottom Line
Subway costs $810K less to open at the midpoint. That difference goes toward working capital or a second location. Ace Hardware also wins on royalty rate.