News Summary
Penn Station East Coast Subs has announced plans to nearly double its locations from 322 to around 650 within the next five to seven years. The sandwich chain, based in Cincinnati, will expand across 15 states focusing on key markets like Columbus, Pittsburgh, and Charlotte. Additionally, the company is collaborating with the Cincinnati Bengals for community promotions while offering incentives to new franchise owners, highlighting its commitment to growth and quality customer service.
Expansion Plans for Penn Station East Coast Subs Announced in Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio — Penn Station East Coast Subs, a prominent fast-casual sandwich chain headquartered in Cincinnati, has revealed ambitious growth plans aimed at doubling its number of locations over the next five to seven years. The company intends to expand from its current 322 stores to approximately 650 across 15 states, strengthening its regional presence and market share in the fast-growing sandwich segment.
Current State and Growth Strategy
Established in Cincinnati in 1985, Penn Station has grown into one of the largest private companies in the city. The brand is best known for its hot grilled and cold deli subs, alongside hand-cut fries and fresh lemonade. Despite its extensive network, the company currently operates only one corporate-owned store, with approximately 95% of franchise locations situated within a 350-mile radius of Cincinnati, emphasizing its focus on regional expansion.
Key target markets for the expansion include major cities such as Columbus, Ohio; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Detroit, Michigan; Nashville, Tennessee; Richmond, Virginia; Raleigh, North Carolina; and Charlotte, North Carolina. The expansion strategy involves franchise partnerships in these areas, aiming to increase brand visibility and customer access.
Partnerships and Community Engagements
One notable community engagement effort involves a partnership with the National Football League’s Cincinnati Bengals. Beginning in the 2025–2026 season, the chain will launch “Who Dey Tuesdays,” a promotional event offering a free small sub with any sub purchase after Bengals games. This initiative is designed to encourage repeat visits, build a sense of community loyalty, and enhance local brand recognition during high-traffic events.
Incentives for Franchise Development
To attract new franchise owners, Penn Station is offering limited-time incentives, including a six-month period without royalty payments and a 50% reduction in franchise fees for multi-unit development agreements. These offers aim to motivate entrepreneurs to invest in new locations as part of the company’s expansion efforts.
Recent Openings and Regional Growth
Recent franchise openings underscore the company’s growth momentum. New locations have recently opened in Ann Arbor, Michigan; Gastonia, North Carolina; and Massillon, Ohio. Future openings are planned for Crown Point, Indiana, and Independence, Kentucky. The Ann Arbor location marks the first in Washtenaw County, owned by the Van Overmeer family, who bring previous experience in quick-service restaurant operations.
Recognition and Future Outlook
Recognized nationally as one of the fastest-growing franchise systems, Penn Station is also celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. The company continues to actively seek new franchise owners, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining high-quality service standards and community outreach as it expands its regional footprint.
Conclusion
As Penn Station plans to nearly double its number of locations within the next several years, its expansion reflects a strategic move toward strengthening its position in regional markets. Through community partnerships, targeted incentives, and new store openings, the chain aims to sustain its growth trajectory while prioritizing quality service and local engagement.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Local 12 News
- Wikipedia: Sandwich
- Franchising.com
- Google Search: Penn Station East Coast Subs
- MLive
- Google Scholar: Penn Station East Coast Subs
- Bengals.com
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Franchise
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
