The Top 10 Sandwich Franchises

Sandwiches are big business. The top 10 sandwich franchises from Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 ranking , all rest comfortably in the top 200. The franchises that made the cut are serving healthier meal options at a prices today's consumer can stomach. As the quick-service industry continues to move toward convenience, variety and nutrition, sandwich franchises are stepping up to the plate.

Number of franchises: 34,134
Franchising since: 1974
Startup costs: $84,300 - $258,300
2011 Franchise 500 rank: No. 9
2010 Franchise 500 rank: No.1

Subway is still leading the way in the sandwich industry. The submarine sandwich whiz unseated McDonald's to become the fast-food chain with the most outlets worldwide. In 2010, Subway introduced a line of breakfast sandwiches, which boosted per-unit averages. Subway plans to add drive-through service and more big-box retail locations. The system had been Entrepreneur's No. 1 ranked franchise for 17 of the past 23 years. It's also ranked No. 3 on Entrepreneur's Fastest-Growing Franchise list in 2011.

Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches

Number of franchises: 1,020
Franchising since: 1993
Startup costs: $325,500 - $555,000
2011 Franchise 500 rank: No. 38
2010 Franchise 500 rank: No. 61

Firehouse Subs

Number of franchises: 360
Franchising since: 1995
Startup costs: $187,500 - $412,700
2011 Franchise 500 rank: No. 113
2010 Franchise 500 rank: No. 113

CallFirehouse Subs one hot franchise. Founded in 1994 by former firefighting brothers, Chris and Robin Sorensen, this fast-casual restaurant chain serves up large portions of hand-sliced, steamed meats at value pricing. Firehouse Subs also has heart, as evidenced by their Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation supporting local communities. Its goal: To provide fire departments, law enforcement and emergency medical services with the tools, technology and training they need.

Charley's Grilled Subs

Number of franchises: 379

Franchising since: 1991

Startup costs: $103,000 - $432,800

2011 Franchise 500 rank: No. 112

2010 Franchise 500 rank: No. 116

Entrepreneur Charley Shin hit the jackpot when, at the age of 22, he brought the Philly cheesesteak to his first Charley's Grilled Subs restaurant, on campus at Ohio State University. Now, his American classics (from cheesesteaks to gourmet cheddar fries and lemonade) are available around the globe.

Pita Pit Inc.

Number of franchises: 295

Franchising since: 1997

Startup costs: $192,600 - $318,600

2011 Franchise 500 rank: No. 124

2010 Franchise 500 rank: No. 160

Consumers are becoming more health conscious and aware of nutrition information and calorie counts, which can make Pita Pit an attractive fast-food alternative. This franchise offers Lebanese-style pitas filled with leaner meats, cheeses, fresh veggies and creative toppings and sauces, from a spicy vinaigrette Secret Sauce to Ancho Chipotle. Pita Pit's on-the-go, healthier meal options range from kid's pitas to breakfast pitas and salads and soups.

Which Wich Superior Sandwiches

Number of franchises: 110

Franchising since: 2004

Startup costs: $185,900 - $423,300

2011 Franchise 500 rank: No. 188

2010 Franchise 500 rank: No. 263

Searching for a sandwich shop with edge? Look no further than Which Wich Superior Sandwiches. Founder Jeff Sinelli created Which Wich with a simple goal: To create a fresh, innovative concept featuring superior sandwiches served in an edgy, attractive environment. The ordering concept is also unique: Guests use red Sharpies to mark up pre-printed menus on sandwich bags, which are returned to them with their custom sandwich inside. With more than 50 varieties of customizable "wiches," Which Wich offers a money-back guarantee if customers aren't satisfied.