Buffalo Wild Wings vs Subway Franchise Cost 2026
Buffalo Wild Wings runs $1.6M–$3.9M. Subway runs $229K–$522K. The gap at midpoint: $2.4M.
Buffalo Wild Wings
$1.6M–$3.9M
total investment
Investment Difference
$2.4M
Subway costs less
Subway
$229K–$522K
total investment
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Buffalo Wild Wings | Subway | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Investment | $1.6M–$3.9M | $229K–$522K | Subway |
| Franchise Fee | $50,000 | $15,000 | Subway |
| Royalty Rate | 5.0% | 8.0% | Buffalo Wild Wings |
| Ad Fund Fee | 3.5% | 4.5% | Buffalo Wild Wings |
| Net Worth Required | $1.5M | $100K | Subway |
| Liquid Capital | $750K | $100K | Subway |
| Est. Break-Even | 22.7 yr | N/A | — |
Buffalo Wild Wings Profile
- Category
- food
- Total Investment
- $1.6M–$3.9M
- Franchise Fee
- $50,000
- Royalty
- 5.0%
- Est. Annual Revenue
- $3.5M
Subway Profile
- Category
- food
- Total Investment
- $229K–$522K
- Franchise Fee
- $15,000
- Royalty
- 8.0%
- Est. Annual Revenue
- $430K
Bottom Line
Subway costs $2.4M less to open at the midpoint. That difference goes toward working capital or a second location. Buffalo Wild Wings also wins on royalty rate.