Non-Traditional Franchise Locations: How Port of Subs Thrives in Gas Stations, Airports, And More

To think big, sometimes you have to think small(er). Non-traditional franchising opens the door to unique opportunities, offering access to high-traffic environments without the need for a large standalone restaurant. By strategically placing franchises in areas like gas stations, airports, college campuses, travel centers, and convenience stores, brands can tap into existing customer bases, gaining maximum visibility with a scaled-down footprint.

For a portable, grab-and-go favorite like sandwiches, non-traditional locations present endless possibilities. And for seasoned franchise operators looking to diversify their portfolio, Port of Subs offers a fresh, proven concept with an adaptable model primed for non-traditional growth.

Why Go for Nontraditional Franchises?

Non-traditional franchises offer a range of advantages for savvy franchisees. First, they are often more cost-effective. Shared spaces, equipment, and utilities mean reduced overhead. You’ll also typically find lower franchise fees and shorter agreement terms for these types of locations. In addition, labor efficiency becomes easier to manage, especially in smaller, streamlined setups.

These benefits help franchisees reduce their overall investment, while still tapping into high-demand areas. For established operators who already understand the market, non-traditional locations provide a lucrative, low-barrier path to expand with fewer resources compared to opening full-service standalone units.

Port of Subs has been perfecting this approach for over two decades, positioning itself as a leader in non-traditional development. Whether you’re aiming to enter a new market or expand within your existing portfolio, Port of Subs makes it easy to adapt its model to any location.

Port of Subs’ Proven Success in Non-Traditional Locations

At Port of Subs, non-traditional franchising isn’t just a trend—it’s part of our core growth strategy. Since opening our first convenience store location in Grass Valley, California, in 1996, we’ve steadily expanded across non-traditional formats. Our first airport franchise opened in Las Vegas in 2000, bringing our fresh, made-to-order sandwiches to travelers in need of a quick, quality meal.

From there, we’ve grown into university campuses, convenience stores, and even travel centers. Non-traditional locations have allowed us to reach on-the-go consumers who may not seek out a full restaurant but still crave fresh, delicious food. Whether it’s fueling up on a road trip or grabbing lunch between flights, Port of Subs’ high-quality offerings and fast service fit the bill.

Why Port of Subs Thrives in Non-Traditional Locations

Port of Subs excels in non-traditional environments thanks to the simplicity and flexibility of our concept. Sandwiches are naturally portable, which makes them a perfect fit for high-traffic areas like airports and gas stations. Our smaller footprint, focused on quality over quantity, means we can deliver top-tier freshness without the need for extensive kitchen space or equipment.

In addition, our commitment to operational excellence and customer satisfaction ensures that no matter the location, our franchisees have the tools to succeed. Port of Subs’ robust support system includes comprehensive training, marketing support, and operational guidance tailored specifically for non-traditional setups, helping franchisees manage and grow their units efficiently.

Real Estate Requirements for Non-Traditional Buildouts

Port of Subs’ non-traditional buildouts are designed with flexibility in mind, with size requirements ranging from 700 to 1,000 square feet. This smaller footprint makes it easy to fit into a variety of locations, whether you’re targeting an airport food court, a university dining hall, or a gas station convenience store.

Our adaptable floor plans and streamlined equipment help minimize upfront costs while maximizing efficiency, allowing franchisees to start operations quickly and with reduced risk.

Ready to Add a Non-Traditional Concept to Your Portfolio?

For experienced operators seeking a new opportunity, Port of Subs’ non-traditional franchise model offers a unique way to diversify your portfolio and enter high-traffic markets. With over 50 years of experience and a commitment to fresh, high-quality sandwiches, Port of Subs is perfectly positioned to thrive in airports, travel centers, and beyond.

If you’re ready to explore how Port of Subs can fit into your growth strategy, we invite you to learn more about our franchise opportunities. Click here to fill out an inquiry form, and our franchise development team will be in touch.