--- title: "Tom and Chee Franchise: Cost, FDD Analysis & Review" description: "Explore the Tom and Chee franchise. Investment: $303K-$456K. 16 locations. Grade: c. Sandwich, Sub & Deli Concepts." url: "https://www.franchisegrade.com/best-franchises/brand/tom-and-chee" canonical: "https://www.franchisegrade.com/best-franchises/brand/tom-and-chee" markdown_url: "https://www.franchisegrade.com/best-franchises/brand/tom-and-chee.md" type: "FranchiseBrand" brand: "Tom and Chee" sector: "Fast Food & Fast Casual Restaurants" category: "Sandwich, Sub & Deli Concepts" investment_low: "302700" investment_high: "456000" total_units: "11" grade: "C" operating_model: "Owner-Operator | Multi-Unit | Semi-Absentee" --- # Tom and Chee Franchise: Cost, FDD Analysis & Review Explore the Tom and Chee franchise. Investment: $303K-$456K. 16 locations. Grade: c. Sandwich, Sub & Deli Concepts. ## At a glance - **Brand:** Tom and Chee - **Sector:** Fast Food & Fast Casual Restaurants - **Category:** Sandwich, Sub & Deli Concepts - **Total initial investment:** $302,700 – $456,000 - **Total units (FDD Item 20):** 11 - **FranchiseGrade grade:** C - **Operating model:** Owner-Operator | Multi-Unit | Semi-Absentee - **States with locations:** CO, FL, GA, IN, KS, KY, LA, MI, MO, NE, NJ, OH, PA, TN, TX, WI ## Tom and Chee — franchise facts ### What is the total initial investment required to open a Tom and Chee franchise? Total investment ranges from $302,700 to $456,000, covering equipment, buildout, initial inventory, and working capital. This includes the $30,000 franchise fee and accounts for variations based on location and real estate costs. Most franchisees achieve opening within this range with proper planning. ### What is the initial franchise fee for Tom and Chee, and what does it cover? The franchise fee is $30,000, a moderate entry cost in the QSR sector. This provides access to the brand name, proprietary recipes, training programs, and ongoing support systems. The fee is a one-time cost due at signing. ### What ongoing fees, royalties, or required contributions do Tom and Chee franchisees pay? Royalties are 5% of gross revenue with a 3% advertising fund contribution. A 2% local marketing spend is recommended, and technology fees of $650 per month support POS systems and digital operations. Total ongoing costs average 10-10.65% of revenue. ### What financial requirements must candidates meet to qualify for a Tom and Chee franchise? Franchisees should have liquid capital of approximately $100,000-$150,000 and total net worth exceeding $300,000. Lenders typically require 20-25% down payment with SBA financing covering the remainder. Personal guarantees are standard. ### Are financing options or third-party funding programs available for Tom and Chee franchisees? SBA 7(a) loans are commonly used to finance Tom and Chee franchises, with many lenders familiar with the QSR sector. Equipment financing and lines of credit can supplement initial funding. The franchisor can provide references to preferred lending partners. ### What initial training does Tom and Chee provide to new franchise owners? Training totals 181 hours: 79 hours in-classroom covering systems, menu, and brand standards, plus 102 hours on-site training at an established location. Most franchisees complete training in 2-3 weeks before opening. Ongoing refresher training is available as needed. ### What ongoing support and resources does Tom and Chee offer after opening? The franchisor provides operational guidance, menu development support, and vendor relationship management throughout your franchise term. Regular check-ins, field visits, and access to a franchisee network offer continuous learning. Technology and marketing resources are available to help optimize performance. ### Does Tom and Chee assist with real estate and site selection for new locations? Tom and Chee typically operates in high-traffic, visible locations with good parking and pedestrian access. The franchisor provides site selection guidance based on demographic analysis and traffic patterns. Protected territory rights help prevent cannibalization and ensure location viability. ### What does the day-to-day role of a franchise owner look like with Tom and Chee? As owner, you'll oversee staff hiring, training, and scheduling while managing food quality and customer service standards. Daily responsibilities include inventory management, financial tracking, and community engagement. Many owner-operators work in-store during peak hours to maintain brand consistency. ### Can Tom and Chee be operated as an owner-operator or semi-absentee franchise? This concept works best with owner-operator involvement, particularly during launch and peak hours. A semi-absentee model is possible with a strong general manager in place, though reduced owner involvement may impact service quality and local marketing effectiveness. Hybrid approaches balance personal commitment with lifestyle preferences. ### What type of lifestyle and time commitment should owners expect with Tom and Chee? Tom and Chee suits entrepreneurs seeking flexible scheduling without the intensity of full-service restaurants. You'll enjoy regular customer interactions and community impact without evening/weekend demands of traditional dining. The fast-casual model typically operates lunch and early dinner hours. ### What territories or markets are currently available for Tom and Chee franchise ownership? Protected territories prevent franchisee competition within defined geographic areas, currently available in CO, FL, GA, IN, KS, KY, LA, MI, MO, NE, NJ, OH, PA, TN, TX, and WI. Territory size varies by population density and existing unit locations. Available markets should be confirmed with the franchisor. ### Does Tom and Chee offer multi-unit ownership or expansion opportunities? Qualified franchisees can develop multiple locations within their territory or adjacent areas. Multi-unit agreements typically require staggered opening timelines to ensure operational focus. Volume discounts on royalties may apply for operators developing 3+ units. ### Are area development or master franchise opportunities available with Tom and Chee? Area development agreements allow experienced operators to build regional presence through structured growth plans. Development schedules typically span 5-10 years with specific unit opening milestones. This model suits entrepreneurs with multi-unit ambitions and management infrastructure. ### How does Tom and Chee approach unit-level profitability and financial performance? Unit economics depend on location quality, operational efficiency, and local market conditions. Typical margins range 8-15% net profit before owner compensation. Most units reach profitability within 18-24 months with strong execution and adequate initial capitalization. ### What sets Tom and Chee apart from competitors in its market segment? Tom and Chee's focused menu and specialty grilled cheese positioning creates distinct market identity versus broad QSR competitors. Ingredient quality and craft approach appeal to customers seeking premium fast-casual options. Community engagement and local customization opportunities strengthen customer loyalty. ## Research this brand - Full profile: https://www.franchisegrade.com/best-franchises/brand/tom-and-chee - Compare it side by side: https://www.franchisegrade.com/compare - Check affordability against your capital: https://www.franchisegrade.com/affordability-calculator - Franchise terms used above: https://www.franchisegrade.com/tools/franchise-glossary --- *Source: [FranchiseGrade](https://www.franchisegrade.com) — independent, FDD-derived franchise research.* *Cite this page as: https://www.franchisegrade.com/best-franchises/brand/tom-and-chee* *Training, indexing and quotation are permitted — please attribute and link to the source URL above. Full-text reproduction of the whole page is not. Licensing: privacy@franchisegrade.com*