FDD-based startup cost, franchise fee, revenue, profit, SBA default rate, and investment risk signals for SUB ZERO.
Based on 2025 FDD · 8 filings in corpus
Cost and profit at a glance
Based on FDDIQ's FDD corpus, a SUB ZERO franchise shows an estimated initial investment of $217K – $356K. Reported owner economics show $11K. Use the links below to compare the cost, revenue, SBA loan history, and ROI against other franchises before you request the full FDD.
Quick fee read: $35K franchise fee · 8% royalty/ad burden. These figures are directional screening data, not a substitute for reading the current FDD and speaking with existing operators.
SUB ZERO requires a total initial investment of $217K to $356K (midpoint approximately $286K), with an initial franchise fee of $35K. The ongoing fee burden is 8% (6% royalty plus 2% advertising fund). This is below the industry average of approximately 14.2%, leaving more margin for the operator.
According to Item 19 of the 2025 FDD, the median revenue for SUB ZERO locations is $220K. The implied franchisee EBITDA is approximately $11K, based on the margin assumptions disclosed in the FDD. The estimated cash-on-cash return is 3.8% with a payback period of approximately 26.0 years.
SUB ZERO operates approximately 1 franchised units. The SBA 7(a) loan default rate of 25.0% is above the franchise industry average of approximately 9.4%, suggesting elevated financial risk for franchisees relying on debt financing.
Prospective franchisees should verify all figures against the most recent FDD, conduct validation calls with multiple existing franchisees, and consult with a franchise attorney before signing any agreement.
Analysis based on 2025 FDD filing. FDDIQ Editorial Team · Methodology
Estimated using sector-average margins. Actual franchise economics vary by location, operator, and market conditions.
Industry averages based on FranchiseIQ corpus benchmarks. ▲ = better than avg, ▼ = worse.
Real lending data from SBA 7(a) loans (2018-2024). 15 loans across 10 states.
Source: SBA 7(a) loan data via FOIA. Default rate = charged-off loans / total originated. Industry avg default rate ~7.2%.
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