Joel Libava
The message from the owners of the Cheba Hut franchise chain is crystal clear:
“If you have the munchies, you’ve come to the right place.”
Okay. Maybe that’s not their message.
But the décor of Cheba Hut franchises near and far, along with the colorful names of some of their menu items scream it. And the founders?
They’re quite the characters.
I’m kidding. Cheech And Chong are not the founders of this sandwich franchise. But it would be cool if they were.
That said, the real founder’s name is a few paragraphs down. As is information on the investment for a single Cheba Hut franchise.
About The Cheba Hut Franchise Concept
One of the standout features of Cheba Hut is its marijuana-themed branding and playful references to weed.
Note: I’m not suggesting that it’s okay to smoke weed. I’m just reporting on this sandwich franchise, as Cheba Hut Toasted Subs gets a fair amount of publicity. Let’s continue.
In case you didn’t know, the name “Cheba Hut” is a play on words, combining “Cheba” (slang for marijuana) and “Hut” (representing a casual and laid-back atmosphere).
However, it’s important to note that Cheba Hut does not sell or serve any marijuana products.
The brand’s focus is on creating an enjoyable dining experience through its food and ambiance. And in my opinion, the franchise company’s target market is today’s generation of partiers who have the munchies and want to partake in the chains toasted subs and refreshing beverages.
History Of Cheba Hut
Their 1st location opened in 1998, in Tempe Arizona.
From their website:
“Scott Jennings decided to showcase the harmony between great tasting food and … well, a very specific counter-culture. The menu features over 30 signature sub sandwiches, as well as a variety of Rice Krispy treats, salads and munchies.”
In addition…
“Most locations also offer craft beer bars that feature local beers from neighborhood breweries. What really sets Cheba Hut apart, though, can only be experienced in our shops. We combine homegrown food with real people in a relaxed environment. Escape the established.”
Cheba Hut Reviews: Their Toasted Subs Menu
Cheba Hut Toasted Subs offers a diverse menu with a wide variety of subs. And every sub is made to order and toasted to perfection.
The franchisees use high-quality ingredients and offer a wide range of options to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. Those even include gluten-free selections.
Some of their most popular subs include:
(Image courtesy of Postmates-Seattle)
The “White Widow“: This is one of their signature sandwiches, featuring chicken breast, provolone cheese, mushrooms, onions, and a creamy garlic sauce.
The “Acapulco Gold“: This sub includes roast beef, bacon, avocado, jalapeños, and cheddar cheese. It’s often served with a chipotle mayo sauce for added flavor.
The “Thai Stick“: This sub combines grilled chicken, ham, Swiss cheese, pineapple, and teriyaki sauce, giving it a unique sweet and savory profile.
The “Magic Mushroom“: It’s a vegetarian option that includes mushrooms, cucumbers, bell peppers, black olives, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and your choice of cheese and sauce.
Cheba Hut Munchies Menu
Cheba Hut offers a variety of appetizers and sides that are perfect for sharing or as a snack.
Some popular munchies include “Hemp Hummus,” “Toasted Garlic Cheese Bread,” and “Munchie Mix” (a combination of pretzels, Cheba chips, and other crunchy snacks).
The food chain also offers delicious and oversized Rice Krispy Treats.
These sweet treats are made with marshmallows, rice cereal, and various toppings such as chocolate chips, M&M’s, or peanut butter. Yummm.
And for those seeking lighter options, Cheba Hut offers a selection of salads.
Some of the more popular choices include the “Garden Salad” (mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and other fresh veggies) and the “Santa Fe Salad” (mixed greens, black beans, corn, tomatoes, onions, and avocado).
Cheba Hut Franchise: The Beverage Menu
Cheba Hut franchise owners offer a nice variety of refreshing beverages, including lemonades, sodas, iced teas, and specialty drinks. Specifically…
Flavored lemonades which are typically made with freshly squeezed lemons and mixed with different fruit juices or syrups. Some popular flavors include strawberry, raspberry, peach, or mango.
These lemonades are known for their vibrant and tangy taste, making them a great choice to quench your thirst.
Iced Teas are available in various flavors like raspberry and peach. You can also order unsweetened tea if that’s what you prefer.
Additionally, Cheba Hut offers specialty sodas that differ from the standard soft drink offerings.
These can include unique flavors or craft sodas that provide a serious twist on traditional carbonated beverages. Some locations might feature locally sourced or artisanal soda brands, adding a distinctive touch to the drink menu.
Note: according to the Cheba Hut reviews I’ve read, it’s important to note that the availability of specialty drinks may vary depending on the specific location.
That’s because Cheba Hut franchisees have some flexibility in selecting their drink offerings, and they may also rotate or introduce seasonal beverages.
Finally, depending on local regulations, some Cheba Hut Toasted Sub locations may offer a selection of craft beers and local brews.
The Cheba Hut Toasted Subs Atmosphere
The atmosphere in Cheba Hut franchise locations is often described as laid-back and welcoming.
Many of their huts (restaurants) feature eclectic decorations, vibrant colors, and a casual ambiance. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the menu, and the overall experience is designed to be enjoyable and memorable.
FYI: the availability of specific menu items and the overall experience may vary depending on the location, as Cheba Hut is a franchise with multiple outlets. If you’re interested in trying their subs and beverages, it’s recommended that you visit their website to find a Cheba Hut near you.
Own A Cheba Hut Franchise
Before I provide the numbers…the initial fees you need to have to buy a Cheba Hut franchise business, I want you to hear from a Cheba Hut franchisee and get a peek into his franchise location.
Definitely different, right? And being different can work well in business.
Cheba Hut Franchise Cost
The initial investment for a Cheba Hut franchise is $591,400 – $1,294,800.
In addition, as a Cheba Hut franchisee, you’ll pay a monthly royalty fee of 5%. Plus, you’ll pay 2% into the “brand fund.”
“But why is there such a wide range in the initial cost, Joel?”
Because your total upfront investment determined by the type and condition of the real estate and the particular market you want to open in.
What does your upfront investment include?
From the Cheba Hut franchise website:
“Start-up costs include line items like leasehold improvements, equipment, furniture, inventory/supplies, grand opening marketing, and three months of initial working capital.”
In addition, you’ll need to invest in one of these vans:
(Image courtesy of fayflyer on Instagram)
There’s more.
“A competitive benefit for Cheba Hut is our simple operational concept; our stores have no complicated and expensive hoods or grills; to produce the best damn sandwich you’ve ever had, our Franchise Owners only need the Cheba toaster. Due to the flexible smaller formats, build-outs will be cheaper than the often complex restaurant build-out.”
All franchisees need is a toaster?
Mmmm.
All in all, this sandwich franchise comes in on the upper end of the franchise investment spectrum. But if the revenue and margins are high enough…
As you probably know, I don’t get into individual franchisee earnings and such. Why?
Because even if the franchisor provides numbers in their FDD, or somewhere on their website, you still need to verify them. How?
By talking with franchisees.
‘Joel, Is There A Cheba Hut Near Me?’
While I’d like to taste A Cheba Hut sandwich myself, I can’t. Why?
Because unfortunately, there’s aren’t any Cheba Hut Toasted Subs franchises near me. But there may be a location near you. Find out
In summary, Cheba Hut seems to be doing the right things.
First off, they’ve differentiated themselves from all the other sandwich franchises in a big way.
Secondly, this sandwich franchise has an audience. An unusual one, but a growing one nevertheless. That’s mostly because of the more liberal marijuana laws being passed in lots of states.
Finally, the market needs them. Why?
Because they’re a loud, aggressive brand that can quickly make an impact in local markets.
Which serves as a reminder of the power of franchising.
(The image of a Cheba Hut restaurant at the top of this post was AI generated.)
Note: When you buy through links on this website, we may earn an affiliate commission. In addition, I've started to use AI to help me craft better article titles and headings.
