At a Glance: Key Differences
Data-driven observations based on disclosed figures. Not investment advice — verify current numbers in each franchise's FDD.
Investment & Fees
| Metric | Dairy Queen | Subway |
|---|---|---|
| Min Investment | $1.5M | $229K |
| Max Investment | $2.5M | $524K |
| Franchise Fee | $35K | $15K |
| Royalty Rate | 4.0% | 8.0% |
| Ad Fund Rate | N/A | 4.5% |
Unit Economics
| Metric | Dairy Queen | Subway |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Unit Revenue | $700K | $420K |
| Avg Profit Margin | N/A | N/A |
Scale & Growth
| Metric | Dairy Queen | Subway |
|---|---|---|
| Total Units | 7,200 | 36,690 |
| Annual Growth | 100.0% | -3.5% |
| Failure Rate | N/A | 8.0% |
Franchisee Performance
| Metric | Dairy Queen | Subway |
|---|---|---|
| Franchisee Satisfaction | 68/100 | 55/100 |
Track Record
| Metric | Dairy Queen | Subway |
|---|---|---|
| Years in Business | N/A | 59 |
| Years Franchising | N/A | 48 |
Financial Requirements
| Metric | Dairy Queen | Subway |
|---|---|---|
| Min Net Worth Required | N/A | $100K |
| Liquid Capital Required | N/A | $50K |
Operations
| Metric | Dairy Queen | Subway |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Employees | N/A | 12 |
| Training Weeks | N/A | 2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dairy Queen or Subway a better franchise investment?
The answer depends on your goals, budget, and market. Dairy Queen has 7,200 total units and a 68/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Subway has 36,690 total units and a 55/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Use our ROI Calculator to model both scenarios.
How much does it cost to open a Dairy Queen franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a Dairy Queen franchise requires an initial investment of $1.5M – $2.5M. The franchise fee is $35K, with ongoing royalties of 4.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.
How much does it cost to open a Subway franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a Subway franchise requires an initial investment of $229K – $524K. The franchise fee is $15K, with ongoing royalties of 8.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.
What is the royalty rate for Dairy Queen vs Subway?
Dairy Queen's royalty rate is 4.0%. Subway's royalty rate is 8.0%. That means Dairy Queen has the lower ongoing royalty burden.
Which has more locations — Dairy Queen or Subway?
Dairy Queen has 7,200 total units. Subway has 36,690 total units. A larger system can mean more brand recognition, but also more territorial competition.
Is Dairy Queen or Subway semi-absentee friendly?
Dairy Queen is typically run as a owner-operator model. Subway is typically run as a owner-operator model. If passive income is your goal, semi-absentee models let you hire a manager to run day-to-day operations.
Related Comparisons
Data sourced from franchise disclosure documents and public records. Investment ranges, royalty rates, and unit counts change — always request current FDD before making investment decisions. Last updated March 2026.
Get Personalized AI Matching
See which franchise fits your budget, lifestyle, and goals — not just which has better raw numbers.
Start Free →Compare Up to 4 Franchises
Our full comparison tool adds personalized fit scores, FDD insights, and territory availability.
Open Comparison Tool