Did you know Americans ordered around 251.47 million salads in 2024 alone? And on any given day, nearly half of all adults eat a sandwich.
That’s not a trend. That’s a habit.
This is why chopped salad franchises and sandwich shop franchises are quickly becoming some of the most appealing investments in fast-casual dining.
As more consumers prioritize freshness, customization, and healthier options, these concepts are meeting people where they are – offering meals that are quick, feel good, and fit into real life.
If you’re an entrepreneur looking for your next move in the food space, here’s why this category is one to watch – and what you should know before getting started.
Why Chopped Salad Franchises Are Gaining Popularity
Walk into any urban lunch spot, and you’ll likely see the same thing: a line of people waiting for their customized salad bowls. This is not because of healthy eating; it’s also about convenience, control, and meals that actually feel good after you’ve had them.
Here’s why chopped salad franchises are resonating with today’s diners:
Customization is the Default
People don’t just want to eat better – they want it their way. Chopped salad concepts let customers build meals around their preferences: more protein, no dairy, extra crunch, whatever works. This level of flexibility has become non-negotiable for younger consumers.
Health is the Priority
Salads used to be an afterthought. Today, they’re the main event. With growing awareness around nutrition and dietary choices, chopped salads are seen as quick, nourishing, and clean, without the limits of typical diet food.
Built for Speed and Convenience
Franchises like Bread Zeppelin are optimized for the lunch rush. Chopped salads are fast to prep, easy to serve, and perfect for dine-in, takeout, or delivery – hitting all the marks for a modern fast-casual model.
A Growing Market with Room to Innovate
The U.S. salad bar and bowl market is thriving. That means strong demand – and plenty of room for brands that bring something unique to the table.
Sandwich Shop Franchises: A Profitable Investment
Sandwiches aren’t going out of style anytime soon. In fact, they’re evolving, and the brands keeping up with modern tastes are growing fast.
The U.S. sandwich and sub shop market is valued at over $46.2 billion – all thanks to the convenience, better ingredients, bolder flavors, and a dining experience that feels fast but fresh.
Here’s why sandwich shop franchises continue to perform so well:
Universal Appeal
Everyone eats sandwiches – kids, office workers, gym-goers, and travelers. It’s one of the most familiar formats in food, making it a low-barrier entry point for new customers.
Easy to Operate, Easier to Scale
Compared to full-service restaurants, sandwich shops often run leaner. Simplified prep, compact kitchens, and faster throughput make them ideal for high-volume locations or multi-unit expansion.
Flexible Menus That Fit Every Diet
Modern sandwich brands offer more than ham and cheese. Think grilled proteins, vegan add-ons, and creative toppings—all tailored to how people eat today.
Perfect for Fast-Casual Dining
Sandwiches are built for grab-and-go. And in a post-pandemic world where takeout and delivery are still growing, sandwich shop franchises are well positioned to serve across formats: dine-in, pickup, curbside, or third-party delivery.
How to Evaluate a Chopped Salad or Healthy Sandwich Franchise Opportunity (Before You Invest)
The salad and sandwich space is booming, but that doesn’t mean every concept is a smart investment. If you’re exploring franchise options, here are five key factors to evaluate:
Is the Product Truly Unique?
In a saturated market, you need something that stands out. Look for a brand with a signature menu or format that drives curiosity and repeat traffic. Bread Zeppelin’s “Zeppelin”—a” baguette filled with chopped salad—is a great example of innovation that customers remember.
Built for Efficiency and Scale
Operational simplicity can make or break your business. Bread Zeppelin’s franchise model is built around speed, quality, and low complexity – with no fryers or grills, streamlined prep lines, and a compact kitchen footprint that supports fast throughput and consistent service.
Real Support from a Passionate Team
The best franchises don’t just train you once and disappear. Look for a team that offers hands-on help with real estate, construction, hiring, marketing, and ongoing operations.
Proven Performance and Smart Growth
With a reasonable investment range and lower operating costs compared to traditional QSRs, Bread Zeppelin offers a compelling path to profitability.
The leadership team has refined the model over the years of hands-on experience. To maintain operational consistency, the franchise system requires at least one partner with restaurant experience, whether as an experienced manager or operating partner. The model supports both first-time and multi-unit operators.
A Brand That Aligns with Today’s Dining Values
Consumers are choosing meals that are fresh, customizable, and health-forward. Choose a chopped salad restaurant franchise like Bread Zeppelin that reflects those values and can grow with where the market is headed.
Build a Business Around What People Already Crave with Bread Zeppelin
Fast-casual isn’t slowing down, and neither is the demand for fresh, customizable meals that fit how people eat today.
With a signature product that blends the best of salads and sandwiches, a simplified operating model, and full support from an experienced team, Bread Zeppelin offers a lucrative franchise opportunity built around what customers are already hungry for.
Whether you’re a first-time operator or a seasoned investor, this is your chance to grow with a brand that’s ahead of the curve – and designed to scale.
Learn more about franchising with Bread Zeppelin and start building something fresh.
