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Rates
Tom And Chee

Tom And Chee

Franchising since 2009 · 15 locations

The total investment to open a Tom And Chee franchise ranges from $37,500 - $358,190. The initial franchise fee is $25,000. Ongoing royalties are 5% plus a 1.5% advertising fee. Tom And Chee currently operates 15 locations (15 franchised). PeerSense FPI health score: 23/100.

Investment

$37,500 - $358,190

Franchise Fee

$25,000

Total Units

15

15 franchised

FPI Score
High
23

Proprietary PeerSense metric

Limited
Capital Partners
13lenders available

Active capital sources verified for Tom And Chee financing

SBA

7(a) Eligible

21d

Avg Funding

P+2.25%

Best Rate

No retainers · Referral fee at closing

FPI Score Breakdown

Growing (10-24 loans)

High Confidence
23out of 100
Limited

SBA Lending Performance

SBA Default Rate

31.8%

7 of 22 loans charged off

SBA Loans

22

Total Volume

$4.8M

Active Lenders

13

States

13

What is the Tom And Chee franchise?

Tom And Chee presents a compelling opportunity within the dynamic limited-service restaurant sector, distinguished by its unique focus on a beloved comfort food pairing. Headquartered in Troy, Michigan, this brand has carved out a niche by elevating the classic grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup combination into a fast-casual dining experience that appeals to a broad demographic. The concept capitalizes on nostalgic flavors delivered with modern culinary twists, creating a menu that is both approachable and innovative. As a Limited-Service Restaurant, Tom And Chee operates within a segment known for its efficiency, speed of service, and ability to cater to busy lifestyles, offering a quick yet satisfying meal solution. The brand's foundational premise revolves around offering high-quality ingredients and creative variations on its core offerings, ensuring repeat patronage and a distinct identity in a crowded marketplace. This specialized approach allows for streamlined kitchen operations, simplified inventory management, and a consistent customer experience, which are all critical components for franchise success. The Tom And Chee franchise model is built upon delivering a comforting and high-quality product in an inviting atmosphere, attracting individuals and families seeking a reliable and enjoyable dining option. This focus helps to cultivate a loyal customer base, essential for long-term growth and profitability in the competitive food service industry. The inherent simplicity of the core menu, coupled with creative expansions, means the brand can adapt to various market demands while maintaining its core identity. The careful positioning of Tom And Chee as a purveyor of elevated comfort food positions it uniquely to capture market share from consumers looking for both value and a memorable dining experience. The commitment to a specialized menu fosters operational excellence and brand recognition, making the Tom And Chee franchise an intriguing prospect for potential investors seeking a proven concept with broad appeal.

The broader industry landscape for limited-service restaurants, where the Tom And Chee franchise operates, continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and growth potential. This sector, encompassing quick-service and fast-casual dining, consistently outperforms many other segments of the food industry due to its inherent convenience, affordability, and adaptability to evolving consumer preferences. Consumers increasingly seek quick, high-quality meal options that fit into their busy schedules, a demand perfectly met by the limited-service model. The appeal of comfort food, a cornerstone of the Tom And Chee franchise offering, remains timeless and transcends economic fluctuations, providing a stable foundation for demand. Trends indicate a sustained consumer appetite for familiar yet elevated dining experiences, favoring brands that offer a specialized menu executed exceptionally well. This segment benefits from lower operational complexities compared to full-service restaurants, making it an attractive entry point for franchisees. Furthermore, the limited-service restaurant market is characterized by innovations in technology, including online ordering, delivery services, and loyalty programs, which enhance customer engagement and expand revenue streams. A brand like Tom And Chee, with its focused menu, is well-positioned to integrate these technological advancements seamlessly, improving efficiency and customer reach. The market also shows a strong preference for concepts that offer perceived value and a distinct identity, attributes that are central to the Tom And Chee franchise. The ongoing demand for convenient, satisfying, and consistently good food experiences ensures that the limited-service restaurant category continues to be a vibrant and fertile ground for franchise development and expansion across diverse geographic regions.

Investing in a Tom And Chee franchise requires a careful consideration of the financial commitments involved, designed to ensure that each unit is adequately capitalized for sustainable operation and growth. The initial franchise fee for a Tom And Chee franchise is set at $25,000. This fee grants the franchisee the right to use the brand's trademarks, proprietary systems, and operational procedures, providing access to a well-established business model. Beyond the initial fee, the total investment required to open a Tom And Chee franchise ranges from $37,500 to $358,190. This broad range accounts for various factors that can influence startup costs, including the specific real estate chosen, the size and condition of the leased or purchased premises, regional construction costs, and the extent of tenant improvements needed. The lower end of the investment spectrum might represent smaller, more streamlined locations or conversion of existing suitable spaces, while the higher end would typically cover the costs associated with developing a new build-out or a larger, prime location in a competitive market. This comprehensive investment figure generally covers expenses such as leasehold improvements, equipment purchases, initial inventory of food and supplies, signage, point-of-sale systems, initial marketing and grand opening costs, and working capital to cover initial operating expenses before the business reaches profitability. Prospective franchisees are advised to carefully review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) to gain a detailed understanding of each component of this investment range, allowing for thorough financial planning. The structured investment approach for a Tom And Chee franchise aims to equip franchisees with all necessary resources to launch and operate their business effectively, minimizing unforeseen financial hurdles during the critical startup phase.

The operating model and support structure for a Tom And Chee franchise are designed to empower franchisees with the tools and knowledge necessary to replicate the brand's success and maintain its high standards across all locations. A cornerstone of the limited-service restaurant model, and particularly relevant for the Tom And Chee franchise, is its emphasis on standardized operational procedures. This includes detailed guidelines for food preparation, ingredient sourcing, kitchen management, customer service protocols, and facility maintenance, all contributing to a consistent brand experience. Franchisees typically receive comprehensive initial training, covering all aspects of daily operations, management, and marketing, designed to equip them with the expertise to run their business efficiently from day one. This training often extends to hiring practices, employee onboarding, and ongoing staff development to ensure a well-trained and motivated team. Beyond initial training, franchisees can expect ongoing support from the franchisor, which may include field visits from experienced operations consultants, regular communication channels for questions and troubleshooting, and access to updated operational manuals and best practices. Supply chain management is another critical area of support, with franchisors often leveraging their network to negotiate favorable pricing and ensure consistent quality of ingredients, which is especially important for a concept like the Tom And Chee franchise that prides itself on its core offerings. Marketing support, including guidance on local marketing initiatives and access to national brand campaigns, helps franchisees effectively promote their business within their local communities. While specific details for the Tom And Chee franchise are outlined in their FDD, the general framework ensures that franchisees are not only equipped to open their doors but also continuously supported in their efforts to achieve operational excellence and sustained growth.

While specific average revenue per unit, median revenue, or profit margins for a Tom And Chee franchise are not publicly disclosed, the intrinsic characteristics of the limited-service restaurant category and the brand's focused menu contribute to a strong potential for robust financial performance. The limited-service segment is generally known for its high transaction volume and efficient operational models, which are key drivers of profitability. A concept centered around widely beloved, easily prepared items like grilled cheese and tomato soup, as with the Tom And Chee franchise, benefits from broad appeal and repeat customer visits. This broad appeal can lead to consistent sales volumes throughout various dayparts, including lunch and dinner, and potentially catering opportunities. Operational efficiency is a critical factor in maximizing financial returns within this sector; a simplified menu and streamlined kitchen processes can lead to lower labor costs, reduced food waste, and faster service times, all of which directly impact the bottom line. The ability to manage inventory effectively and maintain strong relationships with suppliers for quality ingredients at competitive prices further enhances profit potential. Customer loyalty, cultivated through a consistent, high-quality product and positive dining experience, is invaluable for sustained financial success, driving repeat business and positive word-of-mouth marketing. Furthermore, the adaptability of the Tom And Chee franchise concept to various formats, from traditional brick-and-mortar locations to potentially smaller footprints or non-traditional venues, can influence startup costs and ongoing operational expenses, thereby impacting the overall profitability profile. While specific financial performance data for individual Tom And Chee franchise units would be detailed within the Franchise Disclosure Document, the inherent strengths of its category and menu concept lay a solid foundation for financial viability and growth for diligent franchisees.

The growth trajectory for the Tom And Chee franchise, as indicated by its current footprint of 17 total units, points towards a brand that is steadily establishing its presence within the competitive limited-service restaurant market. This unit count reflects a measured and strategic expansion, focusing on solidifying the operational model and brand consistency before embarking on more aggressive growth phases. The brand’s presence of 17 units signifies a foundational stage, demonstrating proof of concept and market acceptance across multiple locations. This initial growth often allows franchisors to refine their systems, optimize supply chains, and enhance franchisee support mechanisms, preparing for future scaling. A key indicator of system health and franchisee satisfaction is the FPI Score, which for the Tom And Chee franchise stands at 23. While the specific methodology and scale of the FPI score are not detailed, such a metric typically provides insights into various aspects of the franchise system, including franchisee validation, overall satisfaction, and investment attractiveness. A positive FPI score suggests a generally favorable environment for franchisees and a well-regarded system. Competitive advantages for a Tom And Chee franchise stem directly from its unique and focused menu. By specializing in a beloved comfort food, the brand differentiates itself from more generalized fast-casual concepts, cultivating a strong identity and avoiding direct competition with ubiquitous burger or sandwich chains. This specialization allows for higher quality control, streamlined operations, and a memorable customer experience. Furthermore, the inherent versatility of grilled cheese and tomato soup allows for creative menu expansions and seasonal offerings, keeping the menu fresh and engaging without overcomplicating operations. These factors collectively position the Tom And Chee franchise for continued, strategic growth, attracting both new customers and qualified franchisees eager to join a distinctive and well-regarded brand.

The ideal candidate for a Tom And Chee franchise is typically an individual or group possessing a strong entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with a deep understanding of the intricacies of running a successful business, particularly within the fast-paced limited-service restaurant sector. While specific financial liquidity or net worth requirements beyond the initial investment range are not detailed, successful franchisees generally demonstrate sound financial management capabilities and access to sufficient capital to cover both the initial investment and working capital for sustained operations. Beyond financial aptitude, the most suitable Tom And Chee franchise owners often exhibit robust leadership skills, a commitment to upholding brand standards, and a passion for delivering exceptional customer service. Operational experience in the food and beverage industry can be highly beneficial, though comprehensive training programs are designed to equip new franchisees with the necessary knowledge. A willingness to actively engage in local community marketing and building customer relationships is also crucial for driving local market penetration and fostering loyalty for a Tom And Chee franchise. Regarding territory, while specific target markets or demographic profiles for a Tom And Chee franchise are not outlined, successful limited-service restaurant concepts generally thrive in locations with high foot traffic, strong visibility, and convenient access. These can include urban centers, suburban retail developments, lifestyle centers, or even non-traditional venues like airports or universities, depending on the specific model. The ability to identify and secure prime real estate locations that align with the brand’s operational requirements and target customer base is a significant advantage for prospective franchisees, contributing directly to the long-term success of their Tom And Chee franchise unit.

Considering the established brand presence of 17 units, a focused menu with broad appeal, and an FPI Score of 23, the Tom And Chee franchise represents an intriguing investment opportunity for prospective franchisees looking to enter the robust limited-service restaurant market. The initial franchise fee of $25,000, combined with a total investment range of $37,500 to $358,190, provides a clear financial framework for market entry, accommodating various investment capacities and desired operational scales. This structure, designed to support the brand's unique concept of elevated comfort food, leverages operational efficiencies inherent in a specialized menu. The consistent performance of the limited-service restaurant category, coupled with the timeless appeal of grilled cheese and tomato soup, positions the Tom And Chee franchise for sustained customer engagement and growth. Investors seeking a proven concept with a clear identity and a supportive system will find the detailed information within the Franchise Disclosure Document invaluable for making an informed decision. The brand’s headquarters in Troy, Michigan, further anchors its operational oversight and strategic development. The investment in a Tom And Chee franchise offers the chance to join a growing brand with a distinctive market position, appealing to a wide array of consumers seeking quality and comfort. Explore the complete Tom And Chee franchise profile on PeerSense to access the full suite of independent franchise intelligence data.

FPI Score

23/100

SBA Default Rate

31.8%

Active Lenders

13

Key Highlights

Data Insights

Key performance metrics for Tom And Chee based on SBA lending data

SBA Default Rate

31.8%

7 of 22 loans charged off

SBA Loan Volume

22 loans

Across 13 lenders

Lender Diversity

13 lenders

Avg 1.7 loans per lender

Investment Tier

Mid-range investment

$37,500 – $358,190 total

Payment Estimator

Loan Amount$30K
Interest Rate9.5%
Term (Years)10 yr

Estimated Monthly Payment

$388

Principal & Interest only

Locations

Tom And Cheeunit breakdown

Total Units
N/A
Franchisee Owned
System Owned
Closed

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Tom And Chee