Goodcents Deli Fresh Subs has carved out a loyal following with fresh-baked bread, hand-sliced meats, and a menu that punches above its weight in the fiercely competitive fast-casual sandwich segment. For entrepreneurs who want to own a proven sub-shop concept without paying premium big-brand prices, Goodcents represents a compelling opportunity - with total startup costs ranging from approximately $311,000 to $506,000, it sits in a sweet spot that makes SBA and alternative financing highly accessible. This complete guide walks you through every financing option available, what lenders look for, and how Crestmont Capital can help you secure the capital you need to open your Goodcents location.
In This Article
Goodcents Deli Fresh Subs was founded in 1989 in Kansas City, Kansas, built on the promise that a great sandwich starts with great bread baked fresh in-store every day. Today the brand operates more than 100 locations across the Midwest and beyond, delivering foot-long subs, pasta dishes, and signature meats at a value price point that keeps customers coming back.
Unlike many national sub chains, Goodcents keeps its menu simple and its royalty structure attractive. The brand charges a royalty fee of approximately 6% of gross sales plus a marketing contribution, and it provides franchisees with robust training, site selection support, and ongoing field consultation. The result is a brand that is large enough to carry name recognition and streamlined enough for a single-unit owner-operator to manage effectively.
Goodcents positions itself as a community sandwich shop - an alternative to the national giants that emphasizes freshness, value, and neighborhood feel. That positioning makes it popular in secondary markets, suburban corridors, and college towns where a value-focused fast-casual brand can command consistent daily traffic.
Key Brand Facts
Understanding the full startup cost of a Goodcents franchise is the critical first step before approaching any lender. According to the most current Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), total estimated startup costs range from approximately $311,139 to $505,910. The wide range reflects differences in real estate markets, whether you are building out a new space or inheriting an existing location, and local construction costs.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the major cost components:
| Cost Item | Low Estimate | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $15,000 | $30,000 |
| Site Analysis Fee | $2,500 | $5,000 |
| Architectural Fees | $5,000 | $12,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $112,500 | $222,500 |
| Equipment, Fixtures and Furnishings | $105,163 | $121,765 |
| Computer/POS System | $12,500 | $20,000 |
| Marketing / Opening Promotion | $7,500 | $15,000 |
| Signage | $10,000 | $15,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $7,726 | $8,645 |
| Working Capital (3 months) | $25,000 | $35,000 |
| TOTAL ESTIMATED INVESTMENT | $311,139 | $505,910 |
The biggest variable is leasehold improvements - costs that reflect how much work is needed to transform a commercial retail space into a functioning Goodcents restaurant. Franchisees taking over an existing sandwich shop or build-to-suit location will typically land at the lower end of the range, while those building out raw shell space in a new strip center will approach the high end.
Most lenders will finance 70% to 90% of your total startup costs, meaning you should expect to bring between $31,000 and $152,000 of your own equity to the table. The SBA's standard down-payment expectation for franchise loans is typically 10% to 20% of the total project cost.
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Apply NowThere is no single best way to finance a Goodcents franchise. The right structure depends on your credit profile, available equity, how quickly you need to close, and how you want to manage ongoing cash flow. Here are the primary loan products prospective franchisees use:
The SBA 7(a) loan program is the most popular financing tool for franchise startups. With loan amounts up to $5 million, repayment terms up to 10 years for working capital and up to 25 years for real estate, and government-backed guarantees that reduce lender risk, SBA 7(a) loans provide the longest terms and lowest monthly payments available for most franchisees. Interest rates are capped at prime plus a set spread, making them highly competitive.
If your Goodcents plan involves purchasing real estate or major equipment exceeding $150,000, an SBA 504 loan pairs a Certified Development Company (CDC) loan with a conventional lender contribution. The 504 program locks in long-term fixed rates and is particularly valuable for franchisees who want to own their building rather than lease.
Banks and credit unions offer conventional small business loans without the government guarantee. These close faster than SBA loans (often 2 to 4 weeks vs. 60 to 90 days), but they typically carry shorter terms (5 to 7 years), higher rates, and stricter credit requirements. Strong borrowers with 700+ credit scores, significant collateral, and proven business experience often get competitive offers through conventional channels.
Equipment financing lets you ring-fence the $105,000 to $122,000 worth of cooking equipment, refrigeration units, POS systems, and smallwares through a self-secured loan or lease. The equipment itself serves as collateral, which keeps qualification requirements lower and preserves your liquid capital for leasehold improvements and working capital.
A business line of credit is not typically used for franchise startup costs, but it is an essential companion product once you are open. A revolving credit line covers seasonal cash flow gaps, inventory surges during busy periods, and minor equipment repairs without forcing you to liquidate reserves or take on new term debt.
If your credit is imperfect or you need capital quickly, bad credit business loans and fast business loans from alternative lenders can bridge gaps or fund supplementary needs. These products carry higher costs but offer approvals in 24 to 72 hours and minimal documentation requirements.
Getting a franchise loan for Goodcents follows a structured process. Unlike a startup with no track record, franchise loans benefit from the franchisor's history of operating units, Item 19 financial performance representations from the FDD, and lender familiarity with established concepts. Here is the step-by-step path most successful borrowers follow:
The Franchise Loan Process - Step by Step
The Small Business Administration does not lend money directly. Instead, it guarantees a portion of loans made by approved banks and credit unions, reducing the lender's risk and enabling them to offer longer terms and lower down payments than they otherwise would. For a Goodcents franchise, this translates into meaningful monthly savings.
Consider the math: a $400,000 loan at 7.5% over 10 years carries a monthly payment of approximately $4,752. That same loan at 7.5% over 7 years (a common conventional term) costs about $6,167 per month - a difference of $1,415 every month, or nearly $17,000 per year. Across 10 years of operation, SBA terms can save you more than $85,000 in cash payments compared to shorter conventional loans.
According to SBA.gov, the 7(a) program approved more than $27 billion in loans in fiscal year 2023, with franchise businesses representing a significant share. Goodcents franchises benefit from the fact that the brand is an established concept with an FDD, which many SBA lenders treat as de facto due diligence.
Key SBA 7(a) loan terms for franchise financing:
You can also explore the Firehouse Subs franchise loan guide or the Jersey Mike's franchise loan guide to see how SBA financing works across comparable sandwich franchise concepts.
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Apply NowLenders evaluate franchise loan applications through a multifaceted lens. While every lender has its own underwriting criteria, most will assess the following factors when you apply for a Goodcents franchise loan:
SBA lenders generally require a minimum personal credit score of 650, and the most competitive offers go to borrowers at 680 or above. Alternative lenders can work with scores as low as 550, but at higher interest rates and with shorter repayment terms. If your score is below 650, work on paying down credit card balances and disputing any errors on your report before applying.
Most SBA lenders want to see that you have at least 10% to 20% of the total project cost in liquid, verifiable funds. For a $400,000 Goodcents project, that means $40,000 to $80,000 in cash or near-cash assets. Goodcents itself requires a minimum of $50,000 in liquid capital.
Goodcents requires franchisees to have a minimum net worth of $200,000+. SBA lenders use similar benchmarks to assess whether a borrower has enough financial cushion to weather early operational challenges.
Restaurant industry experience is a major positive factor, but not mandatory. Lenders and franchisors look favorably on candidates who have managed teams, run a business, or demonstrated operational competence in any field. First-time business owners can still qualify - a strong financial profile and the franchisor's training commitment often compensate.
A credible business plan with a specific site address or target trade area, a 3-year financial model grounded in the FDD's Item 19 data, and a clear owner-operator management plan dramatically improves your approval odds. Lenders who specialize in franchise loans know that Item 19 information gives them a reliable performance benchmark they cannot get from a startup with no track record.
SBA lenders are required to take available collateral to the extent it is available. Business assets - equipment, furniture, leasehold improvements - typically serve as primary collateral. If business assets do not fully secure the loan, lenders may require a lien on personal real estate. This is standard practice and should not deter qualified borrowers.
Here is the complete list of documents you will typically need to prepare for a Goodcents franchise loan application:
Pro Tip: Start the Process Early
Many franchise agreements give you a defined window - often 6 to 12 months - to open your location after signing. SBA loans typically take 60 to 90 days from application to funding. Start your financing process as soon as you receive your signed agreement so you have time to address any lender questions without feeling rushed.
Crestmont Capital is the #1 business lender in the United States, and we specialize in franchise financing for concepts exactly like Goodcents. Here is what sets us apart from going directly to a single bank:
Multiple Lender Access: We work with a network of SBA-preferred lenders, community banks, and alternative funders. When you apply with Crestmont, your information goes to multiple lenders simultaneously, generating competing offers so you can choose the best rate and terms rather than taking whatever one institution is willing to offer.
Franchise Expertise: Our team has deep experience with restaurant and franchise lending. We know what underwriters want to see, we help you build the strongest possible loan package, and we anticipate and address issues before they become approval roadblocks.
Speed: Fast funding matters when you have a franchise agreement with an opening deadline. Our streamlined application process, combined with relationships with lenders who know franchise deals, compresses typical timelines significantly.
Full Loan Suite: Whether you need an SBA 7(a) for the full startup package, a separate equipment financing line, or a working capital line of credit to stabilize your first year of operation, Crestmont structures multi-product solutions that fit your complete financial picture. Explore our small business financing options for the full range.
No Upfront Fees: We believe you should pay for results, not promises. Crestmont does not charge application fees or commitment fees until your loan closes successfully.
These hypothetical examples illustrate how different Goodcents franchisees might approach financing based on their personal financial situations:
Maria has a 710 credit score, $80,000 in savings, and 10 years of management experience in the food service industry. Her target Goodcents location is a 1,200 square foot endcap unit in a suburban strip center with estimated total startup costs of $380,000. She contributes $60,000 (approximately 16%) as her equity injection and finances $320,000 through an SBA 7(a) loan at 7.75% over 10 years. Her monthly debt service is approximately $3,832. She opens within 75 days of loan approval and is cash-flow positive by month four.
David already owns two quick-service restaurant locations and wants to diversify his portfolio with a Goodcents unit. With strong existing business financials and a 740 credit score, he qualifies for a conventional term loan at 6.5% over 7 years for $350,000 of a $400,000 total project, contributing $50,000 from retained earnings. The conventional loan closes in 18 days, allowing him to beat competitors for the prime retail space he has identified. He supplements with a $50,000 equipment financing line for new-concept-specific kitchen equipment.
James has a 620 credit score due to a medical debt collection two years ago, but he owns his home outright with $280,000 in equity and has $70,000 in liquid savings. Crestmont structures a solution: $250,000 in alternative business financing secured against his real estate at 9.5%, combined with $90,000 in equipment financing. The blended cost is higher than an SBA loan would have been, but James opens his Goodcents while simultaneously working to rebuild his credit score so he can refinance into SBA terms within 18 months.
According to Goodcents' current FDD, total estimated startup investment ranges from approximately $311,139 to $505,910. This includes the franchise fee ($15,000 to $30,000), leasehold improvements ($112,500 to $222,500), equipment and fixtures ($105,163 to $121,765), and other startup costs. The wide range reflects differences in real estate markets and buildout complexity.
SBA lenders typically require a minimum personal credit score of 650, with the best rates available to borrowers at 680 or above. Alternative lenders can approve borrowers with scores as low as 550 to 580, though at higher interest rates and shorter terms. If your credit score is below the SBA threshold, working with Crestmont Capital allows you to access non-SBA products while building toward a refinance when your credit improves.
Yes. Goodcents is an established franchise with a current FDD, making it eligible for SBA 7(a) and SBA 504 loan programs. SBA lenders are familiar with franchise concepts and use the FDD's financial data to evaluate your application. The SBA 7(a) program is the most commonly used tool for Goodcents franchise financing, offering terms up to 10 years for working capital and equipment and up to 25 years for real estate.
Goodcents requires franchisees to have a minimum of $50,000 in liquid capital. SBA lenders typically require an equity injection of 10% to 20% of the total project cost, which on a $400,000 project means $40,000 to $80,000. Having more equity reduces your monthly loan payment, improves your approval odds, and can lower your interest rate.
SBA 7(a) loans typically take 60 to 90 days from completed application to funding. SBA Express loans (up to $500,000) can be approved in 36 hours but typically take 2 to 4 weeks to fund. Conventional bank loans take 2 to 4 weeks. Alternative lenders can approve and fund in 24 to 72 hours. The overall timeline depends on how quickly you can gather your documents and how responsive your lender is. Working with Crestmont, which manages the process on your behalf, typically compresses timelines compared to applying directly at a bank.
Goodcents charges a royalty fee of approximately 6% of gross sales. There is also a marketing fund contribution. These ongoing fees must be factored into your cash flow projections because they directly affect your monthly profitability and your ability to service your loan debt.
Restaurant experience is helpful but not mandatory. Lenders and Goodcents corporate look favorably on any management or business ownership experience. Many successful Goodcents franchisees have backgrounds in sales, corporate management, military service, or other industries. What matters most is a strong financial profile, a credible business plan, and a demonstrated ability to manage teams and operations. Goodcents provides comprehensive training for new franchisees.
A business line of credit alone is rarely sufficient or appropriate for funding a franchise startup. Lines of credit work best as working capital tools once your business is open and generating revenue. For the startup phase, term loans and equipment financing are the appropriate products. Once open, a line of credit becomes extremely valuable for managing cash flow between high and low traffic periods, covering payroll during slow weeks, and funding minor equipment repairs or marketing initiatives.
A denial from one lender does not mean you cannot get financed. Different lenders have different underwriting standards, and Crestmont works with many lenders across the credit spectrum. If one SBA lender passes, we explore conventional lenders, alternative funders, or a hybrid structure that meets your project needs. We also provide feedback on what specific issues triggered the denial so you can address them - whether that is raising your equity contribution, correcting a credit report error, or strengthening your business plan.
Goodcents offers one of the more accessible entry points in the fast-casual sandwich segment. Its total investment range ($311,000 to $506,000) is competitive, and the brand's Midwest regional strength gives it a lower competitive density in many markets compared to nationally dominant chains. As with any franchise investment, profitability depends heavily on site selection, local demographics, and owner-operator commitment. We recommend reviewing the FDD's Item 19 financial performance representations carefully and speaking with existing Goodcents franchisees through the validation process.
Goodcents recommends having $25,000 to $35,000 in working capital available at opening to cover the first three months of operations while your location builds customer awareness and sales volume. Experienced franchise lenders typically recommend reserving an additional 10% to 15% of your monthly operating costs as a contingency buffer. Running lean on working capital is one of the most common reasons franchisees struggle in the first year - do not underestimate this line item.
A previous bankruptcy does not automatically disqualify you, but timing matters significantly. SBA lenders generally require 2 to 3 years of clean credit history post-discharge before considering a franchise loan. Alternative lenders may work with borrowers whose bankruptcies were discharged at least 1 to 2 years ago if other financial factors are strong - particularly equity, liquidity, and recent income. Transparency with your lender is essential; attempting to conceal a bankruptcy will result in automatic denial and potential legal consequences.
Core documents include: signed Franchise Agreement or Letter of Intent, the Goodcents FDD, 2 to 3 years of personal tax returns, personal financial statement, 3 to 6 months of personal bank statements, a detailed business plan with 3-year financial projections, your resume, real estate lease or letter of intent, contractor/vendor bids for buildout and equipment, and (for SBA applications) SBA Form 1919 and Form 413. Crestmont helps you compile and organize all of these into a lender-ready package.
Yes. Multi-unit development agreements are available from Goodcents for qualified candidates who want to open multiple locations over a defined development schedule. Lenders evaluate multi-unit applications more holistically, looking at your combined cash flow capacity and management infrastructure. SBA 7(a) loans cap out at $5 million per borrower from SBA-guaranteed lenders, so multi-unit deals often require working with multiple lenders or combining SBA and conventional products. Crestmont specializes in structuring these more complex financing packages.
SBA 7(a) loans are the most flexible option - they can fund working capital, equipment, leasehold improvements, franchise fees, and partial real estate purchases in a single loan. SBA 504 loans are specifically designed for long-term fixed assets: real estate and major equipment costing $150,000 or more. The 504 uses a structure where a Certified Development Company provides 40% of the project in a fixed-rate second position, a bank provides 50% in a first position, and you contribute 10% down. The 504 offers excellent fixed rates for large equipment and property purchases but cannot fund working capital or franchise fees. Most Goodcents franchisees who are leasing (not buying) their space will use an SBA 7(a). Those buying property will often use a 504.
Your Goodcents Financing Action Plan
Contact Goodcents: Start the franchise inquiry process at ownagoodcents.com to receive the FDD and begin the approval conversation.
Pull your credit reports: Get free copies from all three bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com and dispute any errors before applying for financing.
Gather your financial documents: Compile 2 to 3 years of tax returns, recent bank statements, and a personal financial statement so you are ready to apply quickly.
Build your business plan: Use the FDD's Item 19 data to create realistic financial projections and a site-specific market analysis.
Apply with Crestmont Capital: Submit one application, get multiple competing loan offers, and choose the financing package that best matches your budget and timeline.
A Goodcents franchise represents a genuine opportunity in the competitive sandwich and sub market - a brand with a clear identity, fresh-baked differentiation, and a cost structure that keeps entry accessible. With total startup investment ranging from just over $311,000 to just under $506,000, it is a deal size that fits well within both SBA 7(a) and conventional lending parameters, and one where smart financing can meaningfully determine your financial success.
The difference between starting with $35,000 per month in debt service versus $25,000 per month is not just math - it is the difference between a business that has breathing room to grow and one that is permanently cash-squeezed. Choosing the right loan product, the right term, and the right lender is as important as choosing the right location.
According to CNBC reporting on small business trends and Forbes small business coverage, franchise businesses consistently outperform independent startups in survival rates, partly because of the support system and partly because lenders apply more favorable underwriting standards when established brands are involved. You have a real structural advantage when you apply for franchise financing - use it.
Crestmont Capital is ready to help you use that advantage to its full potential. Our team understands franchise lending, works with lenders who know how to evaluate sub-sandwich concepts, and will structure a financing package tailored to your specific financial situation, timeline, and market. Apply today and take the first real step toward owning your Goodcents franchise.
For additional reading on franchise financing, see our guides on Cinnabon franchise loans and our overview of Domino's franchise financing.
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Apply NowDisclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice. Franchise investment costs, loan terms, and lender requirements are subject to change. Always consult with qualified financial and legal advisors before making any franchise investment or loan decisions. Crestmont Capital is not affiliated with Goodcents Deli Fresh Subs or its parent company. All franchise investment figures are sourced from publicly available Franchise Disclosure Documents and may not reflect current FDD data. Verify all costs and requirements directly with Goodcents corporate and a qualified franchise attorney.