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Log In / Register | Mar 20, 2010

Quiznos Franchisees Walloped by Recession

Quiznos franchisees claim to have been disproportionately affected by higher-than-average commodity costs, lackluster marketing efforts, a bruising promotional war and a cost structure hard hit by a soft economy. And if that weren't enough, Ad Age magazine adds, "It's also embroiled in three separate class-action lawsuits in which franchisees allege, among other things, that the chain overcharges franchisees for food and other supplies."

Problem #1. The chain was designed with an operational cost structure geared to premium sandwiches. It is especially hard-hit during economic down-turns.

"We can't make money," said Quiznos franchisee Marty Tate, who said his Erie, Pa., store leads the region in sales. Mr. Tate, who is not part of the lawsuit, said 40% of his sales go directly into advertising, royalties and food for the next week. He added that three of seven locations in his county have closed in the past year. Mr. Tate said that when his contract expires next spring, he will open his own independent store.

Problem #2. Quiznos and other chains are in a bruising war over low-priced sandwiches. That plays against Quiznos strengths.

The move toward value is clearly hurting the 4,450-store chain in its sandwich war with much-larger rival Subway, which has more than 22,000 locations. Subway's $5-foot-long-sandwich promotion has resulted in double-digit sales gains in many parts of the country, forcing Quiznos to fire back with its own $5 promotion in May.

Problem #3.  One unnamed industry observer says Quiznos lacks enough variety in its menu offerings.

"Where [Quiznos] is getting its ass kicked is Subway has more products," said one executive familiar with the situation. "When the consumer wants ... variety, there just isn't much in the way of options."

Problem #4. Then there is the problem of how a 4,450 restaurant chain competes with 30,000 unit Subway in advertising.

Quiznos' agency is Cliff Freeman & Partners. According to TNS Media Intelligence, the chain spent $83 million in measured media in 2007 and $55 million in the first half of 2008. Despite the increase, many franchisees said that they rarely see their own ads, and most say the work isn't memorable. (By comparison, Subway spent $361 million in during 2007, according to TNS.

"The last good Quiznos commercial was Baby Bob, and that was 2004," said Mr. Tate, who said he's complained to executives about the creative. "I would challenge anyone to remember the last Quiznos ad they saw."

Considering the challenging times, some franchisees feel confident with the direction the chain is moving.

"Brian Wise, a six-unit franchisee in Kansas, said it was "imperative" the chain respond to Subway. "We can get to the point where we want to have this very select niche of customer that absolutely will pay whatever we charge for a Quiznos sandwich, but that's not true for the larger customer base." He said a couple of his locations are having problems, but most are up over last year."

Read the full story at AdAge.com

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UFOC by Another guy who considered a Q franchise - for about 10 min
How many of you Q franchisees really read the UFOC? Didn't the "left the system" list disturb you? Did you contact any of them?
The only way Quiznos can change things by Barbara Jorgensen
Barbara Jorgensen's picture
is start showing they care about the welfare of their zees. Will it ever happen? Only God and Rick Schaden knows. If they truly care about people (zees) they will know their true asset is the zee. (If they want to be around as long as McDonalds.) I don't see it happening because Rick already made his billions. Heck he even gave a million half to the homeless. (How many did he have to hurt before he made his money?) Naive victims or not, he hurt thousands. Hopefully he will see the light. He talks of some of his relatives becoming homeless. Well I have news for you Rick. You hurt thousands. And made many homeless and caused divorces, suicides and many people to suffer emotionally and financially. Hard working people who had fantastic credit and fairly good lives all because you wanted their money. You got their money. Life is unpredictable and you may not be around tomorrow. Quiznos may not be around forever. (As I see it is going down fast because of many people telling the world what kind of person you are.) You may be one of the most hated name in the world of franchising. If the stories continue main street will know your name. Not exactly how I want to go out in this world. I know it doesn't matter because you got what you want. (Main streets $$$)
Moved by Mr. Blue MauMau
Mr. Blue MauMau's picture
This comment has been moved here.
Losing customer base by Quirky
i have worked in Quiznos for 16 months.I got laid off recently( 2 days ago).I have seen a full 1 year cycle.From what I have observed,Quiznos makes money from the fountain drinks,chips and cookies where penny profit percentage is very high.Most sandwiches are filled with meats and cheese so the claim made by quiznos that the markup on sandwiches is approximately 30- 40 % is far from reality.sammies are doing well compared to subs.We had some repeat customers for sammies but when it comes to subs we had almost 70 % repeat customers.I used to see at least 3- 4 customers walk out of the store after looking at the prices... As pointed out by many critics,Quiznos' pricing is not justified and no matter how much more meat we have than Subway,we just dont have that price-value balance! $ 5 subs were doing great bt we took it off the list as $ 5 for an 11 inch sub !!! we did not even sell them at break even... Our location was excellent with lot of offices around and we used to have a line till the entrance on weekdays...however all that has been changing of late....lines seem to have disappeared...on weekends we have at the most 40 customers with an average sale of around $11 - $12..... Well now that I am not there anymore,all I can do is wish the luck ! I hope someone in Denver is reading this...
Re: Losing customer base by Ex Quiznos Owner
I know your pain. I was in a business district myself. I closed my store after one year because quiznos would listen to me, I was able to show that on the weekends the most I made was about $90-100 gross with about 15-20 average. They refused and denied my requests to be closed on the weekends three times. I finally just started closing on my own but even that could not save me from the hell of quiznos. It was the worst mistake I ever made to buy into the BS of quiznos but Im just thankful to be out with my sanity still intact.
Re: Losing customer base by FuwaFuwaUsagi
FuwaFuwaUsagi's picture
Okay I just read my consulting agreement. And I am comfortable revealing the following: A couple of years ago I was commissioned to review Sandwich/Sub offerings in the market place. The analysis took place in three major metro areas where there were multiple concepts located in very close proximity to one another. No evidence was found that indicates that brand preference is strong enough to overcome convenience, group preference, couponing, or length of line. However almost every person interviewed did state they had a preference. Once again their demonstrated brand loyalty was effectively nil. There were some noted ways to retain a level of loyalty but I am not free to share those methods, however I will say they had nothing to do with food.

FuwaFuwaUsagi

"Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large numbers." 

FuwaFuwaUsagi

"Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large numbers." 

Re: Re: Losing customer base by Rich Piotrowski
One important factor, and I know this came into play at our place, was the human factor. A lot of people that came to our place because they either liked us personally, liked the way we ran it, like the kids we hired, and I would say, even convinced themselves that these factors alone, made our food taste better. (I would argue that our food was better then other nearby Q's but I'm talking beyond that). I think all of these work on a sliding scale, even our most loyal customers I would say had a breaking point. There was only so much higher I could go in price for example (I was the highest priced Q in my market). What should never be overlooked are those factors. I had people that would drive further to come to us then go to cheaper one near them, and the ones near me were not that bad, just not as good as us. About 45 mins from me was one of the worst Q's I've ever been in, the place smelled like it had month old pickles rotting away under each table. Near my sister's house on LI, the Q nearest her she went in once and said the guy smelled so bad she could not only see the sweat on him she could smell it! The point of course it for companies like Q who only look at price and the menu are missing the big picture, there is a lot more than goes into the decision on where we are going to eat then just that.
Store royalty ? by Guest
Now that you have pointed out that no brand preference is strong enough to overcome convenience, group preference, couponing, or length of line;i would like to point out that a lot of my customers used to curse..yes.. literally curse Subway ...I dont want to prove anything as such cos then the sample size and all that statistical shit would have to be considered.Another notable point was that some customers used to drive to our location 7 miles even if they had a Quiznos 2 miles from their place...nd the reason was the service at our retsaurant was wayyy better than the one close to their place....In this case it was not the brand preference but 'store' preference.....
Convenience at some point trumps loyalty by Guest
I sympathize with the Quiznos franchise owners. I'm not one. But I have to tell you that I will drive miles out of my way to eat a Quiznos sub sandwich rather than go to another sandwich shop. I am bound by convenience. I won't go beyond 5 minutes out of my way to get to a Quiznos for the busy times of the day. And I won't go beyond 20 minutes out of my way during less busy weekends. I won't pay more than $3 more for a Quiznos sandwich compared to a less tasty excuse for a sub sandwich of their competitors.
Loyalty by michael webster
michael webster's picture

Interesting.  So can I conclude discounts don't produce loyal customers?

Michael Webster, a franchisee attorney in Toronto, Ontario, publishes a website on business opportunities and franchises called "The BizOp News"


Michael Webster, a franchisee attorney in Toronto, Ontario, publishes a website on business opportunities and franchises called "The BizOp News"


Sloppy Webster by Paul Steinberg
Paul Steinberg's picture

Webster's getting sloppy here, not defining what type of "discount" he is speaking of.

From the store owner perspective, comping a customer with a free soda and giving a $1-off coupon are both "discounts." But while the former may build loyalty, the latter will not.

In the current economy, retailers need to figure out how to give a de facto discount without damaging the brand image. Already there are news reports at customers being jaded by 20 or 30 percent off sales, and waiting for the 50 percent off. And we all remember the 99 cent big burger wars from some years ago.

Proper discounting is as much about consumer psychology as it is about the ultimate price point.

Paul Steinberg
Franchisee Attorney, New York City, Ph: 212-529-5400


Paul Steinberg, Franchisee Attorney, New York City, Ph: 212-529-5400
Half Off Not Good Enough by Darnelle White
Darnelle White's picture
"Already there are news reports at customers being jaded by 20 or 30 percent off sales, and waiting for the 50 percent off." - Steinberg The news article on Blue MauMau actually said that customers were now only motivated by 70% off or more. Interesting times.
Re: Loyalty by maddog
Deep discounts bring in the bargain seekers only to redeem coupons, and never to be seen again until the next deep discount coupons appear. They also bring in the "undesireable" guests - those who have not shaved or showered for a while, and may have alcohol on their breath. This influx reduces the dining pleasure of the full price paying guests, that are regular customers.
Re: Loyalty by Rich Piotrowski
I would say based on my personal experience, absolutely not!!
competing by Guest
Quiznos has unveiled its new 2009 rollout and it shows many changes ! The margins are slimmer on the areas that count - They are issuing tons of coupons, online mail and email that give a 1 free with 1 which has a food cost of 66% The stores are losing money llike mad and closing like mad. This is supposed to drive in customers, but at a loss on each new one. WHOOPEE ! We are, at best netting 3 % at year end. There goes that 3% They lowered the price on 2 food items and Pepsi comes along and increases prices Zero profitability increase. We had a great competitor to the $1- menu that was SAMMIES and they sold, but there was not enough 7% in them yet they would have given a fighting chance to all of the stores . They are now on the back burner and we are selling items with as high a food cost as 45% The solutionis for more stores to close before the headquarters wakes up to the lack of 7%er's We could compete- bring out new value items not reduce the price of existing items on the menu. The $5.00 menu would have been a winner, if Quiznos would have subsidized it and absorbed the loss. We then, would have a customer increase and more profits ! Instead, we are all, slowly going broke with no profits------ SOMEONE FIDDLED WHILE DENVER BURNED
Re: competing by Guest
True! i read the 2009 rollout guide as well...Quiznos is definitely on its way out ...they have reduced the meat proportions which wsa their USP and i couldnt help laughing when i saw their suggestions as to waht to tell the customers in cse they asked why prices are increased... It said something like this : " since we have to provide better value, we have moved some subs in the premium subs category, though we have the same quality ingredients" I was like ..what the hell ..If they put chicken subs in the premium category, people will come to quiznos only for ham, turkey, roast beef and tuna... Also the markups that they have come up with are just unbelievable....
Quiznos 5-7-9 pricing by Guest
I stopped following the 7 and 9 pricing guidelines and just do the 5. My large Signature and Premium subs are now $7.99 and $9.99. I've been doing this for a few weeks now and had ONE customer comment. He didn't complain mind you...he just said.."I see the Italian went up to $7.99". I said "yes" and he proceeded to order a large Italian. The first week we made an additional $49.99 (didnt start this pricing until mid-week), the 2nd we made $114.17 more, the 3rd $122.99 and last week $186.71. We are a low volume store and I managed to NOT give away almost $500. Unfortunately...the Quiznos ship is being steered by greedy morons.
Quiznos Going The Way Of The DoDo? by Guest
4400 stores? That's the same number that Q was at four years ago.
How many stores does Q have? by Darnelle White
Darnelle White's picture

I'm confused. There was another story in which the legal documents said Quiznos had 4,650. This news story says Quiznos has 4450 franchised restaurants.

What is the right number as of October 2008?

Q's Problem Is Too Many Accountants, Lawyers by Guest
Quiznos doesn't need MORE products, it needs BETTER, MORE ORIGINAL sandwiches and recipes. What happened to sandwiches like the Chicken Milano? They left with Chef Jimmy. In fairness to Chef Zach, who gets hammered in some of these posts, I believe his hands have been tied by the fat cat accountants and lawyers who run Quiznos and are more concerned with clearing access inventory and maximizing CORPORATE profits than coming up with great recipes.
Q's Problem IS Too Many Accountants & Lawyers by Guest
Agree 100%. Q has really screwed its franchisees with no new recipes, poor quality, high prices, and a "screw you" attitude toward its "partners" that begins at the top and filters down through the entire organization. That's why I, for one, wasn't the least bit sorry to see 20% of the corporate staff last week standing in the unemployment line this week. Why did they think they'd be treated any differently than the franchisees? Trick Dicky Emmett is a great one to interview for this article. A mediocre lawyer is now an expert at restaurant operations? Must come from all the experience he's gotten as a Papa John's franchisee. hahahahahahah. Dick is just waiting for the long stalled IPO so he can cash out with his stock options. He'd never buy one of these losers. A group of restaurants in California has told the Q to take its 5-7-9 mandatory pricing policy and stick it where the sun doesn't shine. The reason? They can't make any money giving food away. The Q has responded with a "follow the policy or else" letter. I wonder if Dick has any comments about that. The dude writing the comment below this is a Qtard.
Re: Q's Problem IS Too Many Accountants & Lawyers by Guest
In my many years of experience in a number of industries I have observed the following universal truth... When the bean counters are at the wheel the business fizzles. When a leader who is passionate about the products and loves competing in the market place then the business thrives. No offense to bean counters, they play an important and crucial role in business, but their skills rarely include the entreprenureal drive necessary in business.
Count your own beans by Paul Steinberg
Paul Steinberg's picture

Passion alone does not make for a successful business, especially in a narrow-margin business such as food.

I am a frequent critic of Subway Sandwiches, but I cannot speak highly enough of their data-centric management system. I have seen multi-unit owners who successfully manage based on the POS reports and weekly reports generated by the franchisor.

In a business with razor-thin margins, the bean-counting can make the difference between success and failure.

Some franchisors are moving toward real-time data transmission now that broadband connections are reasonably priced.

Indeed one of the problems with Quiznos is that the business model is flawed, and a "bean counter" can show you why. There are many reasons, but one frequent complaint is a franchisee cost of goods sold ("COGS ") which is not sustainable at a price point low enough to attract a sufficiently large customer base.

Deriding "bean counters" is a wonderful excuse for not running your operation in a businesslike manner. It is always easier to have "the vision thing " (or claim to have it) than to demonstrate basic knowledge of accounting.

"Bean counting" is a necessary (though not sufficient) condition for success in most businesses, and particularly in foodservice. If you don't know your COGS. your labor cost, your comps, your average ticket, your drink percentage, et cetera then you should not be in the restaurant business.

In fact, "bean counting" is far too important to be left to the "bean counters."

You should be counting your own beans, on a weekly if not daily basis.

Paul Steinberg
Franchisee Attorney, New York City, Ph: 212-529-5400


Paul Steinberg, Franchisee Attorney, New York City, Ph: 212-529-5400
POS Data by michael webster
michael webster's picture

Paul, who is a lawyer who doesn't counsel individuals on business issues, writes: "I cannot speak highly enough of their data-centric management system. I have seen multi-unit owners who successfully manage based on the POS reports and weekly reports generated by the franchisor."

I concur with this and make the observation that whether the franchisor does this on a regular and effective basis can be figured out by reviewing the FDD. 

Michael Webster, a franchisee attorney in Toronto, Ontario, publishes a website on business opportunities and franchises called "The BizOp News"


Michael Webster, a franchisee attorney in Toronto, Ontario, publishes a website on business opportunities and franchises called "The BizOp News"


Converting to professional bean counters by Darnelle White
Darnelle White's picture
"When the bean counters are at the wheel the business fizzles." - Guest * + Founder (Sizzle) ** **** ******** *********** ****** ********* + Bean Counters (Fizzle) ************ ************** *************** **************** **************** ****************** ***************** ******************* *********************
Idiot Q Man by Guest
Ten hours after you reference the 5,7,9 price point you come back and say it is 5, 7.99, 9.99. Maybe you are not aware but 7 is not the same as 7.99 and 9 is not the same as 9.99. You must have a terrible time controlling cash losses at your location with your fuzzy math. I would recommend you let your night manager take over your Quiznos until you complete your GED. For all I know, you probably are the delivery driver posing as an owner. Give me a break.
Note to Guests by Bob Frankman
Bob Frankman's picture

 Anyone who posts without logging in is called "Guest". 

There is no reason to assume that the person who wrote the 5,7, & 9 price is the same who wrote a few hours later 5,7.99, & 9.99. 

There are many guests here.  

Q-Tard back at you by Guest
Quiznos is no longer on the 5-7-9 mandatory pricing. It's 5,7.50,9.50. Start reading frikin memos from corporate and spend less time blogging about what you don't know. You are one of the most grossly uniformed and uneducated Q franchise owners out there.
Hallelujah For Quiznos 50 CENTS by Guest
50 CENTS???? 50 CENTS??? Oh, thank you for the additional 50 cents. Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah. The Q is going to LET FRANCHISEES charge an additional 50 CENTS on medium and large subs. Franchisees bow down and kiss your hand. 50 CENTS. Franchisees are saved thanks to the benevolence of David Dino, The Dicks, Brennenman, and the rest of the Qtards. To Prosepective Franchisees: Is this the kind of partner that you want? A group of greedy lawyers and accountants that will try to force you to charge an amount that won't allow you to cover your cost of doing business? And then threaten you with legal action if you refuse to abide? Here's a few questions for THIS Qtard. If the 5-7-9 is such a great promotion why are so many Q's deciding NOT to participate. The 50 franchisees in Southern California is just the tip of the iceberg. Can I see an ROI on the 5-7-9 special? How many restaurants have closed since the start of the 5-7-9? 4400 restaurants was the same total Q touted in 2004. That means alot have gone dark. And by the way, who says I'm a franchisee, current or ex, Mr. Qtard? I could be your worst nightmare, a mole deep inside Quiznos that is slowly releasing information, drip, drip, drip....
A Message To Potential Quiznos Franchisees by Guest
For Potential Quiznos Franchisees - The two sneering posts below reflect the attitude and language of Quiznos corporate workers toward Quiznos franchisees. The franchisees are there to fill the coffers of the corporation and can only expect losses and verbal abuse in return. Is that the kind of company you want to invest $300,000 in? When Qtards, like the two below, have no facts they resort to name calling and lies. Why can't they answer the questions? If this has been such a great promotion where are the numbers to back it up? The fact is Quiznos would never release its numbers because the last six months have been a disaster for franchisees. Why are there the same number Q's in business today as there was four years ago? Why did Q layoff 20% of the workforce and close Quiznos University last week? Talk to your local Quiznos owner/manager. They'll be guarded in much of what they say because the memory of Bob Baber, the poor man who quiznos pushed to suicide a few years ago, is still strong. But you'll be able to read between the lines. Or look online to see how many Q's are for sale. Check the average selling price, which is well below the investment cost. Talk to business consultants who won't touch a Quiznos, the banks that won't lend for a Quiznos. Ask why. And then find somewhere else to invest your money.
Speaking of Quiznos Delivery by Guest
Speaking of delivery - it's another loser being mandated by Quiznos. Franchisees are forced to spend thousands of dollars to deliver sandwiches with a 35% food cost with a mandated minimum order of $8. So why push it on franchisees? Simple, as much of a loser as it is for franchisees it's that much of a winner for Quiznos. Additional revenue and no additionl investment by Quiznos. Potential Franchisees: Do your homework. Ask Quiznos for an ROI on delivery BEFORE you sign the agreement. You'll never see one because Quiznos knows what a loser it is. The franchisee has to pay for insurance, an extra employee, the delivery "package", and for each sale garnered through the delivery system. Figure out your cost and then how many sandwiches you'll have to sell to make back your investment and put money in YOUR pocket. You'll waste thousands of dollars.
Re: Speaking of Quiznos Delivery by maddog

The average B.E. for offering Delivery as defined by Q is incremental sales of $1,000 /week, in my estimation.

This does not take into account the upfront investment of $6.3K for the delivery package, or the fact you will need someone in the store who is semi PC literate, has an insured auto and can read maps !

This model will work for a limited number of stores, but not for the masses, IMHO.

50 cent boy by Guest
Regular sub prices were never price mandated. Where in the world has Q ever mentioned mandated regular prices or made any verbal or written communication saying you could now raise regular sized sandwiches. I know that the delivery aspect of position doesn't put you in a position to know these things. Stay away from the computer until you ask your manager to proof read your posts before you hit the "send" button.
Re: 50 cent boy by maddog

Guest wrote: "Regular sub prices were never price mandated."

You are missing the point !

By mandating a price ceiling on large subs, Q has put downwards price pressure on the whole menu.

How can anyone show a menu price for Regular subs at 50c less than a large ....... ?

Get it ........ ?

50 cent boy by Guest
Please find and point out any lies concerning the pricing of regular or large sandwich prices as Quiznos corporate has outlined. The fact of the matter is that you won't address your outrageous and self-conflicting statements. Nothing you throw at the wall sticks. Even a broken clock is right twice a day. You however are never right with your "facts". Get in your beater delivery car and go out and buy a broken clock.
Delivery Boy by Guest
Hook up your Q delivery light and make a delivery. Is the drip, drip, drip coming off your oil pan? Duck tape my boy. (your beater car and your mouth)
Re: Q-Tard back at you by maddog

Guest - if you have to rely on reading memoes, you will always be behind the 8 ball.

The "new" limits are 5.00/7.99/9.99, which still fall short of allowing owners to make a living in major metro areas.

Are you in small town USA, or do you work for corporate in Denver?

And if it's the latter, keep an eye out for a pink slip in your subsequent paychecks !

Chef Zach by Guest
When you speak of access inventory I assume you believe excess inventory. Our order guide is no smaller now than a year ago. Some products have been removed only to be replaced with new ones. I do not see any correlation between lawyers and accountants coming into play with product development.
Q Solution by Bob Frankman
Bob Frankman's picture

Ladies and gents,

There's a way out of the value-sandwich price war with Subway, Arby's, Domino's and others. Q's chef needs to invent a sandwich more addictive than crack-cocaine so that franchisees can charge $50 per sandwich as opposed to $2 and $5 sandwich prices now.

No matter what is happening in the economy, Q customers will be breaking down the doors to grab a sandwich. As the chain pushes the sandwich price-point to its outer-limits, franchisees will be bathing in money. 

An IPO will be certain. And share prices will make Q stock owners rich, rich, rich while competitors hire detectives to find out what is in the secret crystaline recipe.

It won't be Subway anymore that the chain will be competing with. It will be community entrepreneurs like Bling Face, Ice See and Count BB Scam.

Re: Q Solution by maddog

BF wrote: "There's a way out of the value-sandwich price war with Subway, Arby's, Domino's and others. Q's chef needs to invent a sandwich more addictive than crack-cocaine so that franchisees can charge $50 per sandwich as opposed to $2 and $5 sandwich prices now."

Not waiting for Q to do something inventive, we have taken the first bold step.

We now put tequila in our rasberry lemonade, and vodka in our dressings. Guests comment the food at our Q is sooo..... much better than the others ..... !!!

Just tounge in cheek - do not take it literally, please !

Nothing will change by Guest
Quiznos is run by private equity guys (Brenneman's CCMP Capital Advisors, Schaden's Cervantes Capital. They dont want to take it public. That would mean rules, accountability, standards, & open books. I really believe that our only hope is the following: Q Had tremendous/rapid grwoth experienced '00-05: These Franchisee contracts have terms of 15 years. So in the years 2015-2020 these franchisees will come up for renewal. No one will renew. Some real fundamental changes need to take place. Basically, turn a profit. The churning/transfers can only last so long. Many people are aware of Quiznos and would never entertain the thought of owning one. It's already begun franchisees cannot find buyers and are simply closing down.
Quiznos renewal by Guest
Keep in mind that Quiznos is "allowing" owners to close down without threats of future royalty payments
That is nice of them by Barbara Jorgensen
Barbara Jorgensen's picture
Very good. That is one less thing for the zees to worry about. There is still the landlord and many other things they have to worry about.
15 Years??!!! by Barbara Jorgensen
Barbara Jorgensen's picture
Holy smokes! That is a long time. Will they last that long? The average restaurant life span is 10 years. It might be less now. With all the competition this is way too long. I really feel for all the zees.
Re: Nothing will change by maddog

Guest wrote: " ........... Many people are aware of Quiznos and would never entertain the thought of owning one. It's already begun franchisees cannot find buyers and are simply closing down."

To add to that, banks and other lending instituitions have also caught on, and are unwilling to loan, even to acquire assetts for pennies on the dollar.

Q Solution by Guest
Quiznos cannot mandate maximum retail price points. If a Quiznos corporate rep. tells you this is the case, tell them to put it in writing and see what their response is. $2.00 Sammies are ricidulous.
Quiznos Franchisees by Guest
I have always been interested in becoming a franchisee; I looked at Quiznos. Here is what I want to know: how can anyone read the UFOC and decide to invest in this business? The "left the system" list is perhaps the longest of any I looked at. That alone left me in the cold. I next looked at Hair Color Xpress, later renamed Hair Color Xperts. That looked better, so I created an in-depth pro-forma, flew to Florida to meet the corp staff, etc. Once I deciphered the income statement in the UFOC (revealing how much the corp owned salons generated) and talked with all 19 salon owners (none of whom owned more than one), I took a walk. The whole concept went bankrupt a few years later. I will stick with my software business. No capital investment, huge margins, etc. My next move to diversify will be rental property.
You can thank your lucky stars by Barbara Jorgensen
Barbara Jorgensen's picture
you didn't do a Quiznos. Many people's lives destroyed. Your also lucky you didn't do the other business venture. Good luck with all you do and go forth and prosper. Rentals are a good thing. Now is the time to buy because it is a buyer's market. People are not afraid to come down $40,000 to $50,000 below market value. Alot of people will have to rent due to all the foreclosures.
Re: You can thank your lucky stars by Ex Franchise Owner
I closed my store on Oct 31, 2008, after months of trying to sell it starting at $20,000 ending at $7500--no takers. On November 1st, we cleared out the store, myself and my manager (who is a long time friend) sat in the empty store that evening and drank a six pack of beer. It was so liberating to be done with Quiznos. I too will be paying off my loans for 30+ years but to not have to be in the damn store night and day, not receiving the roll out guides once a month, and not listening to customers bitch about the prices, is a great thing!! Yea All Of Us Who Punted Before We Lost The Ball
Glad to be out by Guest
I closed my store Jan 2008, cut a deal with the landlord to buyout the lease. Yeah, I'll be paying it off for 30 years (rolled into mortgage) but whew.... thank god almighty I am free at last!
May I know how much % in by Guest

May I know how much % in average are we talking about buying out the lease?

Sold My Quizblows Store For $1.00 by Q-Koolaid-Retard
Yes, just one dollar! Just as the guest above wisely put it, I thank God Almighty that I am free at last of this money losing pit! Btw, I don't miss any of those harassing phone calls from vendors and landlord asking for their money. I can’t wait for the day when I read the news that Q has gone under!
Are we still in 4th grade? by jd
Because at about 10 years old is when people start to realize that using the word 'retard' isn't right. Based on the fact that you are still using the term, I'm happy that you lost your money, because you obviously don't have the proper mindset to run a business.
Oh come on by Guest
I think he was referring to himself. And afterall people who got duped into buying one of these miserable money pits do go through a long period of time chastising themselves for their mistake. One guy even committed suicide over his store. So show a little compassion, or at least understanding & restraint, jd. Sheesh.
Re: Oh come one by jd
Well, by the person calling himself a 'retard', (s)he is showing no compassion to people that are mentally handicapped. I had a sister with down syndrome, and I don't think I ever heard her bitch & moan as much as people on here that actually had the capability to process things. She was a 'happy go lucky' type that lived each day and enjoyed each day to the fullest. People on here need to realize that their life isn't over just because they lost some money. As for Bob Baber, I have my own thoughts, and they are different than others. Going forward maybe people should think about the big picture. Live life to the fullest. Take responsibility, build back up their savings, etc. And how about using a word like idiot instead of 'retard' going forward.
Re: Re: Oh come one (sic) by Guest
Kind of splitting hairs here, but "retarded" is a medical term found on anyone's chart in a hospital/skilled nursing facility that suffers from mental retardation. They will be classified as "Mildly retarded," "Severely retarded" and so on. "Retard" is probably another matter as it is usually used in a derogatory tone, whereas "retarded" is an official medical term used in the medical field.
Politically correct rules by Guest
Oh ok. So we have to be PC on here now. Sorry, but you can't say idiot because that offends people with relatives in insane asylums.
Re: Re: Oh come one by FuwaFuwaUsagi
FuwaFuwaUsagi's picture
I support JD's point of contention.

FuwaFuwaUsagi

FuwaFuwaUsagi

"Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large numbers." 

What now? by Juan F
Juan F's picture
Glad to hear of your sense of freedom. No sense staying in a losing venture. What do you plan to do now? Do you sense any good investments out there?
Re: What now? by Guest
Pay off debt from this dump of a franchise, build savings back up, try a few low cost high margin internet ventures, and invest any leftovers in gold.
$1 - ya lucky looserer by Ray Borradale

It is just a shame that so many hang on into so much inevitable debt and anguish when to accept the loss and get the hell out is so much wiser when the system stinks. 

Congratulations to those who are able to accept the future within a scam - commiserations to the fool that paid a $1 and will lose a life-time.

Australian Franchise Opportunities, a common sense approach to franchising
A dollar is too much by Barbara Jorgensen
Barbara Jorgensen's picture
You do not get paid well, you work long hours and have to put up with a company that has hurt many people. Drinking the kool-aide doesn't make you a retard. You may suffer financial suicide but hopefully the lessons will make you wiser and lead you to better opportunities. Never give up.
Shoulda bought a Wiznos by Millionaire Ric...
Millionaire Richard Quick Esq's picture
All I can say is you guys should have bought a Wiznos. Things will only get worse now that you have to compete with our LB. O' FLESH Value Meal.

Millionaire Richard Quick, Esq.

Website:  FranWorst.com

See you on the veranda!

Millionaire Richard Quick, Esq.

Website:  FranWorst.com